Exploring Shared Experiences: Sexual Misconduct in the Aid and Health Sector

In this podcast episode, Dr. Roopa Dhatt, the Co- Founder and Executive Director of Women in Global Health, addresses the factors perpetuating sexual misconduct in a landscape where women constitute 70% of the health workforce but remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Dr. Dhatt illuminates the collaborative efforts between Women in Global Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to confront sexual misconduct in the aid sector and advance women's leadership in global health. She underscores the pivotal role of civil society organizations, particularly women's groups, in advocacy, awareness-building, and supporting survivors of sexual misconduct committed by Aid Workers. Drawing on insights from HealthToo Policy report, Dr. Dhatt explores the underlying causes of sexual misconduct, including unequal power dynamics and entrenched patriarchal norms. She advocates for comprehensive data collection, robust legal frameworks, and gender parity in leadership as crucial measures for prevention and response to sexual misconduct . Through personal anecdotes, Dr. Dhatt offers valuable advice for women, especially those of color, navigating leadership roles in healthcare and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the significance of collective action, resilience, and persistence.