“For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, celebrated each year on 8 March, resonates deeply with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) commitment to promote gender equality in the health sector across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Women are the backbone of the health and social services workforce, comprising approximately 70% of health sector employees globally. Despite this strong representation and the significant contributions they make to service delivery, leadership and policy development, a report on women’s employment in health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region reveals that women typically earn 28% less than their male counterparts and are less likely to hold full-time positions.

As the global community comes together to celebrate the achievements of women, WHO is advocating for strategies to dismantle systemic barriers to gender equality. We cannot ignore the challenges women continue to face, including pay disparities and barriers to full-time employment. Investing in transformative policies is essential to foster an equitable and resilient health workforce.