Symptoms of a broken system: the gender gaps in COVID-19 decision-making
Kim Robin van Daalen, Csongor Bajnoczki, Maisoon Chowdhury, Sara Dada, Parnian Khorsand, Anna Socha, Arush Lal, Laura Jung, Lujain Alqodmani, Irene Torres, Samiratou Ouédraogo, Amina Jama Mahmud, Roopa Dhatt, Alexandra Phelan, Dheepa Rajan
Abstract
A growing chorus of voices are questioning the glaring lack of women in COVID-19 decision-making bodies. Men dominating leadership positions in global health has long been the default mode of governing. This is a symptom of a broken system where governance is not inclusive of any type of diversity, be it gender, geography, sexual orientation, race, socio-economic status or disciplines within and beyond health – excluding those who offer unique perspectives, expertise and lived realities. This not only reinforces inequitable power structures but undermines an effective COVID-19 response – ultimately costing lives.