Supporting community health workers in fragile settings from a gender perspective: a qualitative study

Authors: Joanna Raven, Haja Wurie, Amuda Baba, Abdulai Jawo Bah, Laura Dean, Kate Hawkins, Ayesha Idriss, Karsor Kollie, Gartee E Nallo, Rosie Steege, Sally Theobald

This qualitative study explored how gender influences the management of CHWs in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Key informant interviews were conducted with 36 decision-makers and community health managers across study countries. Participants were interviewed about their careers, human resource management experience, and gendered experiences as a CHW. Following analysis, researchers found that the prioritization of male education disadvantaged female CHWs, as literacy is an employment requirement in Liberia and the DRC. Additionally, the patriarchal norm around remuneration economically disadvantaged female CHWs. Going forward, strategies must be developed to address gender-based disparities in the employment, compensation, and career progression of CHWs.