Official launch of the Lusophone chapter: WGH reaches 50 chapter milestone

13 June 2023

During the World Health Assembly, a significant milestone was achieved with the official launch of the Lusophone Chapter expanding the Women in Global Health network to 50 chapters. Led by Dr. Magda Robalo, Former Minister of Health of Guinea Bissau, this event aimed to address the gender disparity in health leadership, specifically within Lusophone communities, provide a platform to discuss common priority topics amongst lusophone policy leaders (CPLP) and scout policy champions among lusophone policy leaders and communities to help spearhead this movement. 

Recognizing that women constitute nearly 70% of the health workforce but are underrepresented in influential leadership positions (less than 25%), the Lusophone Chapter embarked on a mission to progress women’s leadership in health. The initiative highlighted the urgent need to take action and provide equal opportunities and recognition for women in global health roles.

Earlier this year, a diverse group of women leaders from Portuguese-speaking countries, including Guinea Bissau, Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, came together to lay the groundwork for the Lusophone Chapter. Their discussions centered on creating a collaborative space that promotes experience exchange, raises awareness about gender equity needs, and challenges prevailing narratives about women’s leadership in global health.

With the official launch of the Lusophone Chapter, a new chapter begins in the journey towards building a more equitable and inclusive global health system. This landmark event marked a commitment to enable women to harness their expertise and skills to strengthen health systems. By working together, the Lusophone Chapter aims to create a transformative impact within Lusophone communities and beyond.