Applications are now open for the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027. This program aims to build leadership skills among African women working in public and global health. It offers a year-long hybrid experience with training, mentorship, and hands-on projects to promote gender equity in health systems.
Program Overview
The fellowship addresses a key gap: more women leaders are needed in public health. Organizers note that while talented women exist, they often lack safe spaces for growth, role models, and tools to drive fair health policies. This initiative creates those opportunities through expert-led sessions on global health policy, leadership, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.
Partners include the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health in Canada, Moi University School of Public Health in Kenya, and University of Cape Town School of Public Health in South Africa. The Mastercard Foundation supports the effort. Fellows join a supportive peer group for lectures, case studies, workshops, role plays, discussions, and personal reflection.
Key Benefits
Participants gain a full curriculum on global health policy, gender equity, and leadership. The program also provides:
- Expert training and workshops.
- One-on-one mentorship.
- Help designing a personal leadership project.
- A fully funded one-week in-person academy in early 2027 in Kenya, covering travel, lodging, and meals.
- A financial stipend for support.
These elements help early- to mid-career women advance their careers and impact health equity.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Identify as a woman.
- Have 5 to 15 years of experience in public health at local, regional, or global levels.
- Hold postgraduate education in public health, health policy, health sciences, or related fields (diploma, master’s, or PhD).
- Work in public health policy, practice, teaching, or research.
- Show leadership through work, education, or community service.
- Live and work in Kenya or South Africa.
- Be an African national.
- Speak English fluently.
- Take time off for the one-week in-person event in Kenya.
- Secure a valid passport for travel.
Application Process
The process has two steps. First, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the online form. This takes 15 to 20 minutes and is due by May 22, 2026. Shortlisted candidates receive an invitation for a full application, due in late June or early July 2026. From there, 18 fellows will be selected for the 2026-2027 cohort.
For full details and to apply, visit the official fellowship page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027?
You can apply if you identify as a woman, have 5-15 years of public health experience, hold postgraduate education in a related field, live and work in Kenya or South Africa, and meet other criteria like fluency in English and a valid passport.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
The program provides expert training, one-on-one mentorship, a personal leadership project, a fully funded one-week in-person academy in Kenya, and a financial stipend to support your growth in health leadership.
When is the application deadline?
Submit your Expression of Interest by May 22, 2026; shortlisted candidates will then submit a full application in late June or early July 2026.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Start by submitting a 15-20 minute Expression of Interest via the online form on the official fellowship page, then follow up with a full application if shortlisted.
Conversation
0 Comments