Empowering African Women in Global Health Leadership: The University of Toronto’s 2025 Fellowship

Empowering African Women in Global Health Leadership: The University of Toronto’s 2025 Fellowship

Empowering African Women in Global Health Leadership: The University of Toronto’s 2025 Fellowship: Empowering African Women in Global Health Leadership: The University of Toronto’s 2025 Fellowship, in recent years, the global health sector has become increasingly aware of the persistent gender disparities that limit the full potential of its workforce. Women make up the backbone of global health, accounting for nearly 70% of the health and social care workforce worldwide. Despite this overwhelming presence, their participation in leadership and decision-making roles remains disproportionately low. This systemic underrepresentation of women, particularly women from the Global South, not only perpetuates gender inequality but also restricts innovation, inclusivity, and effectiveness in global health systems. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, leading institutions and stakeholders across the world have begun taking significant steps to empower women and create more equitable leadership pipelines.

One such initiative that stands at the forefront of this global movement is the University of Toronto 2025 Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship. Spearheaded by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health in collaboration with academic institutions like Moi University (Kenya) and the University of Cape Town (South Africa), and generously supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the fellowship program is specifically designed to foster leadership among African women in global health. This unique program reflects a thoughtful and strategic approach to equity, intentionally centering African women’s perspectives, experiences, and aspirations in addressing local and global health challenges.

The 2025 Fellowship is more than a traditional academic program. It is a transformative leadership journey that combines education, mentorship, skills development, and project-based learning to enable women to become catalysts for change within their respective health systems. The initiative is aimed at early- to mid-career African women working in Kenya and South Africa who have demonstrated commitment to gender equity and public health impact. By equipping them with the tools, networks, and confidence to influence policies and practices, the fellowship seeks to redress gender disparities and build a new generation of visionary female health leaders.

What sets this fellowship apart is its commitment to localization and co-creation. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all framework, the program collaborates closely with African institutions and experts to ensure the curriculum, mentorship models, and leadership projects reflect the realities of the contexts in which the fellows live and work.

Eligible Candidates Should Apply Now

It also provides flexibility through hybrid learning models and financial support to remove barriers that typically hinder women’s participation in professional development programs — such as caregiving responsibilities, limited access to travel funds, or institutional gatekeeping.

This fellowship is not just about individual advancement; it’s a concerted effort to transform health leadership at a systemic level. The selected fellows are expected not only to gain from the program but to give back through mentorship, advocacy, and by serving as role models in their communities and institutions. The ripple effect of this leadership development initiative has the potential to influence generations and reshape health systems to become more inclusive, responsive, and gender-just.

In a world where health crises — from pandemics to chronic disease — disproportionately impact marginalized communities, investing in diverse and capable leadership is not optional; it is essential. The University of Toronto 2025 Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship is a shining example of how strategic investment in women’s leadership can unlock potential, drive innovation, and deliver lasting change in global health.

In the realm of global health, women constitute a significant portion of the workforce, yet their representation in leadership roles remains disproportionately low. Recognizing this disparity, the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, in collaboration with Moi University (Kenya), the University of Cape Town (South Africa), and with support from the Mastercard Foundation, has launched the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship for 2025/2026. This year-long, fully-funded program is designed to empower early- to mid-career African women in Kenya and South Africa, aiming to bridge the gender gap in global health leadership.Facebook+5Scholardigger+5Opportunity Desk+5

The Imperative for Gender Equity in Global Health Leadership

Despite women comprising approximately 70% of the global health workforce, they hold only about 25% of senior roles. This underrepresentation not only limits diverse perspectives in decision-making but also hampers the development of inclusive health policies. The fellowship addresses this imbalance by fostering environments where women can cultivate leadership skills and ascend to influential positions within health systems.Wikipedia

Fellowship Objectives

The primary goal of the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship is to enhance the leadership capacities of African women committed to advancing gender equity in health systems. By providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and practical experience, the program seeks to produce leaders who can drive transformative change in global health.YouthExpat+6Scholardigger+6Global South Opportunities+6

Program Structure

The fellowship spans 12 months and is divided into three distinct phases:Scholardigger

1. Phase 1: Online Learning

   • Participants engage in virtual sessions covering topics such as global health policy, gender equity, leadership, and knowledge translation.

   • Interactive components include lectures, case studies, role-plays, and discussion forums.Always Never Home+6Scholardigger+6Global South Opportunities+6Opportunity Desk+2Africa Health Collaborative+2After School Africa+2

2. Phase 2: Hybrid Engagement

   • This phase combines continued online learning with a fully-funded, one-week in-person training session.

   • The in-person component includes workshops, guest lectures, and networking opportunities.After School Africa+3Scholardigger+3Opportunity Desk+3

3. Phase 3: Mentorship and Project Implementation

   • Fellows receive personalized mentorship to develop and execute a leadership project addressing a specific challenge in global health.

   • The phase culminates in project presentations and reflective evaluations.Scholardigger

Core Competencies Developed

Throughout the program, fellows will enhance their abilities in the following areas:Africa Health Collaborative+2Scholardigger+2YouthExpat+2

• Gender Equity and Intersectional Analysis: Applying gender and intersectional lenses to health systems and research.Wikipedia+3Scholardigger+3Opportunities For Africans+3

• Global Health Policy and Advocacy: Engaging in policy development, communication, and advocacy to influence health institutions.Scholardigger+1Opportunities For Africans+1

• Leadership: Creating empowering visions, fostering collaboration, and challenging gender inequities within organizations.Scholardigger+1Opportunities For Africans+1

• Mentorship: Developing skills to mentor others and promote gender equity through institutional change.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:Always Never Home

• Identify as a woman.Opportunity Desk+2Always Never Home+2Opportunities For Africans+2

• Be an African national residing and working in Kenya or South Africa.Africa Health Collaborative+4Always Never Home+4Opportunity Desk+4

• Possess 5–15 years of experience in local, regional, or global health work.Always Never Home+2Opportunity Desk+2Opportunities For Africans+2

• Hold a postgraduate degree (MA or PhD) in Public Health, Health Sciences, Health Policy, or related fields.Opportunity Desk+2Always Never Home+2Opportunities For Africans+2

• Demonstrate leadership qualities through academics, work, or community service.Opportunities For Africans+2Always Never Home+2Opportunity Desk+2

• Have fluent English communication skills.Always Never Home

• Be available for a 5–7 day in-person training.Scholardigger+2Always Never Home+2Opportunities For Africans+2

• Have the support of their employer to participate in the program.Africa Health Collaborative+4Always Never Home+4Scholardigger+4

Benefits of the Fellowship

The fellowship offers a range of benefits to support the professional growth of participants:

• Expert-Led Training: Access to workshops and lectures delivered by leading professionals in global health.

• Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced mentors to support leadership development.

• Leadership Project Development: Assistance in designing and implementing a project that addresses a specific health challenge.

• Fully Funded In-Person Training: Coverage of travel, accommodation, and meals for the one-week training session.Opportunities For Africans+2Always Never Home+2Scholardigger+2

• Financial Stipend: Support to offset expenses such as lost wages, childcare, or eldercare during the fellowship.Global South Opportunities+2Always Never Home+2Scholardigger+2

• Alumni Network Access: Opportunity to join a community of past fellows for continued support and collaboration.

Application Process

Interested candidates should prepare the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing educational background, work experience, and leadership roles.Scholardigger

• Personal Statement: An essay outlining motivation for applying, commitment to gender equity in global health, and alignment with career goals.Scholardigger

• Letters of Recommendation: At least two references from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional work and leadership potential.Scholardigger

• Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of postgraduate degrees and transcripts.Scholardigger

• Proof of Nationality & Residency: Documents verifying African nationality and current residency in Kenya or South Africa.Opportunities For Africans+3Scholardigger+3Always Never Home+3

• Employer Support Letter: A letter indicating support for participation in the fellowship, including approval for the in-person training.Scholardigger

• Language Proficiency: If English is not the first language, proof of proficiency through standardized tests or confirmation of English as the language of instruction in previous studies.Scholardigger

Applications must be submitted by June 13, 2025, at 23:59 East Africa Time (22:59 South Africa Standard Time). For more information, applicants can contact womenGH.dlsph@utoronto.ca.YouthExpat+5Scholardigger+5Opportunities For Africans+5

Conclusion

Empowering African Women in Global Health Leadership: The University of Toronto’s 2025 Fellowship, as the global health community continues to navigate complex and evolving challenges — including pandemics, health inequity, climate-related health crises, and resource gaps — the need for inclusive and representative leadership has never been more pressing. Health systems must reflect the diversity of the populations they serve, and this includes addressing the glaring leadership gap experienced by women, particularly those from underrepresented regions such as Africa. The University of Toronto 2025 Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship emerges as a bold and timely intervention to reshape that narrative.

The Fellowship is far more than a capacity-building exercise; it is a leadership incubator that embodies transformation at both personal and institutional levels. It acknowledges that sustainable development and effective health interventions can only be achieved when those most affected by health inequities are empowered to design and lead solutions. By focusing on African women in Kenya and South Africa, the fellowship ensures that the voices of those historically marginalized are not just included but prioritized in the global health discourse.

Participants in the program do not just leave with a certificate; they emerge as empowered leaders equipped with the skills, confidence, and network to drive change. They are mentored, supported, and challenged to think critically about health leadership and to reflect deeply on how they can leverage their experiences, knowledge, and passion to bring about structural improvements in health systems. Importantly, the emphasis on mentorship and project-based implementation ensures that the benefits of the program extend beyond the fellows to the broader communities and institutions they serve.

Another significant contribution of this program is its role in decolonizing global health. By centering African voices and partnering with African institutions, the fellowship resists the extractive models of global health training that have historically sidelined local expertise. Instead, it fosters a collaborative, reciprocal learning environment that values indigenous knowledge systems, contextual understanding, and lived experiences. This approach not only enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the training but also promotes mutual respect and global solidarity.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a financial stipend and support for caregiving responsibilities highlights the program’s sensitivity to the unique barriers women face in advancing their careers. Many talented and ambitious women are unable to participate in leadership programs due to systemic obstacles such as financial constraints or domestic responsibilities. By removing these barriers, the fellowship creates a truly equitable opportunity that levels the playing field for deserving candidates.

The long-term impact of the University of Toronto’s Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship cannot be overstated. As these fellows rise through the ranks of academia, government, NGOs, and community-based organizations, they will serve as role models, mentors, and changemakers for future generations. They will contribute to policy reform, advocate for equitable resource allocation, lead research initiatives, and foster institutional cultures that are inclusive and just.

Ultimately, global health equity is not just about access to vaccines, hospitals, or funding — it’s about power. It’s about who makes decisions, whose knowledge is validated, and whose interests are prioritized. By investing in African women’s leadership, the University of Toronto and its partners are shifting the balance of that power toward justice, inclusion, and sustainable progress.

The 2025 Fellowship is not just an opportunity; it is a movement — one that invites the world to imagine what is possible when women lead with integrity, vision, and purpose. As the fellows go forward to influence change across the continent and beyond, they carry with them a message that resonates universally: leadership is not a privilege for a few — it is a responsibility that must be shared by all.