Women championing investments in healthcare

The gender imbalance in the health sector remains a pressing issue, with only 25% of women in leadership positions despite making up 75% of the healthcare workforce. CNBC Africa hosted a panel discussion on the critical role women can play in driving investments in the healthcare industry. Susannah Schaefer, President & CEO of Smile Train Africa, and Nkeiruka Obi, Vice President & Africa Regional Director, STA, shed light on the pivotal impact of gender equity on health equity. Gender equity is at the heart of health equity, as highlighted by the disparity in leadership positions within the healthcare industry. Susannah Schaefer emphasized the importance of empowering women in healthcare, citing her personal journey as the President and CEO of Smile Train, a global non-profit organization dedicated to providing cleft treatment and care. Schaefer stressed the transformative power of empathy and care that women bring to the table, driving impactful changes in the healthcare landscape. She acknowledged the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities but reiterated the unwavering dedication of female executives to make a difference. Nkeiruka Obi echoed Schaefer's sentiments, underscoring the significance of women's roles in healthcare and the broader community. Obi emphasized the need to address stigmas and empower women facing challenges, particularly in culturally centered African societies. She emphasized the multi-faceted abilities of women in driving societal progress and called for collective efforts to champion gender equality. The conversation delved into the progress made in promoting gender diversity and inclusion, with a call for greater representation of women in leadership positions globally. Schaefer highlighted the need for more voices, diverse perspectives, and international collaboration to drive meaningful change in the healthcare landscape. Obi stressed the importance of empowering women at all levels, from executive positions to grassroots initiatives, to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. As the discussion turned to the critical role of investments in supporting healthcare initiatives, Schaefer discussed the funding challenges faced by organizations like Smile Train in addressing cleft treatment needs. She emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships to bridge funding gaps and enhance healthcare delivery at a global scale. Obi highlighted the infrastructural and workforce challenges in Africa and stressed the necessity of partnerships to drive sustainable healthcare solutions. In closing, Schaefer and Obi highlighted the opportunities for women in the healthcare space, particularly in specialized fields like cleft surgical care. They emphasized the need for education, training, and mentorship programs to empower women and build a sustainable system of care. The call to action resonated with the vital role women play in advancing healthcare equity and driving transformative change in the African healthcare landscape.