As nurses, we stand at the forefront of global health. The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations (UN) reaffirmed that our voices must be heard in discussions about gender equality, health equity, and economic empowerment. Nurses are not just caregivers but essential advocates for change. At the CSW, I had the privilege of learning from inspiring leaders and connecting with Sigma Virtual Mini-Academy: Global Advocacy alumni and the Sigma UN team, further reinforcing the crucial role nurses play in shaping global health policy. This experience was an energizing reminder that our voices and actions can make a profound impact on global health discussions.
From the discussions and reflections from Sigma nurses at CSW, I want to share five key takeaways that highlight the critical role nurses must play—not just in healthcare delivery but in shaping a more equitable world.
1. Nurses must lead the charge for women-centered healthcare
Nurses are leaders in caring for women and girls, especially in maternal and reproductive health. We are delivering most of the care and have the expertise to guide conversations around women-centered healthcare at the global level. It’s essential that we not only provide care but also advocate for policies that reflect the needs of women in healthcare systems worldwide. Charlotte McArdle, PhD, RN, Sigma Liaison to the UN, emphasized this when she said, “Women-centered healthcare is essential to empower women and girls to enable them to have more resilient and healthier families. As we know from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), each additional nurse per 1,000 people is associated with a 7% reduction in maternal mortality and a 10% reduction in neonatal mortality.”
I also had the honor of connecting with fellow Global Advocacy Academy alumna Elizabeth Johnson, PhD, MS-CRM, RN, who reflected on the event by stating, “True gender equality means we strive beyond the right of representation to co-create and design sustainable systems, from justice, to technology, to climate and education.” Nurses must continually advocate for women-centered care that not only treats illnesses but also empowers women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
2. Nurses must take ownership of leadership and advocacy
As healthcare professionals, we have an obligation to lead—not just from the bedside but also in shaping the policies that influence global healthcare. Grace Kistner, MMHA, BSN, BSBA, DTN, RN, CCRN, CSSLHPM, an independent thought leader in nursing and Global Advocacy Academy alumna, reminded us of the power nurses hold when she stated, “Nurses are the largest workforce and female-dominated—but our voices have power and value beyond the bedside, including through multilateral peace talks.”
I believe nurses must build and articulate the business case for our profession, demonstrating that improved health strengthens communities and reduces poverty. We should never discount our expertise. Instead, we should feel empowered to seek out opportunities to participate in and lead healthcare change and reform. Nurses should not wait for an invitation—it's essential that we take the initiative and seek out those opportunities ourselves. This is a call to action for all nurses: We must take ownership of leadership roles and advocate for policies that enhance the role of nursing in improving health systems worldwide.
3. Strengthening the nursing workforce is essential to global health
The global nursing workforce is the backbone of health systems around the world. A more supported nursing workforce directly correlates with better health outcomes and economic stability.
Ongelique Conflenti, MSc, RN, powerfully stated, “The intersection of nursing, gender equity, and global policy is crucial. Nurses understand health systems from the ground up, but that expertise is not always recognized at the policymaking level. This experience reinforced my belief that nurses must not only be present in these spaces—we must lead.” Nurses must continually advocate for a stronger, more supported workforce to improve global health outcomes.
4. Nurses are key to tackling poverty and health inequities
Poverty is inextricably linked to poor health, and nurses are uniquely positioned to advocate for systemic changes that address these health inequities. Abeer Alharthi, PhD, MSN, RN, Sigma Liaison to the UN, powerfully shared, “If we are serious about eradicating poverty, we must start by prioritizing health.” Nurses must advocate for social protections that ensure vulnerable populations—especially women and children—have access to healthcare that enables them to break the cycle of poverty.
5. Climate change and health: Nurses must advocate for resilient health systems
Climate change is one of the most pressing global health threats of our time, and it disproportionately affects women and girls. Nurses must advocate for policies that integrate climate resilience into healthcare systems, ensuring that women and vulnerable populations are protected during climate-related disasters. Charlotte McArdle pointed out that, “We cannot have resilient health systems without the strength of a well-supported nursing workforce. It’s essential that we continue to invest in nursing education and leadership to meet the demands of today’s global health challenges.” Nurses must be at the table during discussions about climate change and health systems resilience, advocating for policies that protect public health and ensure that health systems are prepared for the challenges posed by climate-related events.
Nurses must be leaders in global health advocacy
The discussions at CSW highlighted that nurses have the power to influence global policy, health systems, and the advancement of women’s health. We must be leaders in these areas, not only advocating for women-centered care but also working to strengthen the nursing workforce, combat poverty, and address the health impacts of climate change.
Attending CSW was not only about engaging in important discussions but also about connecting with fellow Global Advocacy Academy alumni and the Sigma UN team. These connections are essential as we continue to build a stronger network of nursing leaders committed to advancing global health and women’s rights.
Sarah E. Gray, DNP, RN, CEN, FAEN, is Sigma’s Chief Nursing Officer and a member of Alpha Chapter.
