Shifting the dial on women in health leadership

In 2024, I was one of 15 fellows selected for The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Women in Health Leadership – Mekong Region program. Delivered by The Foundation and the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, the program is delivering on a clear and urgent need to invest in women health leaders.

Research from The World Health Organization and Women in Global Health shows that despite occupying 70 percent of the health workforce globally, women account for just 25 percent of the influential decision-making positions.

When I came to Australia to participate in a women’s leadership program funded by The Fred Hollows Foundation and the Australian Government, I came to learn and to make a difference.

What I learned in that program changed my life - first at home, and then at work.

Before the program, I believed that working harder meant being more valuable. I worked late almost every day. I said yes to everything. I measured my success by how busy I was. But at home, things were different.

My husband is a doctor at an international hospital. He earns a high income compared with me. He wanted me to slow down and focus more on our family. He did not understand why I wanted to do a PhD, or why I pushed myself so much.

We argued many times. In anger, I said the words “let’s divorce” many times. Not because I truly wanted to leave, but because I felt alone in my ambition.

There were also many moments when I wanted to quit my PhD. I felt I had to choose between my dream and my family.

During the women’s leadership program, I learned something simple but powerful:

Leadership starts with self-leadership. If I cannot manage my emotions, I cannot lead others. If I cannot balance my priorities, I cannot build sustainable impact.

After the program, I did not change my job. I changed myself. I learned to set boundaries. I learned to communicate calmly. I learned to listen to my husband’s fears instead of fighting to win. Slowly, trust grew again.

When I became clearer at home, I became stronger at work.

I was given important responsibilities. I participated in industry planning and strategic development. I was assigned to present key reports and policy papers to local government leaders.

But one of the most meaningful opportunities in my career was working with The Fred Hollows Foundation. Through my work, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with The Foundation’s team and learn from their vision.

Photo credit: Reynald Ramirez 

What impressed me even more was their professional way of working. They work with clear plans, clear goals, and strong accountability. They respect local partners. They focus on transparency and long-term impact, not only short-term results.

From The Foundation, I learned how important it was to combine compassion with professionalism. Development work is not only about a good heart. It is also about good systems, good management, and strong collaboration.

Through this work, I saw how international partnership, local leadership, and scientific research can come together to create real change.

There were many nights I wanted to give up. But today, I have completed almost all the requirements within three years. For me, this PhD is not just a degree. It represents resilience, negotiation at home and growth as a leader.

After each conference presentation or policy report, I often receive strong appreciation and positive feedback. More importantly, I can connect with many senior leaders, which creates valuable professional networks and future collaboration opportunities. As I approach the final stage of my PhD, many people ask me: “What is next?”

I am grateful that new opportunities have already opened. Recently, I received an invitation to join the Board of Directors of a major hospital in my sector, in a leadership position. This is a significant responsibility and an opportunity to contribute at a higher strategic level. And several universities have already contacted me to discuss potential teaching roles after I finish my PhD.

Within my own workplace, many female colleagues see my journey and gain confidence. They see that it is possible to be professionally competent, to pursue academic excellence, and still build a supportive and happy family.

For me, leadership is no longer only about personal ambition. It is about creating visible examples, opening doors for others, and proving that women can lead with both strength and balance.