Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27: Empower African Women Leaders

Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27 opens doors for African women in public health. This year-long program helps women leaders from Kenya and South Africa build skills to promote gender equity in health systems. Organized by the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Moi University in Kenya, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa, with support from the Mastercard Foundation, it targets women who make up most health workers but hold few top roles.

About the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship

Women form about 70% of health workers worldwide, over 80% of nurses, and more than 90% of midwives. They also handle much unpaid care at home. Still, they fill only 25% of leadership spots in health.

This fellowship creates safe spaces for African women in public health to learn, connect, and lead. It mixes academic training, mentorship, peer talks, and hands-on work. The goal is to grow more women leaders for fair health systems.

Fellowship Objectives

The program aims to meet key needs in public health leadership:

1. Build strong leadership skills for African women in public health.
2. Push for leadership that changes gender roles.
3. Support fair public health policies and practices.
4. Create mentorship and networks for women leaders.
5. Teach skills in policy work, advocacy, and sharing knowledge.
6. Encourage teamwork among public health experts in Africa.

What Fellows Will Learn

Fellows in the 2026/27 group will cover topics like global health policy, leadership growth, gender equity in health, knowledge sharing, mentorship skills, advocacy, communication, and reflective practices.

Activities include interactive lectures, case studies, workshops, role plays, discussions, exercises, and mentor guidance from health experts.

In-Person Leadership Academy in Kenya

A key part is a one-week academy in Kenya in early 2027. Fellows must travel and join for networking, problem-solving, coaching, policy talks, and learning from other countries. Applicants need a valid passport or the ability to get one.

Who Can Apply?

You qualify if you:

• Identify as a woman.
• Are an African national.
• Live and work in Kenya or South Africa.
• Have 5 to 15 years in public or global health.
• Hold a postgraduate degree in public health, health policy, health sciences, or related fields.
• Work in policy, practice, research, or teaching in public health.
• Show leadership potential or experience.
• Speak English fluently.
• Can attend the Kenya academy.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows receive:

Advanced Leadership Training

Special sessions build skills for public and global health leadership.

Expert Mentorship

Pairing with mentors for career advice and coaching.

International Networking

Join networks of African women and global health pros.

Policy and Advocacy Skills

Tools to shape health policies and fight for gender equity.

Career Growth

Boost your profile and leadership chances in public health.

Collaborative Learning

Work with peers on shared health issues for lasting ties.

Application Process

Apply in two steps.

Step 1: Expression of Interest

Fill the online form in 15-20 minutes. Strong ones advance. Deadline: May 22, 2026.

Step 2: Full Application

Invited candidates submit more details. Final 18 fellows chosen. Full deadline around late June or early July 2026.

Apply here. Check instructions first. For details, visit the site.

Frequently Asked Questions