Accelerating gender equity in leadership on International Women’s Day 2025
Despite representing 70% of the 43 million healthcare employees worldwide, women are still under-represented in senior leadership roles across the global health sector.
The IHF stands together to mark International Women’s Day 2025, celebrating female leaders’ achievements, raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to forge gender parity.
The IHF Women in Leadership SIG is celebrating the achievements of female leaders by sharing a selection of personal stories from across the IHF membership.
IHF President, CEO Latifa Women and Children Hospital; Chief Medical Officer, Dubai Academic Health Corporation
Dr Muna Tahlak
Describe your journey: Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist to Chair of Department to Hospital CEO to IHF President
Time in leadership: 10+ years
What obstacles have you faced and overcome in your career related to equality and inclusion?
Work-life balance challenges: when I moved back home it took a lot of adjustment as the expectations from the extended family were high. I overcame that by setting expectations and boundaries, delegating to others and building a strong team.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Be more goal-oriented. Be assertive and show confidence, and do not hesitate in accepting the challenges.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
Training as a specialist in one of the best academic health systems in the world (Johns Hopkins Hospital). Developing the advanced gynaecology services including the centre of excellence in minimally invasive surgery in the hospital. Becoming the first Arab woman president of IHF.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female healthcare leaders, what would it be?
Set goals and plan towards reaching those goals. Keep in mind the bigger picture always. Don’t hesitate in accepting challenges.
Operational Manager, National Accreditation Organization (ONA), Brazil
Gilvane Lolato
Describe your journey: Specialist in quality and safety in healthcare to Professor to regional then national leadership roles
Time in leadership: 15 years
What obstacles have you faced and overcome in your career related to equality and inclusion?
The most challenging moments in my career regarding diversity and inclusion have been negotiations around pregnancy - how to handle maternity leave, ensuring that the team remained efficient while maintaining an effective approach to workload distribution. This required balancing organizational needs with a commitment to equity and respect for individual circumstances.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Develop strong adaptability and proactive planning skills, especially when dealing with diversity and inclusion challenges. Anticipate these situations early, ensuring good workload distribution and inclusive policies that support both the team and the individuals involved. Emphasize the importance of balancing organizational needs with fairness and respect for personal circumstances, leading to a healthier and more engaged work environment.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
Successfully managing difficult situations, delicate moments, complex meetings, and the ability to solve deep problems with ease. Balancing organizational and personal needs with fairness has strengthened my leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, reinforcing my commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It has also highlighted the importance of proactive planning and empathetic management, shaping my approach to leadership.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female healthcare leaders, what would it be?
Embrace challenges with confidence and lead with both strength and empathy. The healthcare industry demands resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to inclusivity. Trust your voice, advocate for equity, and foster a supportive environment where diverse perspectives thrive. Strategic thinking and proactive planning will help you navigate complex situations, but authentic leadership – balancing professional excellence with compassion – will set you apart. Believe in your potential, lift others as you rise, and never hesitate to break barriers to create a more inclusive and impactful healthcare system.
Executive Director, The Equity Collaborative, Carol Emmott Foundation
Gayle Capozzalo
Describe your journey: Strategy and business development to mentoring and sponsoring for greater diversity in healthcare leadership
Time in leadership: 40+ years
What obstacles have you faced and overcome in your career related to equality and inclusion?
Unconscious bias among my male colleagues regarding what I said, my influence, and my knowledge. Open bias toward my abilities as often the only woman around the table. I often reduced my voice and my tenacity and got men to speak for me to be effective.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Be bolder, be confident of my abilities, and filter new jobs with culture criteria as a priority.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
The mentoring and sponsoring of hundreds of women healthcare leaders in my career and the building of a large AMC system.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female healthcare leaders, what would it be?
Believe in yourself and your instincts.
Executive Director of Healthcare Leadership Academy, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties
Dr Dina Alismail
Describe your journey: Training and development specialist in hospitals and universities to national director of healthcare leadership
Time in leadership: 23 years
What obstacles have you faced and overcome in your career related to equality and inclusion?
Imposter syndrome has been a significant obstacle, often making me question my accomplishments and whether I truly belong in leadership roles. With the help of mentors, coaches and self belief I managed to overcome it. Limited representation in decision-making – women are underrepresented in executive teams and boardrooms, limiting their influence in policy, strategy decisions, and sponsorship of other women. Work-life balance struggles – being a single mother of two made the balance of work and personal life a major challenge throughout my career.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Believe in your abilities and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Confidence grows with experience, so step outside your comfort zone and embrace challenges. Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, and peers who support your growth. Advocate for yourself. Stay adaptable and continuously invest in learning and development.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
Supporting the development of women in healthcare, as I worked on developing training programmes, coaching sessions, and published research to raise awareness about the challenges that women face. Also, for the past five years, I trained and coached more than 1000 ladies in healthcare.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female healthcare leaders, what would it be?
Believe in yourself.
President and CEO, American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Past-President IHF
Deborah Bowen
Describe your journey: Social work and counselling, policy analysis, from government and state to a national organization for healthcare leaders
Time in leadership: 30+ years
What obstacles have you faced and overcome in your career related to equality and inclusion?
I was always interested in influencing others for the better. Early on I struggled with finding my voice. Women were not as prominent as leaders early. I was often stereotyped in roles that I did not think utilized my full talent. I struggled with the notion that maybe I wasn't good enough. Because I worked harder than most, I advanced my career through many nerve-racking moments. Eventually I built confidence and courage. I never intended to be a CEO but once I found my voice and strength I found new opportunities arose.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
To be intentional in your purpose and career (don't let others define it for you). Be self aware and commit to your own development. Invest in others – always. Believe in yourself.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
I have been fortunate to meet and help other leaders. As a leader of 50,000 strong membership group I am most proud when I can inspire or support someone in some way. While I have been fortunate to achieve many things, there is no greater joy than helping others.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female healthcare leaders, what would it be?
Be a sponge... Listen and learn. Build a network for yourself – professionally and personally. Be open to feedback as feedback is a gift. Be open minded in your thinking as more creativity will be needed in healthcare.
Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, South Africa, IHF YEL Alumni 2024
Mantwa Chisale Mabotja
Describe your journey: Medical doctor, public health and health leadership specialist, hospital medical manager and emerging leader awardee
Time in leadership: 5 years
What obstacles have you faced and overcome in your career related to equality and inclusion?
As a young, female, black African leader in an academic hospital setting, dominated by male leaders and senior clinicians, one has to always be assertive, calm and firm and keep in mind that oftentimes I will have to work ten times harder than my male-counterparts for my leadership capabilities to not be undermined.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Trust the process and embrace the uncertainty. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to have everything perfect, but growth happens in stages. Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them – they’re just as important as successes. Seek out diverse perspectives, ask more questions, and don’t be afraid to advocate for what you believe in. Building networks and staying true to your values will always pay off in the long run. Progress takes time, so enjoy the journey rather than rushing to the destination.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
Being recognized and awarded an emerging leader prize at the South African Health Excellence Award gave me an affirmation that indeed I am on the right career path. Having my hard work as a leader being recognized not only builds my confidence but also that of those young women who look up to me.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female healthcare leaders, what would it be?
Embrace your unique perspective and voice. As a female leader in healthcare, your experiences bring valuable insights that can drive innovation and improve patient care. Be confident in advocating for change, and don’t shy away from challenging the status quo. Build a supportive network, seek mentorship, and continue learning. Leadership is not just about titles, but about making a meaningful impact, so always prioritize collaboration, empathy, and equity in your decisions. Your contributions will help shape a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.
Director of Professional Development, IHF
Linda Clark
Describe your journey: MBA/MHA, Asst Admin, VP, CEO, SVP, COO, EVP and then CEO in healthcare operations, now teaching and consulting
Time in leadership: 44 years
What obstacles have you faced and overcome in your career related to equality and inclusion?
I was told at my first hospital job I would never be successful as a hospital administrator because neither my father nor my husband were doctors. I went back 8 years later and thanked him for the challenge as I was promoted to SVP. However I also benefitted several times because I was a woman at the right place and the right time.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Stay true to yourself. Look for role models and learn. Surround yourself with good people and work with people better than you, so you can learn and grow.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
Many stories throughout my career where I saw my team members grow, achieve and accomplish things they did not think they could do! Of course the most significant and close to our hearts is navigating successfully through the pandemic.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female healthcare leaders, what would it be?
Be appreciative. Many before us had a difficult fight. Our lives are better for their efforts. Contribute to the profession. Bring along those who could benefit from your sponsorship. Never stop learning. There are always new opportunities. Network. Make contacts. Keep relationships.
CEO, M P Shah Hospital, Kenya
Toseef Din
Describe your journey: Finance leader turned healthcare CEO, driving sustainability, innovation, gender equality, and healthcare transformation
Time in leadership: 15 years
What obstacles have you faced and overcome in your career related to equality and inclusion?
As a woman in executive leadership, I’ve faced biases questioning my capability in a male-dominated industry. I overcame these by demonstrating strategic excellence, fostering inclusive leadership, and mentoring women in healthcare. Balancing career growth with personal commitments was another challenge, but I championed workplace policies that support wellbeing and gender equity. I’ve also tackled resistance to sustainability and mental health advocacy, proving their business and societal value. Through resilience and action, I’ve broken barriers, ensuring diverse voices are heard and empowered in decision-making, paving the way for more inclusive leadership in healthcare.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Believe in your abilities and trust your instincts. Speak up, even when it's uncomfortable, and don’t shrink yourself to fit expectations. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and never compromise on your values. Build a strong support network, mentor others, and advocate for yourself as much as you do for others. Balance is key – prioritize your well-being without guilt. Lastly, leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact – stay true to your purpose, and success will follow.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of driving sustainability, mental health, and wellbeing as core pillars of healthcare leadership. At M P Shah Hospital, I championed green initiatives, embedding sustainability into daily operations and long-term strategy. I also led transformative mental health programmes, prioritizing staff wellbeing and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Beyond the hospital, my advocacy has influenced policy discussions, professional forums, and mentorship programmes. Being appointed by the President of Kenya to the national disaster task force which affirms my commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact in healthcare, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of female healthcare leaders, what would it be?
Invest in yourself and never stop learning. Healthcare leadership is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires continuous growth – professionally and personally. Build your expertise, seek mentors, and embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity. Prioritize your wellbeing, because a strong leader leads by example. Speak up with confidence, advocate for inclusivity, and create space for others to rise. Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about resilience, vision, and impact. Stay true to your values, trust your abilities, and remember – you belong at the table. Keep pushing boundaries, because the future of healthcare needs bold, empowered women like you.
