Global Health 50/50: a new gender equality initiative

The Centre for Gender and Global Health at University College London launches Global Health 50/50, a new independent initiative that seeks to advance action and accountability for gender-equality in global health. The initiative is co-lead by the center's director Professor Sarah Hawkes and Dr Kent Buse, Chief of Strategy Directions at UNAIDS.

The goal is to shift Global Health Institutions’ organizational culture, policy and practice towards gender equality. The inaugural Global Health 50/50 report, to be launched on International Women’s Day 2018 (March 8), will examine the gender policies and practices of approximately 150 organizations that support global health efforts.

Some time ago the Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr Adhanom Tedros announced his senior leadership team at the WHO. Not only do leaders represent 14 countries, including all WHO regions, but also the majority of the appointments are women.

In announcing his team, Dr Tedros said he was “reflecting my deep-held belief that we need top talent, gender equity and a geographically diverse set of perspectives to fulfill our mission to keep the world safe.”