PMAC 2024

Side Meetings

SMB117

Advancing the Representation and Rights of Health and Care Workers in Global Health Governance to Strengthen Women’s Economic Security

23
Jan

  • 14:00 - 17:30 HRS. (BKK)

  • Venue : Lotus Suite 5

  • Contact Person : Diana Frymus, dfrymus@usaid.gov

Organizers
  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Advancing the representation and rights of health and care workers is pivotal in enhancing global health governance. This critical aspect gains significance as the burden of global health and care work disproportionately falls on women, who make up over 70% of this essential workforce. Not only is this crucial for the improvement of global health, but it also plays a fundamental role in bolstering women’s economic security. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the urgency for fair remuneration, the establishment of safe and supportive working environments, and the reduction of gender-based violence, stigma, and harassment within the health and care sector. These components are not only imperative for addressing the crisis of moral injury among health workers but also for ensuring sustainable and resilient health systems globally.

This session will examine recommendations for how to strengthen inclusive engagement and elevate the voice of health and care workers, including the role of health worker organizations and effective advocacy, and cross-sectoral interventions needed to improve decent work and gender equity. 

This side meeting will be divided into two insightful panel discussions. This first segment will provide policy and governance perspectives. Representatives from CARE International, UNI Global Union, and Women in Global Health will share their expertise and organizational perspectives to shed light on the strategic initiatives, challenges, and opportunities in advocating for workforce protections, enabling work environments and fair remuneration for women within the health and care sectors on a global scale. 

The second segment will spotlight the invaluable voices and experiences of frontline healthcare  workers. These firsthand perspectives will offer insights into the challenges and needs of health and care workers operating on the front lines of global health crises.