In a compelling address, Vice President Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango of the United Republic of Tanzania has highlighted the urgent global health challenges confronting humanity.
Addressing delegates at the Women in Health Global Conference 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Mpango underscored the multifaceted nature of these challenges, ranging from insecurity crises and persistent diseases to health pandemic risks, food insecurity, malnutrition, economic headwinds and rapid technological advancements.
Mpango’s remarks resonated with the audience as he articulated the imperative for dynamic and inclusive leadership, alongside robust partnerships and collaboration, to effectively tackle these pressing global issues. He commended the conference organisers for choosing the theme of “reimagining leadership,” recognising the pivotal role of women’s leadership in driving innovative solutions to current global challenges.
Highlighting the glaring gender disparities in leadership positions, Mpango lamented that only 12.5 per cent of senior staff and a mere five per cent of top leadership positions worldwide were held by women. He identified various obstacles hindering women from ascending to senior leadership roles, including unequal distribution of responsibilities, lack of role models and mentors, and pervasive male-dominated customs and workplace harassment.
Moreover, Mpango underscored the disproportionate impact of global health challenges on low and middle-income countries, particularly affecting women who serve as primary caregivers for families. Despite advancements in increasing the representation of women in administrative roles, he acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly in addressing climate change and environmental degradation. He further emphasised the critical need to empower women leaders to effectively confront such challenges.
In a call to action, Mpango urged women worldwide to continue their invaluable contributions to the global health community, while encouraging Tanzanian women to establish mentorship forums to nurture young women in leadership roles. He reiterated the Tanzanian government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with women-led health programs to advance women’s leadership in the health sector.
With resounding applause, Mpango officially inaugurated the Women in Health Global Conference 2024, heralding a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s leadership in global health. The conference serves as a catalyst for renewed efforts to address pressing global health challenges and foster gender equity in leadership, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable future for all.
