CHW Symposium Webinar Series | Gender Transformative Programming: CHWs as Agents of Social Change

The global health workforce is deeply gendered, with women comprising the majority of community health workers (CHWs) worldwide. While CHWs often serve as trusted figures within their communities, they do so within systems that mirror and sometimes exacerbate broader gender-based inequalities. This is particularly evident in the informal nature of CHW work, where women frequently face low or no pay, limited job security, and minimal opportunities for career progression.

Despite their critical contributions, CHWs are too often expected to shoulder the burden of advancing gender equity in health systems without sufficient support, recognition, or protection. Gender transformative programming must therefore begin by addressing the structural inequities faced by CHWs themselves. It must center their safety, agency, and professional development, while also recognizing the potential of their everyday work to challenge harmful norms and promote inclusion.

This webinar will explore how gender transformative approaches can reframe and redesign the role of CHWs, not as default gender equity interventions, but as skilled health workers who deserve meaningful investment, voice, and visibility. Drawing on field-based experiences, community-led models, and emerging research, the session will spotlight strategies for strengthening CHW systems in ways that are inclusive, empowering, and truly transformative.