Women in leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare

Abstract

In the 21st Century women represent 70 percent of the healthcare workforce, yet globally leadership roles particularly at the more senior level continues to be highly skewed towards men. This continuous underrepresentation of women in leadership roles in the healthcare sector is a global norm that needs to change. Women in innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare are also experiencing gender bias. Healthcare organizations are not adequately addressing the disparity of gender equality in leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. To transform healthcare, innovation and entrepreneurship needs to start with patient needs at the forefront. This can be best achieved when there is supportive leadership and equal opportunities for all qualified healthcare professionals to hold leadership roles and engage in the innovation process utilizing competencies and experiences and addressing fundamental gaps and defficiencies in healthcare delivery.