AMA welcomes plan to advance gender equity in health and medical sciences
The Australian Medical Association has welcomed the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences’ Decadal Plan on Women in the Health and Medical Sciences as a clear, evidence-based path to advancing gender equity in health and medical sciences.
The plan, developed by the academy with partner organisations, aims to address the underrepresentation of women in senior positions through a strategy focused on systemic and cultural changes in funding, leadership, and accountability.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said women make up most of the health workforce but remain underrepresented in senior roles.
“The academy’s plan identifies the key issues that must be addressed to tackle gender inequity in health and medical sciences, including fragmented policies, inequitable funding, insecure employment, career interruptions, and non‑inclusive cultures,” Dr McMullen said.
“All of these issues hinder the progression of women to leadership roles. As the plan outlines, they need to be tackled through integrated policy making, equitable funding, workforce development and organisational change.”
Dr McMullen said evidence shows that equity in leadership improves patient care, strengthens innovation and increases productivity.
“The Australian Medical Association strongly supports the academy’s plan, which provides a practical blueprint to remove barriers and ensure women can lead across health and medical sciences,” she said.
“Increasing gender equity in leadership strengthens our profession. We know that patients and communities benefit when equity is embedded in funding and workplaces and in leadership.”
Dr McMullen said the strategies detailed in the plan mirror the AMA’s strategies to advance women in leadership, including: the implementation of transparent selection and representation targets; mentoring and sponsorship; flexible participation for carers and regional members; and leadership accountability tied to measurable equity outcomes.
