The Impact of an All-Female Healthcare Environment on Mentorship and Empowerment of Female Healthcare Professionals in LMICs

Abstract

Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need for additional healthcare providers, and women outside the workforce could help address the need. Women in healthcare need more mentorship and leadership training to advance their careers. This study evaluates how women working together on a medical team impacts mentorship, leadership and empowerment. Methods: An all-female volunteer team participating in a cleft surgery mission in Oujda, Morocco were surveyed before and after the mission. Responses were analyzed according to country of origin, national gender equality ranking, volunteer role, and prior mentorship experiences. Statistical analysis with student’s t-test or chi-squared were performed with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: 95 female volunteers from 23 countries participated and 85% completed surveys. Volunteers from HICs (32%) and LMICs (68%) had similar mission roles (p=0.58) and duration of volunteerism (p=0.69). Experience as a mission volunteer (p=0.47), team leader (p=0.28), and educator (p=0.18) were equivalent between cohorts. 73% of women had previously received mentorship but 98% wanted more. 75% had previously mentored others, but 97% wanted to be mentors. Over 90% of past mentor-mentee relationships were between women. 73% of volunteers who had no prior mentorship found their first mentor during the mission. All participants found a long-term peer relationship and felt motivated to mentor women at home. All volunteers felt empowered and enjoyed the mission. Over 95% were inspired to pursue leadership positions, advance professionally, and work with other women at home.Conclusion: Female healthcare professionals in HICs and LMICs desire more mentorship than is available. An all-female healthcare environment can provide opportunities for mentorship and create lasting motivation to teach, lead, and advance professionally. Increasing the visibility of female professionals may effectively empower women in healthcare.