#InvestInWomen #AccelerateProgress #InspireInclusion #WHEGenderMainstream

The World Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) Gender Working Group stands firmly behind the 2024 International Women's Day theme of #InvestInWomen and its call for #InspireInclusion. We recognize the critical role women play in building resilient communities and ensuring global health security, but we also acknowledge that women and girls are often disproportionately affected by health emergencies. Gender roles and unequal gender relations interact with other social and economic factors, making women and girls more vulnerable to health emergencies and less likely to access essential information, care, and services during these crises

Launched in 2022, the WHE Gender Mainstreaming Strategy is our roadmap to addressing these inequalities. It's not just a document, but a commitment and manifesto for action. It outlines three key areas of focus:

• Embedding Equality: We integrate gender considerations throughout our work, from policies to operations, ensuring inclusivity and addressing human rights needs.

• Gender-Balanced Leadership: We dismantle barriers and actively increase women's representation in our organization, ensuring diverse voices shape our response.

• Accountability and Support: We track progress through strong indicators and amplify our impact through partnerships and advocacy.

Investing in women in health emergencies is not only the right thing to do, it's essential for effective response. From community health workers to researchers, women are often the unsung heroes. We empower them to lead, innovate, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Join us this International Women's Day in #InvestingInWomen and #AcceleratingProgress. Let's create a world where every woman can contribute and thrive, making health emergencies truly inclusive for all. #InspireInclusion is a call to action. Let's invest in women and inspire inclusion in health emergencies, building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Let's make this International Women's Day a turning point. Let's #InspireInclusion and #InvestInWomen, together.

Dr. Stella Chungong, Chair, WHE Gender Working Group