March marks Women's History Month, an opportunity to honor and recognize the immense contributions women have made across all sectors, including healthcare. From doctors and nurses to administrators and support staff, women have been at the heart of the healthcare system, shaping its past and driving innovation today. As we celebrate their achievements, it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made and still need to make to ensure gender equity in the healthcare industry. We’ll look back on some of the remarkable contributions women have made in healthcare but also provide helpful steps for employers and organizations to advance gender equity in the hiring process, ensuring women’s continued growth and success in the industry.

The Historical Contributions of Women in Healthcare

The contributions of women in healthcare have been nothing short of transformative. From pioneering research to shaping healthcare policies, women have consistently broken barriers and improved the quality of care worldwide. Here are just a few standout women whose legacies continue to inspire and influence the field of healthcare:

1. Clara Barton - A Civil War nurse, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881, providing critical care during times of war and disaster, and establishing standards for emergency medical care. Her tireless work remains a symbol of compassion and resilience in healthcare.
2. Virginia Apgar - Known for creating the Apgar Score, a quick and easy way to assess the health of newborns, Dr. Apgar revolutionized neonatal care and saved countless lives in the process. Her work continues to be a vital part of obstetrics today.
3. Helen Brooke Taussig - As the founder of the field of pediatric cardiology, Taussig developed techniques that have saved millions of children with congenital heart defects, and her work paved the way for further innovations in heart medicine.

These women and countless others, have not only improved patient care but also paved the way for other women in healthcare to be seen as capable leaders.

The Current State of Gender Equity in Healthcare

Despite the remarkable progress women have made in healthcare, gender equity remains an ongoing issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women account for nearly 70% of the global healthcare workforce, yet only represent 25% of all senior roles. In Canada, studies have shown that women health managers earn 12% less than men at the middle-management level and 20% less at the senior-management level, even after adjusting for factors like age and education.

This gap points to systemic issues that prevent women from advancing to top positions leading to their underrepresentation. 

Challenges contributing to this gender inequity could include unconscious bias, lack of mentorship opportunities, and unequal access to career development resources. This makes it critical for organizations to intentionally address these barriers, not only for fairness but also for the success and sustainability of their healthcare teams.

Actionable Steps for Advancing Gender Equity in Hiring

Gender equity in healthcare is a goal we all must work towards, whether you're an employer, recruiter, or employee. Here are some strategies to foster gender equity within healthcare organizations:

1. Implement Unconscious Bias Training: One of the most effective ways to address gender disparities is by tackling unconscious bias. Many hiring decisions are influenced by subtle biases that affect both men and women, often limiting women’s career progression. Providing training that helps managers and recruiters recognize and mitigate these biases ensures that hiring and promotion decisions are based on skills and qualifications rather than stereotypes.
2. Promote Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: In many cases, women in healthcare struggle to find mentors who can guide them through their careers. Establishing mentorship programs that pair women with senior leaders, or even other women who have advanced in their careers, creates a space for guidance, encouragement, and professional growth. Sponsorship, where influential leaders advocate for women to take on bigger roles, can be just as important as mentorship.
3. Create Family-Friendly Policies: Many women in healthcare juggle demanding careers with family responsibilities. Organizations can help support women by offering flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and childcare support. These policies are not only beneficial for women but also help attract and retain top talent in the healthcare industry.
4. Encourage Leadership Development: Investing in leadership development programs specifically aimed at women can help bridge the gap in representation in leadership roles. These programs should provide women with the skills and tools necessary to step into top positions and ensure they have the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities.
5. Foster an Inclusive Organizational Culture: Diversity and inclusion go hand in hand with gender equity. Organizations should create a culture that encourages diverse voices, values different perspectives, and actively works to dismantle systemic barriers to inclusion. This includes promoting equal representation in all levels of decision-making and leadership roles.

By taking these deliberate steps employers can create environments where women thrive in leadership positions and continue to drive positive change in healthcare. 

The Role of ProfiHitch in Advancing Gender Equity

ProfiHitch is committed to helping healthcare organizations build strong, diverse teams by connecting employers with candidates who align with their values and skill requirements and only reveal personal information once both parties have matched. By focusing on confidential  skill-based matching, ProfiHitch helps eliminate the biases that often affect hiring decisions, ensuring that women, as well as candidates from diverse backgrounds, have an equal opportunity to thrive in the healthcare field.

Through a platform that prioritizes privacy, values alignment, and long-term career satisfaction, ProfiHitch strives to foster inclusive, equitable workplaces where women can rise to leadership positions and continue making significant contributions to the healthcare industry.

At ProfiHitch, we’re proud to support women in healthcare and to help organizations build diverse, skill-based teams that foster long-term success and fulfillment.