Empowering African Women in Digital Health at Geneva Digital Health Day
15 July 2024
Imagine walking into a venue buzzing with energy and ambition. That’s exactly what it felt like at the Geneva Digital Health Day on May 30th. The African Women in Digital Health (AWiDH) initiative held a session that highlighted the incredible strides African women are making in the digital health sector. Bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, AWiDH fosters collaboration and leadership among women in digital health. Through targeted training, a supportive network, and increased visibility for women entrepreneurs and innovators, AWiDH empowers these women to turn their ambitions into reality. They’re not just talking about change; they’re making it happen by closing the digital gender gap and creating a thriving community of female leaders in digital health.
Unique challenges faced by African Women
During the workshop, participants highlighted the unique challenges African women face in the digital health sector, emphasizing how socio-cultural norms exacerbate these issues. Despite being the driving force behind many entrepreneurial ventures globally, African women encounter significant barriers rooted in traditional gender roles, expectations around marriage, and limited access to education and technology.
For instance, in Senegal, 36% of women reported literacy as a barrier to mobile access compared to just 12% of men. This disparity is not just a matter of education but is deeply influenced by cultural expectations that prioritize men’s education and professional advancement over women’s. In many African societies, women are expected to fulfill domestic roles, and their involvement in technology and digital jobs is often discouraged. Marriage and family obligations further restrict their ability to pursue careers in digital health, as societal norms often dictate that women should prioritize household responsibilities over professional development.
Additionally, only about 30% of the African population has internet access, with women frequently excluded from digital jobs and networks. This exclusion is compounded by socio-cultural constraints that limit women’s mobility and access to technology. For example, in some communities, women may need permission from male family members to attend training programs or use the internet, significantly hindering their full participation in the digital health economy. Addressing these barriers through inclusive strategies is essential to ensure that women are not only participants but also leaders and innovators in the digital health space.
An opportunity to foster sisterhood and empowerment
As the insightful conversation continued to unfold, participants underscored the importance of networks like AWiDH in overcoming the previously mentioned challenges. Beyond its primary missions, AWiDH is also a vital support group that fosters sisterhood and empowerment for African women in digital health. The sense of community and solidarity within AWiDH provides a safe space for women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, creating a nurturing environment that encourages personal and professional growth.
Mentorship and sisterhood, combined with capacity building on soft skills, were highlighted as key components of this support system. Participants stressed that mentorship programs within AWiDH help women navigate the socio-cultural barriers they face, offering guidance, inspiration, and practical advice. The network also focuses on developing soft skills such as leadership, communication, and negotiation, which are crucial for women to thrive in the digital health sector.
By leveraging these opportunities, AWiDH empowers African women to become influential leaders and innovators in digital health, helping to bridge the digital divide and foster an inclusive digital health ecosystem across the continent. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate barriers but also cultivates a long-term cultural shift towards gender equity in digital health.
Looking ahead
AWiDH is poised to continue its impactful journey with the upcoming release of the African Digital Health Equity Roadmap at the Africa Health Tech Summit in Kigali later this year. This roadmap will provide actionable steps to bridge the digital divide and foster an inclusive digital health ecosystem across the continent. It will focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, improving access to digital tools, and supporting capacity-building initiatives for African women. The roadmap will also highlight successful case studies and best practices that can be replicated and scaled across different regions.
Get involved
For those inspired to be part of this transformative movement, AWiDH warmly welcomes women to join our network dedicated to advancing inclusion, leadership, and innovation for African women in digital health across the continent. By becoming a member, you will connect with a vibrant community of professionals, gain access to exclusive events, and actively contribute to impactful initiatives aimed at bridging gender gaps in digital health.
For more information on the AWiDH initiative, please contact Khadidia Diakhaby (khadidia.diakhaby@speakupafrica.org).
