International Women's Day 2018: Jan Muhunthan, Research Fellow

It’s International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is #PressForProgress. What does the word “progress” mean to you in regards to women and gender?

Taking measurable steps toward equality in economic participation, education, health and politics. To make this happen, we need collaboration at all levels and across all disciplines. I see many pathways to progress. For decision makers, progress means implementing domestic law and policy that reflects their international human rights obligations to women and girls. Progress means governments, media organisations, industry and civil society organisations calling out prejudice in all its forms and characterising women in ways that promote respect. Fundamentally, progress must always involve women’s leadership as well as consultation with the women whose conditions we hope to change for the better.

What does gender equity mean to you as a health researcher?

As a health researcher, gender equity is often associated with equal access to high-quality health care. It’s more than that. It also means the health and wellbeing of women and girls being valued as much as their male counterparts. That requires targeted investments in health care as well as the social, cultural and political factors that influence health. It means legal protections that address gender-based violence and are sensitive to the needs of women, safe and accessible modes of transport, equal employment opportunities and equal remuneration for the same work.

What impact will your research have on women’s health around the world?

As a health systems researcher at The George, I am developing research tools to pinpoint deficiencies in existing public health law and to inform the design of legislative reform. Through this program of work, I hope to evaluate the impact of legal systems on women and their families. Ultimately, I hope to inform the use of effective, acceptable and sustainable public health law that has the potential to shape environments that allow women to thrive.

In recent years there has been an increasing effort to encourage girls to enter STEMM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine). As an academic, what are your thoughts on how we could better achieve gender equity in research?

For many of my friends and colleagues who have chosen to pursue a research career in STEMM, it started with a teacher or school that sparked and nurtured their curiosity. I think addressing the geographic, sociocultural, political and economic barriers to girls’ secondary education in STEMM fields is an important part of achieving gender equity in research globally. We also need to work on creating the conditions necessary to support women (particularly early-career researchers and parents) to continue their research careers and attain senior academic positions.

What do you think are the biggest challenges and priorities for women internationally right now, and what are the biggest opportunities for the future? 

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in global health is elevating the voices of women of all walks of life, not just those of us that are privileged or well-connected. This is particularly true of women whom we often deem to be vulnerable or disadvantaged. Tapping into their perspectives and expertise and championing their mobility into senior decision making roles has the potential to pay massive dividends for global health.

Why are days like International Women’s Day important to you?

A moment to reflect on the women that have inspired and opened up opportunities for me. A reminder of my responsibility to pay it forward.

Name a woman that has inspired you, either professionally or personally.

My grandmother is a big inspiration to me. She’s taught me the meaning of hard work, “patience, patience, patience!” in achieving personal and professional goals, to “never say no!” and to respond to situations with grace and positivity. She’s taught me that a connection to community and culture through the life course is sometimes the best thing we can do for our health and wellbeing.