The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Africa and WomenLift Health marked a significant milestone today with a pivotal agreement to advance women’s leadership in health and promote gender equity across Africa.
Both organisations formalised their partnership through an agreement that enhanced existing initiatives for empowering women at WHO in Africa. This collaboration aims to bolster the leadership skills of mid- and senior-level women in health, equipping them to address complex challenges, foster resilience and excel in leadership roles.
The agreement, signed at the start of a three-day leadership workshop in Addis Ababa from October 28 to 30, 2024, underscores the commitment of both organisations to drive gender equality in health leadership. WHO regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti leads this effort under the WHO Transformation Agenda, which prioritises a motivated and inclusive workforce. WomenLift Health’s mission aligns with this goal, aiming to empower talented women leaders in global health and drive systemic change toward gender equality.
“Promoting women’s leadership in health is not only a matter of fairness but a crucial step toward improved health outcomes in Africa,” Moeti stated. “Women leaders bring invaluable perspectives to the global health landscape. Through this partnership, we are shaping the future of health in Africa by empowering women to lead with vision, confidence and purpose.”
The workshop offers tailored training, mentorship, and collaborative sessions for women professionals, creating a cohort of resilient, empowered leaders ready to tackle global health challenges. Participants are engaged in a variety of activities designed to strengthen their skills, foster collaboration and equip them with tools to excel in leadership.
“Investing in women’s leadership in health shapes not only individual career paths but the future of global health,” said WomenLift Health’s East Africa director, Dr. Norah Obudho. “By creating a pipeline of skilled women leaders, we are laying the foundation for transformative, inclusive leadership.”
Under Moeti’s guidance, WHO in the African region has launched several initiatives that foster a supportive environment for women in health leadership. Programmes like the Africa Women Health Champions, Pathways to Leadership and the Mwele Malecela Mentorship for Neglected Tropical Diseases support women’s professional development.
Through this collaboration, over 30 women leaders will gain essential leadership skills, explore personal leadership styles, and strengthen their voice in global health. “Women are the backbone of healthcare, forming a majority of the workforce. This partnership enables us to invest in women’s leadership and foster diversity in decision-making roles, which ultimately benefits community health,” noted Southern Africa director at WomenLift Health, Akhona Tshangela.
Over the past decade, WHO in Africa has achieved notable progress in gender equity, progressively increasing female representation in leadership. However, this partnership with WomenLift Health signifies a continued commitment to bridge the gender gap, setting a powerful example for the future of global health.
