On the 6th of March 2020, The George Institute for Global Health held a special breakfast with a panel of experts to celebrate International Women’s Day. The theme for this year, #EachforEqual, is all about enabling a more equal world.
The panel featured the diverse perspectives of Professor Eileen Baldry, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Professor of Criminology at UNSW Sydney; Gabrielle Jackson, Associate News Editor, The Guardian Australia; Dr Fiona Martin MP, Liberal Member for Reid; and Dr Seye Abimbola, Office of the Chief Scientist, The George Institute for Global Health. The lively discussion was moderated by Dr Melina Georgousakis, Founder, Franklin Women.
Some key takeaways of the event were:
Historically disadvantaged populations are the most affected by gender inequality. Prof Baldry said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the criminal justice system are the most over represented group in the world due to intersections between colonialism and patriarchy. Dr Abimbola added that women from low and middle income countries are consistently the least represented group in global health governance.
The media plays an important role in facilitating social discussion about gender equality and thereby influences system change. Gabrielle Jackson explained a clear example of this is the series of articles The Guardian ran on endometriosis which led to the NHMRC introducing guidelines on how doctors should treat endometriosis.
There are layers of privilege that are woven into how organisations are structured and diverse voices are important. The gendered way that the health system is run can really affect the care that women receive.
Collective action is of paramount importance. Dr Georgousakis emphasised that for progress to be made towards a gender equal world, it is not going to be because of any one person or any one group, but because of collective action.
Learning Health Systems: Enabling decision making through rapid evidence synthesis
Towards evidence-informed research
Decolonising the evidence ecosystem
“The themes of NSES 2020 reflect the growing aspirations to make medicine and health systems decision making more evidence informed. We hope that the symposium provides a platform for vibrant discussions and capacity building to researchers, decision makers and young leaders in medicine and public health.” - Prof Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director, George Institute for Global Health, India.
UPDATE
NSES2020 and COVID-19
The #NSES2020 Organising Committee has been closely monitoring developments around COVID-19 both nationally and internationally since 12th March 2020. As a host organisation, safety and health of all delegates is a prime concern for The George Institute for Global Health, India.
Considering such factors, and the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Symposium on Evidence Synthesis for Medicine & Public Health (#NSES2020) supposed to be held in between 4th-6th May 2020 is postponed until further notice.
The decision to postpone the event was made after a thorough review of all issues impacting #NSES2020, including the advisories from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. We believe that the decision to postpone #NSES2020 is essential for public health concerns but do understand that this is disappointing for many delegates and our other stakeholders.
We are grateful for the support shown and we hope to be back with a more engaging NSES soon. We would like to particularly thank our academic partners, Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, Health Systems Global, Advanced Paediatric Centre (APC) and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
We will continue to keep you updated about future dates through our social media channels (Twitter & Facebook) and by e-mail (for about 80 people who have already filled registration forms!). Registration and abstract submission are hereby closed until a new date is declared.
Thank you and we hope to come back with a more engaging NSES soon. Stay Tuned!
#NSES2020 Team 17th March 2020
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The Symposium is a time to come together and discuss ideas. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #NSES2020 on Twitter or follow @GeorgeInstIN.
Seven international research organizations have come together to form a Primary Health Care Measurement and Implementation Research Consortium (RC). The consortium is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and will have its secretariat at the India office of The George Institute.
