Advancing women in leadership roles is not only about fairness, it is about building stronger health systems. In a sector where more than 75% of the patient-care workforce are women, gender-equitable leadership is essential. Diverse leadership teams bring different perspectives, make better decisions, and strengthen organizations overall. But progress does not happen by chance. Supporting women leaders requires intention, structure, and sustained commitment. Creating the conditions for leadership Mentorship and leadership development programmes play an important role in helping women advance in their careers. Access to mentors and professional networks helps emerging leaders navigate challenges, gain confidence, and access new opportunities. Recognizing the importance of these connections, the IHF is launching its Mentoring Circles programme in March 2026, in collaboration with ACHE. Five regional circles, and nearly 50 women leader participants from IHF members across the globe, will work together to foster leadership growth, peer support, and professional development. IHF members are also developing programmes to prepare women for senior roles. For example, at Sheba Medical Center, the SheRocks programme provides training in leadership, innovation, finance, and technology. Participants work on real projects that improve hospital operations and patient care, including sustainability initiatives and digital solutions. The goal is not only to develop leadership skills, but to empower women to drive change within their organizations. Another example is Hospital de Santa Maria Porto, where women play visible leadership roles across the organization, from clinical teams to senior management, reflecting a culture where talent is recognized and supported. The hospital also emphasizes comprehensive care for women’s health across all stages of life, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as balancing professional progression with family responsibilities, a reminder that achieving true gender equity requires both opportunity and supportive structures. Building strong networks and supporting sustainable leadership Professional networks also play a key role in supporting women leaders. They create spaces where women can share experiences, learn from peers, and build supportive communities. Within the IHF network, the Women in Leadership Special Interest Group (SIG), in partnership with Icon Group, brings members together from across regions to exchange ideas and discuss ways to advance gender equity in healthcare leadership. In 2026 the SIG will be focusing on how women leaders can use their influence to improve women’s health outcomes. However, despite the progress being made, challenges remain. Women leaders in healthcare often face systemic bias, limited access to sponsorship, and the challenge of balancing leadership responsibilities with caregiving roles. Organizations can help address these barriers by creating inclusive policies, transparent leadership pathways, and supportive work environments. Just as important is ensuring that women remain connected to strong professional networks that support them throughout their careers. The power of “give to gain” On International Women’s Day 2026, the theme is “give to gain” and, for the global healthcare community, the application of this idea is simple: when leaders support and mentor others, the whole system benefits. By sharing knowledge, building networks, and creating opportunities, leaders help strengthen the next generation. When organizations invest in women leaders, and give the support and investment needed, they gain stronger performance, better engagement, and more resilient health systems. We invite our members to share how your organization is supporting women leaders and advancing equity. Let’s continue learning from one another and building stronger systems together.
