On this International Women’s Day, UNITE highlights the pivotal role women play in shaping global health policies and advocating for gender equality. As parliamentarians, leaders, and advocates, our members Hon. Sahar Albazar from Egypt, Hon. Petra Bayr from Austria, and our partner Ángela León Cáceres are leading the charge toward a more inclusive and equitable world.
Hon. Sahar Albazar, a member of UNITE from Egypt, opens our reflection by emphasizing that women’s health rights are not merely women’s issues but fundamental human rights that form the cornerstone of thriving societies. “Policymakers play a critical role to ensure access to quality healthcare policies that protect and empower women,” says Hon. Albazar. She stresses the broader impact of investing in women, stating, “When we invest in women, we invest in stronger societies, stronger economies, and a just world.” Hon. Albazar’s message calls us to take action:
Push for policies that prioritize women’s well-being and ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to live a healthy and empowered life. Because when women thrive, we all thrive.
– Hon. Sahar Albazar, UNITE member from Egypt
Hon. Petra Bayr, a member of UNITE from Austria, further reinforces the idea that women’s voices must be central to all areas of policymaking, including finance, taxation, foreign affairs, defense, security, and health. As Hon. Bayr powerfully states:
There is no good reason why these areas of policy should be left to men. If you are not at the table, then you are probably on the menu.
– Hon. Petra Bayr, UNITE member from Austria
Hon. Bayr’s words remind us of the critical importance of women’s leadership in creating policies that shape society for the better, particularly in global health.
Meanwhile, Ángela León Cáceres, the Global Coordinator of Women for Global Fund, stresses the indispensable role of parliamentarians in driving gender-transformative health responses.
Parliamentarians are vital to building and sustaining the political will to invest in gender-transformative HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and global health responses.
– Ángela León Cáceres, Global Coordinator of Women4GlobalFund
Ángela advocates for the translation of gender equality commitments into real, actionable policies that directly benefit women and their communities.
The fight for gender equality in health is a collective mission. “Ending gender inequalities is our collective responsibility and mission” Ángela reminds us. “Together, we must eliminate all forms of gender-based violence, stigma, and discrimination in healthcare for all women, in all their diversity“.
This International Women’s Day, UNITE reaffirms our commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women to take their rightful place at the table in shaping global health policies. The voices of women like Hon. Sahar Albazar, Hon. Petra Bayr, and Ángela León Cáceres inspire us all to act and advocate for a more equitable and just world.
