Ophthalmologists urged to promote women leadership in eye health

Speakers at a discussion urged ophthalmologists to promote women leadership in eye health to make them contribute more to health care.

The call came at the discussion titled “Women Leadership and Gender Mainstreaming in Eye Health in Bangladesh” was held in the capital on Wednesday (7 October).

Prof Ava Hossain, a globally renowned ophthalmologist, said women should not think that they cannot lead because of their age, position or circumstances. “If we have something to contribute, we should come forward and make your voices heard. Leadership requires courage, commitment and the willingness to work with others,” she said.

According to Ava Hossain, who was the first Bangladeshi and first female president of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO), said leadership does not simply come from holding a position.

“Everyone should try to develop themselves through self-education. We should attend seminars and conferences, set targets for ourselves and think about how we can reach a leadership position,” she added.

Ava Hossain said leadership development should start from home and from within own professional organisations.

Ophthalmology Women Circle of Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) organised the event with the support of Orbis International. Ophthalmologists from different medical colleges and health facilities joined the discussion.

National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) Director Dr Sayeed Mehbub ul Kadir, OSB President Dr Md Tauhidur Rahman, Secretary General Prof Dr Zinnu Rain, Vice-president Prof Md. Sayedul Huq, Advisor Prof Dr Md Shahabuddin, Orbis International Country Director Dr Munir Ahmed and Associate Director Md Iqbal Hossain spoke at the event.

Prof Dr Zakia Sultana Shahid shared with the audience her journey as an ophthalmologist while Prof Dr Jesmin Ahmed presented a paper on the role of physician intercommunication.

Chief Executive of DevResonance Limited Nazme Sabina conducted a session on gender mainstreaming in eye health.

In his speech, Dr Sayeed Mehbub ul Kadir said Bangladesh is going to see a momentum in eye care as the country has been primarily selected for Global Vision Award, which will bring home big funds for the sector. He urged the ophthalmologists to get prepared for the momentum.

Dr Munir Ahmed hailed the role women physicians are playing but lamented that they are lagging behind in leadership. “The number of women physicians is high. But when it comes to leadership, we still see very little representation of women. There is a clear disparity between women’s participation in the health workforce and their presence in leadership positions,” he said.

According to Dr Munir, mentorship can play a vital role in addressing these challenges.

Prof Md. Sayedul Huq and Prof Md Shahabuddin urged the ophthalmologists to take greater responsibility, which, they said, would lead them to leadership positions.