Overcoming gender gaps in health leadership

International data show a concerning increase in regressive attitudes towards women leaders, especially among young men. This has grave implications for health globally at a time of economic, social, and climate crises and recent political upheavals threatening human rights. Tackling these complex challenges requires trust in both institutions and leaders, irrespective of gender, not least because public faith in government, media, and parts of the corporate sector is declining in many countries.1 In particular, loss of trust in women as leaders must be overcome to improve health.

The Reykjavik index on leadership, an annual survey of 18-65 year olds across 10 countries and 23 economic sectors, reports a notable decline in equality in terms of how the public views women and men and their suitability for leadership. A score of 100 means respondents trust men and women’s leadership equally.

Across the G7 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, and US), the index score for 2024 is 68, the lowest in seven years.2 In the US, only 47% of those surveyed said they were very comfortable with a woman being a head of government, and across the G7 just half were comfortable with a woman …