The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27 offers African women in public health a chance to build strong leadership skills. Applications are now open for this year-long program. It targets professionals in Kenya and South Africa who want to promote gender equity in health systems.
This fellowship comes from a partnership between the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Moi University School of Public Health in Kenya, and the University of Cape Town School of Public Health in South Africa. The Mastercard Foundation supports it too. The program helps women move into leadership roles, since women make up most health workers but hold few top positions.
Key Facts About the Fellowship
Women form about 70% of health workers worldwide, over 80% of nurses, and more than 90% of midwives. They also handle much unpaid care at home. Still, they fill only 25% of health leadership jobs. The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27 fixes this gap. It creates spaces for women to learn, connect, and lead in public and global health.
The program mixes academic training, mentorship, peer talks, and hands-on practice. It focuses on African women to build better health policies.
Main Goals of the Program
The fellowship has clear aims:
- Build leadership skills for African women in public health.
- Teach ways to change gender roles in leadership.
- Push for fair health policies and practices.
- Create mentorship and networks for women leaders.
- Train in policy work, advocacy, and sharing knowledge.
- Encourage teamwork among African health pros.
These goals help women shape health systems across Africa.
What Participants Will Learn
Fellows in the 2026/27 group will study key topics like global health policy, leadership growth, gender equity in health, knowledge sharing, mentorship skills, advocacy, communication, and reflective practices. They learn through lectures, case studies, workshops, role plays, discussions, exercises, and mentor help.
Experts in public and global health guide them. This setup gives real tools for leadership.
In-Person Leadership Academy
A highlight is the one-week academy in Kenya in early 2027. Fellows must travel there and have a valid passport. The event offers networking, problem-solving, coaching, policy talks, and learning from other countries. It builds strong bonds among leaders.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
To join, you must:
- Be a woman.
- Hold African nationality.
- Live and work in Kenya or South Africa.
- Have 5 to 15 years in public or global health.
- Hold a postgraduate degree in public health, health policy, health sciences, or similar.
- Work in policy, practice, research, or teaching in public health.
- Show leadership potential or experience.
- Speak English well.
- Attend the Kenya academy.
These rules ensure the right fit for the program.
Benefits for Selected Fellows
Fellows get many gains:
Advanced Training
Special sessions build leadership in health settings.
Mentorship
Pairing with pros for career advice and coaching.
Networking
Join networks of African women and global health experts.
Policy Skills
Tools to shape health policies and fight for gender equity.
Career Boost
Higher visibility and more leadership chances.
Peer Learning
Work with others on shared health issues for lasting ties.
These perks support long-term success.
How to Apply
The process has two steps.
Step 1: Expression of Interest
Fill the online form in 15-20 minutes. It takes about 15-20 minutes. Strong ones advance.
Deadline: May 22, 2026.
Step 2: Full Application
Invited shortlisted people submit more details. This picks the final 18 fellows.
Full deadline: Late June or early July 2026.
Apply at the official site: University of Toronto page.
Why Join This Fellowship
Health systems in Africa face big challenges. Women leaders can drive fair solutions. The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27 gives skills, networks, and confidence to lead. It turns women pros into influencers for better public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27?
You must be a woman of African nationality living and working in Kenya or South Africa, with 5 to 15 years in public or global health, a postgraduate degree, leadership potential, and good English skills.
What does the fellowship program offer?
It provides academic training, mentorship, peer discussions, hands-on practice, and a one-week in-person leadership academy in Kenya in early 2027.
How do you apply for the fellowship?
First, submit an Expression of Interest online by May 22, 2026. Shortlisted candidates then send a full application by late June or early July 2026.
What benefits do selected fellows receive?
Fellows gain advanced training, mentorship, networking, policy skills, career boosts, and peer learning to help them lead in public health.
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