Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Shining a spotlight on women in healthcare on International Equal Pay Day

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu posted the following on LinkedIn:

“On this International Equal Pay Day, I want to shine a spotlight on the incredible women in cancer and healthcare who dedicate their lives to improving the well-being of others, often without the recognition and compensation they truly deserve. From doctors and nurses to cancer advocates, patient navigators, engineers, and researchers, many women are the backbone of our healthcare systems, tirelessly pushing boundaries to ensure better outcomes for patients everywhere.

Even on a micro level, and especially in LMICs, it is the woman who provides care for sick members of the family and community. Most birth attendants are female. It is the mother who takes the children to the hospital. It is she who remembers the time to give medicines. She is the same woman who is often left to clean up the faeces and vomit of the elderly in the family.

As we celebrate their relentless commitment and excellence, we also acknowledge the persistent pay gap that undermines the contributions women make.

Key findings from the 2024 Lancet Commission on Women, Power, and Cancer, include patriarchal dominance in pay, leadership roles, research funding, and even caregiver salaries. Amongst the 10 priority actions listed, are calls to:

• ensure equitable access to cancer research resources
• enforce policies that prevent gender-based discrimination
• establish, implement, and enforce pay standards for all caregivers that are fair, equitable, and inclusive

Equal pay isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s a recognition of the value they bring to the table. Today, let’s stand with the women in healthcare, championing not only their work but their right to be compensated equally. Their efforts save lives, and it’s time the world fully recognizes their worth.”

Source: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, a UICC Board Member,  Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and the Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC). Dr. Bagudu is working with the state ministries of health, education, and women affairs to implement programs to sustainably improve menstrual hygiene, girl-child education, economic empowerment of women, and put an end to gender-based violence. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.