EXPLORING THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND NETWORKING PLATFORMS IN ADVANCING WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH

Background: Social media and professional networking platforms are increasingly influential in shaping career development and leadership trajectories across various sectors. In the context of Pakistan, where gender disparities in health leadership persist, these platforms may offer valuable opportunities for empowerment and visibility among women in health professions. Objective: This study aimed to explore the extent, patterns, and perceived impact of social media and networking platform usage on the leadership development of Pakistani women in the health sector. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting women aged 30 and above, working or studying in health-related fields across Pakistan. A total of 210 respondents participated via a structured online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze platform usage frequency, perceived leadership benefits, barriers, and enabling factors. Results: LinkedIn (58.1%) and Twitter/X (46.2%) were the most commonly used platforms for professional purposes. Respondents reported high perceived impact in areas such as mentorship access (mean score = 4.2), policy advocacy (4.3), and networking (4.1). Key barriers included cultural restrictions (52.4%) and fear of online harassment (48.1%), while enablers included access to professional communities (51.4%) and supportive institutional policies (41.9%). Conclusion: Social media platforms play a crucial role in advancing women's leadership in health by providing access to mentorship, advocacy spaces, and professional networks. Strategic interventions such as digital literacy training and institutional support are essential to overcome existing barriers and foster gender-equitable leadership in Pakistan’s health sector.