Voices unheard; The resilience and the challenges of Black women in healthcare

A report from the Black Women’s Institute for Health, Voices Unheard, reveals the harsh realities facing Black women in Canada’s healthcare industry. Giving light to nearly 2,000 responses nationwide, including 125 Black women working in the Greater Toronto Area, the findings expose systemic barriers that affect: careers, mental health, and everyday wellbeing.

Despite being essential to the healthcare workforce, Black women remain largely absent from leadership. Seventy-two percent identified the lack of representation in senior roles as a major obstacle, while over half reported microaggressions, tokenism (the practice of doing something, such as hiring a person who belongs to a minority group, only to prevent criticism and give the appearance that people are being treated fairly) and being denied mentorship. Nearly half had left a job, or changed careers due to discrimination, or limited advancement opportunities.

“I do my job and go home. I used to want to contribute more, but now I just try to protect my peace.”

One participant said, “I am always watched, judged, and expected to be perfect, but when it comes to moving up or being included, it’s like I am not even there.” Many described the concept of “quiet quitting” which is staying at their jobs but stepping back from committees and extra responsibilities to protect their mental health. Another participant explained “I do my job and go home. I used to want to contribute more, but now I just try to protect my peace.”

Furthermore, the mental health impact is concerning. Over a quarter, 27.6%, reported thoughts of self-harm, that’s nearly seven times the national average for White women. Burnout and emotional exhaustion were nearly universal, and only one third described their mental health as good. Barriers persist across all career levels, and those with intersecting identities, such as disability, or newcomer status, face even more challenges.

In addition, access to healthcare is also affected. Forty-two percent of Black women delayed or avoided care due to concerns about being treated unfairly, while 67 percent felt dismissed by providers. These experiences are not just personal struggles; they reflect deep structural failures that create problems for both workers and patients.

This report calls for urgent action. Healthcare organizations must implement anti-racism policies, create clear advancement pathways, provide culturally relevant mentorship, and include Black women’s voices in leadership and policy decisions. Incremental steps, like increasing entry-level representation, are simply not enough.

In conclusion, Voices Unheard talks about both the resilience and the challenges of Black women in healthcare. It offers a critical message: if Canada’s healthcare system is to be equitable and sustainable, the sector must listen, act, and ensure Black women are recognized, supported, and empowered not only as leaders, but as human beings.