About Heroines of Health
The Heroines of Health Awards began in 2017 to amplify the platform for women’s contributions to health, which are immense but go largely unrecognized. Women deliver health, men lead it.
Inspired by the wealth of talent of women working in health, Women in Global Health launched this one-of-a-kind recognition to celebrate women from all walks and backgrounds. The event provides Heroines with a platform to voice their greatest concerns to global leaders and to transform our societies to be more gender equitable in health.
To date, Women in Global Health have recognized 53 inspirational leaders as Heroines of Health from all over the world. Each Heroine has made outstanding contributions to health, and to the campaign for gender equity in global health. This year, we have the great pleasure to introduce the women receiving the 17 Heroines of Health Awards in 2022.
The 2022 Leading Change: Heroines of Health Gala took place on the sidelines of the World Health Summit in Berlin, on October 17 – 2022.
Learn more about Heroines of Health
Meet the 2022 Heroines of Health
The diverse group of Heroines selected this year come from Africa, Americas, Middle East, Asia and Europe and from different specialties within the health sector. We trust you will enjoy reading their remarkable stories. A common theme is overcoming adversity to deliver the best possible services to patients.
Although women are the majority of health workers, they are frequently marginalized in leadership; underpaid and unpaid; and not adequately protected from physical and mental harm. We celebrate Heroines of Health today and beyond applause, call for a new social contract for women in health that recognizes their contribution. Women in the health sector want the means – decent work, safety, dignity, fair pay and equal leadership – to do their jobs better so they can deliver the best possible health services for everyone. We honor them and value their work.