The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) has been recognized as a high scorer in the Global Health 50/50’s report titled ‘Power, Privilege and Priorities’ published on Monday 9th March 2019. The report provides a review of the gender-related policies and practices of 200 organizations active in health, with a special focus on gender equality in the workplace.
APHRC is one of 27 high scorers, and one of only two research and surveillance institutions recognized in the report as a high scorer. The report provides an in-depth look at the extent to which global organizations active in health take action to promote gender equality within the workplace across four dimensions: commitment, evidence-informed policy content, equitable outcomes in power and pay, and gender-responsive programming. Through its flagship report and the Gender and Health Index, it provides the single-most comprehensive analysis of gender equality and diversity in the global health system today by monitoring the policies and practices of over global organizations active in global health and health policy.
Speaking on the recognition of the institution, Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, Executive Director, APHRC reiterated that “the Center has an underlying capacity strengthening ethos in everything we do – and this includes the capacity to challenge unequal power dynamics.”
Findings from the report show that whilst low and middle-income countries are home to 83% of the global population, only 17% of global health leaders are nationals of these countries. Even more notable is that only 5% of leaders are women from these low and middle-income countries. As the continent’s premier research institution and think tank, APHRC has continually showcased its commitment to generating an Africa-led and Africa-owned body of evidence to drive policy action for an effective and sustainable response to the most critical challenges facing the continent.
The report forecasts that it could take more than 50 years to see gender parity at the senior levels of these organizations, and demonstrates that the current global health system is failing to embrace gender diversity and respond to gender inequalities. It consequently calls for gender-responsive health programming as a critical enabler of the right to health—and indeed all human rights—of all people and as a pathway to delivering across the SDGs.
“The GH50/50 report highlights the power asymmetries that persist in global health leadership, priority setting and research, but also progress being made to address them. We live in an unequal world, where gender inequities play out in real life, sometimes with devastating consequences. We have a duty to address inequities in our own institutions and play our part, however small, in making the world a more equal place” Dr. Kyobutungi said.
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About APHRC
The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is the continent’s premier research institution and think tank, exploring questions of population health and wellbeing. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a regional office in Dakar, Senegal, the Center seeks to drive positive change with evidence led by a growing cadre of research leaders from across sub-Saharan Africa.
Media inquiries:
Siki Kigongo – Communications Manager, Policy Engagement and Communications, APHRC
Email – skigongo@aphrc.org