The Lancet: A new vision for global health leadership
Michele Barry, director of Stanford University’s Center for Innovation in Global Health, and colleagues

“…The attendees [of the inaugural 2017 Women Leaders in Global Health Conference (WLGH) at Stanford University] reflected on current gaps and barriers to the advancement of women in global health and the steps needed to achieve gender equity in leadership. A number of key themes emerged. First, the need to diversify leadership is not only an aspiration for inclusivity but is also supported by evidence for better outcomes. … Second, the barriers that impede gender parity in leadership are often deeply embedded in cultural norms, historical events, and stereotyping. … Third, creating capacity for gender parity in leadership will require engaging all genders and generations. … Fourth, transformation of institutions is crucial to ensure that structural barriers do not block women from leadership positions. … This movement is … about collectively embracing a new vision for leadership across many axes, not just gender. Continued efforts should be intergenerational and inclusive of all disciplines. Women need to be courageous and assertive, embracing opportunities when they arise. Men and women should work together to integrate family and career, so that responsibilities in both realms are mutually embraced. We all need to listen more, understand unconscious bias, and call it out when it is seen. Those who have a seat at the table should use these opportunities to diversify and expand the circle of influence…”(11/30).