EXECUTIVE BRIEF: Renewing Our Commitment to Equity and Shaping The Next Chapter of WGH

24 September 2025

 

 

Dear partners, colleagues, and friends,

2025 is an exceptional year in the world’s recent history and for us in particular: we are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, marking thirty years since the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and celebrating the 10th anniversary of Women in Global Health. These milestones remind us that advancing human and women’s rights remains central to building a fairer and healthier world—one that depends on global solidarity and shared responsibility.

Several ongoing challenges are reminding us that despite the immense progress achieved in lifting people out of poverty, improving people’s lives and wellbeing and advancing gender equity, a lot more is yet to be done. The progress made is under threat and will be undone if we are not united and resilient.

Following my last message, I write to you today with renewed purpose. The journey toward a more just and equitable world for women in global health has been challenging, yet our determination remains stronger than ever. The changes we have made reaffirm our values and position us for a future that demands even greater commitment.

We are committed to adapting to a complex and evolving world and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our mission. Having made important progress on women’s leadership, we are now widening our scope to advance gender equity in its most comprehensive form.

We are embracing an inclusive approach to address a wider spectrum of challenges women face—from climate change to academia. 

Our strength remains at the country level, through the energy of our Chapters and members whose work and voices bring our mission to life.

To our partners and donors: your support is more than a contribution—it is an investment in our shared vision of a gender-equal world. We cannot do this alone, and your continued commitment—through resources, collaboration, and advocacy—will allow us to reach further and achieve more.

We also extend thanks to our staff and advocacy team, whose dedication drives us forward. In the days ahead, you will see new colleagues joining us, bringing expertise, talent, passion and commitment. At the same time, we are strengthening governance and embedding systems of transparency, accountability, and sustainability that will support gender-transformative leadership at every level of our movement. 

As we close our current strategic plan, we look forward to sharing news of our next chapter and celebrating our 10th Anniversary with you at UNGA and beyond.

Thank you for walking this path with us. Together, we can shape the next decade of impact.

With gratitude and resolve,

Dr. Magda Robalo
Executive Director a.i WGH