Celeberating Internation Women's Day in Healthcare

​Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025: A Tribute to Healthcare Workers and Their Vital Role in Healthcare

International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual occasion celebrated globally on March 8th, dedicated to honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. As we look toward 2025, this year’s theme of IWD focuses on accelerating equality and empowerment, and it also serves as a moment to recognise the essential contributions of women across various sectors. Accelerate Action is a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women's advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation. One such sector that deserves special acknowledgment is healthcare — a field where women make up a large proportion of the workforce and are integral to the well-being of communities worldwide.

The Heartbeat of Healthcare: Women in the Healthcare Workforce

Healthcare workers are the backbone of the global healthcare system. From doctors and nurses to support staff and administrators, the healthcare workforce plays a critical role in saving lives, improving health outcomes, and ensuring that communities stay healthy. Globally, women make up a significant majority of this workforce, with estimates indicating that around 70-80% of healthcare workers worldwide are women.

International Women’s Day 2025 presents an opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions women make in healthcare, both in direct patient care and behind the scenes. Whether in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or public health agencies, women healthcare workers are on the frontlines, offering not just medical expertise but also emotional support, empathy, and compassion during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Breaking Barriers: Empowerment and Leadership in Healthcare

While women in healthcare have been essential to the functioning of the industry for decades, their work has often been undervalued and overlooked. While many women in healthcare face challenges related to gender, we are witnessing a significant shift toward greater recognition, leadership opportunities, and empowerment for women in this field.

In recent years, more women have been taking on leadership roles in healthcare, from hospital administrators to public health directors and policy influencers. These women are reshaping the future of healthcare, driving innovation, and influencing policies that impact patient care, workforce development, and overall health systems.

Moreover, with the ongoing global health challenges — from pandemics to aging populations — the demand for skilled healthcare workers has never been higher. This has created opportunities for women to break through barriers and step into roles traditionally held by men, allowing them to lead healthcare reform, advocate for better working conditions, and push for a more equitable healthcare system.

The Unseen Workforce: Acknowledging Women’s Contributions

Healthcare work is demanding, often requiring long hours and emotional resilience, especially in situations where life-and-death decisions are made daily. Women in healthcare are not only caregivers but also problem-solvers, leaders, and educators who ensure that patients receive the best care possible. Yet, despite their tireless contributions, healthcare workers, particularly women, have often faced challenges such as inadequate pay, limited career advancement opportunities, and workplace gender biases.

On International Women’s Day, it is essential to not only recognise the incredible work that women in healthcare do but also to acknowledge the broader systemic issues that impact their careers. Advocacy for better wages, better working conditions, mental health support, flexible working and access to career development is necessary for ensuring that healthcare workers can thrive in their roles.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital role of healthcare workers, with many working under high-pressure and dangerous conditions. As the healthcare system continues to face the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, it’s crucial that we continue to recognise and value the resilience, expertise, and dedication of the women who make up a significant portion of the healthcare workforce.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for Women in Healthcare?

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the future of healthcare presents many opportunities for women to lead and innovate. From new medical technologies to public health initiatives, women in healthcare are at the forefront of addressing the global health challenges of the 21st century. But for women to continue driving meaningful change, there must be a concerted effort to create inclusive workplaces, promote equal opportunities, and support women in their professional growth.

International Women’s Day 2025 is a call to action — to ensure that all women in healthcare are supported, recognized, and provided with the resources necessary to succeed in their careers. As the global healthcare system faces growing challenges, it’s more important than ever that we invest in the healthcare workforce and empower women to take on leadership roles that shape the future of healthcare delivery.