“In health development, as in many other areas, women are agents of change. They are the driving force that creates better lives for families, communities, and increasingly, the countries they have been elected to govern. Every time a woman excels in a high-profile position, her achievement lifts the social status of women everywhere.”
Margaret Chan (Message on International Women`s Day, 2014)
In November 2014, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and the Lancet launched a Twitter campaign aimed at showcasing female leadership in global health. The first 300 nominations of women leaders working to promote global health were compiled and highlighted. Featured in this list is the Alliance`s very-own Maryam Bigdeli, who was included among many prominent researchers, health systems leaders and decision-makers. The Alliance would also like to recognize other women who made the list who have contributed to the Alliance`s work over the years including: Irene Agyepong, Sara Bennett, Asha George, Lucy Gilson, Trisha Greenhalgh, Sarah Hawkes, Marie-Paule Kieny, Di McIntyre, Anne Mills, Sania Nishtar, Sujatha Rao, Tanya Seshadri, and Jeanette Vega.
The Alliance is committed to improving gender equity in health by supporting research opportunities for women scientists, leaders, and decision-makers in LMICs. The percent of female researchers undertaking Alliance-funded HPSR studies in LMICs reached 51% in 2014.
Congratulations to all in being recognized for advancing the voice and position of women in global health!