Pan African Women in Health (PAWH) 2024,

Belinda Ngongo

I am Belinda, a global health expert, passionate about women and girls' issues. Together, with several amazing African ladies, we founded the Pan African Women in Health (PAWH) to support African women working in the health sector. PAWH brings together leaders passionate about a common goal: increasing and improving women’s opportunities and grooming the next generation of female African health leaders and actors.

PAWH is action driven. Our impact has been felt over the last few years through many of our members from mentorship, to training and career advancement opportunities, access to a strong network of experienced leaders and many more. 

Since inception in 2018, we have made  considerable impact in the African Health ecosystem. Some of our visible successes include: 

• Hosted a number of webinars and virtual annual conferences including during  the covid-19 pandemic.  Two successful  in-person events in South Africa were hosted in 2018 and 2019 attended by professionals representing change makers in health from government, NGOs, private sector and the youth. 

• In collaboration with Deloitte delivered a design thinking session and a networking for success workshop  

• Established a mentorship platform connecting mentees and mentors ,more than 100 women have signed up on the mentorship platform.

• Established a WhatsApp community of more than 270 members located in more than 45 countries which serves as a platform to exchange jobs, training, conference opportunities and the latest advancements in the field in Africa and beyond as well as forging connections among members. 

• Results of a recent survey highlighted that

  • PAWH reinforces a strong feeling of sisterhood and belonging for African health professionals located in different corners of the world

  • PAWH community leverage on the platform to keep up to date with national, regional and global health advancements

  • PAWH jobseekers have found  new jobs and training opportunities through our platform

  • PAWH members appreciate the ability to connect and exchange with seasoned professionals and experts

  • PAWH members welcome an in-person gathering and look forward to  attending  PAWH 2024 annual conference

In 2024, we would like to convene in-person in South Africa as this was the place where PAWH was conceived in 2018. We would like to invite all PAWH members, partners and supporters to join this important gathering to celebrate, debate, learn and map the way forward to further support and elevate women health professionals on the continent and in diaspora.  Our last in person conference was attended by 100 participants, we are aiming to  host around 250 participants from Africa and African Diaspora. 

We have come a long way building a platform that is  connecting and supporting African women  but we still need support. Your contribution is needed to help make this event memorable and successful.