Thread by @WHO

"For almost 18 months now, the world’s health and care workers have been at the forefront of the #COVID19 pandemic.
They have reminded us almost daily that they are incredible people doing incredible jobs under incredible circumstances."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"Their service has not been without consequences.
While reporting is scant, we estimate that at least 115,000 health and care workers have lost their lives from #COVID19, and millions more have been infected."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1410606368466235395?s=20

"It is fitting that 2021 is the International Year of the Health and Care Worker, because we owe them so much.
And there is much more we can do as leaders to recognize them for this service."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"Addressing gender inequalities must be one priority.
The majority of the world’s health workers – almost 70% - are women."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"If we break it down into specific occupations within the health sector, the ratios are even starker.
Women represent approximately 90% of nurses and midwives, and close to 50% of all physicians."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"The figures speak for themselves: The world is reliant on women to deliver health & care services.
This reliance demands that we ask ourselves tough questions on workplace conditions & equity.
Incl. how we value & reward women in the health & care workforce."-@DrTedros

"Including how we value and reward women in the health and care workforce.
And how we guarantee that workplaces are free from discrimination, violence, sexual exploitation and abuse."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1410607116193198091?s=20

"The Gender Equal Health and Care Workforce Initiative, a partnership between WHO, the @gouvernementFR, and @womeningh, is an important step towards addressing these issues."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"Globally, the health and care sector employs a greater percentage of women than any other.
That means action to better support women in this field can make an immediate difference for women in the workforce as a whole."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"Let me leave you with three areas of focus for setting best-in-class standards, delivering on decent working environments and eliminating gender pay gaps."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"First, there must be equal pay for work that is of equal value."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"Second, we work together so that women are protected from harassment, discrimination & violence in the workplace.
Areas that require special focus in this regard are under-resourced settings or harsh conditions, e.g. refugee camps or shelters."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"Third, change must be driven from the very top, which means ensuring women’s representation in leadership positions.
At minimum women’s leadership numbers should be equal with men: 50-50.
But in truth it should be proportional with their share of all jobs: 70-30."-@DrTedros

"The Gender Equality Forum presents us with the opportunity not just to acknowledge these challenges & ambitions, but to take action.
WHO is committed to advocating for decent & safe work conditions for all health & care workers, esp. women."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality

"I ask you all to join with France, Mexico, WHO and our civil society partners to work together to better protect and invest in those who are protecting us.
Equality is something we have to work for. Together, we can make a difference."-@DrTedros at #GenerationEquality