Heroines of Health 2023 Award Gala
24 July 2023
Driving Change for Safe Maternity and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Africa
The Heroines of Health Gala Event was a celebration of courage, dedication, and resilience as it recognized the remarkable contributions of 12 outstanding women health workers working to deliver Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) health services in Africa.
The event was opened by renowned international broadcaster, Ms Femi Oke, to a room alive with energy, anticipation and pride. Held on the sidelines of the Women Deliver Conference in the Marriott ballroom in Kigali, it was the first time in its six year history that the awards were held in Africa and honored African women exclusively.
The ballroom reflected the colorful cultures and backgrounds of the Heroines of Health with more than 120 attendees present to join in the celebration. Dressed in traditional clothing from their respective regions, the Heroines created a breathtaking tapestry of hues and patterns, symbolizing the diversity and unity of their shared mission.
From Ethiopia to Ghana, the Heroines were recognized for their exceptional contributions to advancing safe maternity and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) amidst a global campaign threatening decades of progress for the rights of women and girls.
Beyond the celebrations, the event serves as a rallying cry to amplify the call for gender equity and accelerated progress in global health. Whether it’s the pandemic or the backlash on women’s rights, women are coming together calling for a new social contract for women health and care workers based on fair pay, equal leadership and safe and decent work.
Heroines highlighted the need for more resources, support, and recognition for women health workers on the frontlines, who often face barriers in their efforts to deliver SRHR services and protect the rights of women and girls. The gala served as a catalyst for change, igniting a collective determination among attendees and the global community to stand behind these Heroines and push for gender transformative change in health.
About the event
The Heroines of Health Gala was not only a celebration but also a powerful platform to honor those brave women who work in the toughest conditions to support communities and save lives. Their dedication and sacrifice were acknowledged and appreciated by all present, creating a profound sense of gratitude and respect in the room. Each Heroine’s story illuminated the challenges they faced and the immense impact they have made, showcasing their commitment to the well-being of women and girls and the protection of their rights.
As the night came to a close, it left a lasting impression on everyone present, serving as a reminder that the heroic efforts of these women must be celebrated and supported year-round. The event’s impact reverberated far beyond the Marriott ballroom, inspiring a wave of positive change and renewed commitment to championing the cause of Heroines of Health everywhere.
Dr Roopa Dhatt, Executive Director of Women in Global Health opened the ceremony, outlining the focus of the event, “This year, the Heroines honored are working in the context of a growing, well organized and well funded pushback against women’s rights. We hear from our Women in Global Health members that it is increasingly hard for them to provide the services they are trained to give and the services which their communities need. We hear from women health workers that they are suffering from moral injury as they are prevented from delivering the health services that women need, even when a woman’s life is threatened. We hear the concerns from the frontlines as they face threats of legal actions, intimidation and violence to dissuade them from providing comprehensive care.”
Moderator Ms Femi Oke, the esteemed international broadcaster and journalist, launched the event program with a spoken word piece “Beyond Applause” written for the occasion by Mumbi Macharia, a young Kenyan poet.
As part of the keynote address, Hon Mary Robinson, first woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, spoke about the importance of women in the health workforce. “Women can be leaders at all levels from frontline community health service delivery to global health policy making. Decision making in health is more effective when informed by the expertise and diverse perspectives of women health workers,” she said.
Guest speaker Prof. Flavia Senkubuge, Deputy Dean Stakeholder relations at the University of Pretoria, Chair of the WHO/Afro African Advisory committee for research and development and Women in Global Health Chapter lead, South Africa spoke on behalf of the Women in Global Health chapters about the importance of the movement in advancing gender equity for women in the health workforce.
“There is no doubt that effective and efficient provision of healthcare for women results in stronger and healthier communities,” she said.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Chief Executive Officer of Amref Health Africa announced the first set of Heroines as follows:
- Ms. Worknesh Kereta, Ethiopia
- Ms. Afi Kpaba, Togo
- Ms. Phylis Mbeke Ndolo, Kenya
- Ms. Rukaya Mumuni, Ghana
The four Heroines spoke about their work to champion the rights of women and girls for SRHR. Listing some key achievements in their work, they called on global health leaders to take action to safeguard the rights of women and girls.
Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand presented the second set of awards under the theme of Safe Maternity and the Role of Community Health Workers.
The awardees were:
- Ms. Mary William Brown, Malawi
- Ms Joséphine Djiboune, Senegal
- Ms. Prossy Muyingo, Uganda,
- Ms. Konolbé Yvette Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso
Hon. Dr. Wilhemina S. Jallah, Minister of Health of the Republic of Liberia presented the last set of 2023 awards, recognizing those who were leading change for women’s health and women’s rights. They were:
- Prof. Hadiza Shehu Galadanci, Nigeria
- Dr. Elizabeth Igaga, Uganda
- Dr. Gwladys Kouakou, Côte d’Ivoire
- Ms. Meskerem Setegne, Ethiopia
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa Center for Disease Control presented two awards to Heroines of Health 2022 Awardees, Ms. Anita Kouvahey-Eklu, from Togo, and Ms. Ana Temba, from Tanzania, who due to unforeseen circumstances were not able to travel to last year’s event to accept their awards in person.
Towards the end of the program, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization delivered a video address in which he recognized the achievements of the Heroines present, signaling a commitment to their cause to realize women’s right to health, recognizing that SRHR are central to health services.
“All over the world midwives and community health workers provide vital, life-saving care to women and girls, especially for underserved groups in remote areas. Yet their invaluable contributions and needs are often ignored,” he said.
Dr Roopa Dhatt closed the event thanking the Heroines for their work to advance the rights of women and girls worldwide. She also thanked the nominating partners who brought the 2023 Heroines of Health to Women in Global Health’s attention making the event possible: Amref, Community Health Impact Coalition, EngenderHealth, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Grand Challenges Canada, Integrate Health, Muso, Pathfinder International, Sabin Vaccine Institute, Smile Train and Partners in Health.
Finally, congratulations to all the 2023 Heroines of Health, you inspire us all with your commitment to health and gender equality. This is just the beginning, with your help we will continue to mobilize and lead change for advancing the rights of women and girls in global health!
Download this year’s Heroines of Health booklet and learn more about the women working on the frontlines of health systems to safeguard the rights of women and girls worldwide.
Don’t miss out on the event recording.
