Today, Dr. Sally Mtenga, Head of the Health System Impact Evaluation and Policy Department at Ifakara Health Institute, participated in a global webinar with over 50 attendees, discussing violence against health workers, particularly women, at the primary healthcare level. The session focused on experiences and strategies from South Africa , Tanzania , and Burkina Faso.

The session shed light on the patterns of violence faced by health workers, particularly gendered workplace violence, and highlighted critical gaps in research and intervention efforts.

The webinar aimed to examine the drivers of violence in healthcare settings within the three countries, initiate discussions to shape a research agenda for ensuring safer and more equitable working conditions, and catalyze structural reforms to address these challenges. It provided a platform for experts to discuss actionable solutions and share insights into the complex dynamics of gendered workplace violence in healthcare environments.

In her presentation, "Leveraging Research to Address Gendered Workplace Violence in Primary Health Care" Dr. Sally highlighted that although Tanzania has made progress in combating gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children, challenges remain and there is a critical need to translate GBV legislation by implementing research-driven interventions specifically designed for the health workforce.

Dr. Sally also pointed out that gendered workplace violence should be acknowledged as a key social determinant of workplace performance, particularly in primary health care settings. She called for increased advocacy and scientific evidence to challenge and dismantle the deeply rooted societal norms that sustain such violence. 

The webinar was a call to action for all stakeholders, emphasizing the urgency of addressing violence in healthcare through research, advocacy, and systemic reforms. By fostering dialogue and sharing practical insights, the session contributed to building a stronger foundation for tackling gendered workplace violence in African health systems.

The webinar was organized by the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), the University of the Western Cape - School of Public Health, Ifakara Health Institute, L'Institut National de la Santé Publique (INSP), and the Gender and Health Hub.