Are you an African woman working in public health with a passion for gender equity? The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027 offers a chance to build your skills and lead change in global health systems. This one-year program targets early to mid-career professionals from Kenya and South Africa. It runs through a mix of online and in-person sessions. Applications start now, with a key deadline on May 22, 2026.
Program Overview
The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027 aims to grow the number of women leaders in public and global health. Organizers note a clear gap: plenty of talented women exist, but few safe spaces help them connect, learn gender-focused leadership, and push for fair health policies. This fellowship fills that need.
It comes from a partnership between 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 also supports it. Fellows get training in global health policy, leadership, sharing knowledge, and mentorship. Sessions use lectures, case studies, role plays, workshops, group talks, and personal reflection. Mentors guide participants along the way.
The program runs as a hybrid, blending online work with one in-person week in early 2027 in Kenya. This setup lets women balance their jobs while gaining skills.
Key Benefits
This fellowship provides real tools to advance your career. Here are the main perks:
- Expert Training: Workshops and sessions cover global health policy, gender equity, and leadership. Experts lead them with hands-on methods like role plays and discussions.
- One-on-One Mentorship: Each fellow pairs with a mentor for tailored advice.
- Leadership Project Support: Get help to plan and start your own project that tackles health leadership issues.
- Fully Funded In-Person Week: Covers travel, stay, and meals for the Kenya academy.
- Financial Stipend: Extra support to help during the program.
These elements create a full path to stronger leadership. Past cohorts have used these to influence policies and practices in their work.
Who Can Apply?
Not everyone qualifies, but if you match these points, you may fit well:
- Identify as a woman.
- Have 5 to 15 years in public health, at local, regional, or global levels.
- Hold a post-graduate degree or diploma in public health, health policy, health sciences, or related areas (master’s or PhD counts too).
- Work in public health policy, practice, teaching, or research.
- Show leadership through your job, studies, or community work.
- Live and work in Kenya or South Africa.
- Hold African nationality.
- Speak English fluently.
- Take time off for the one-week in-person event in Kenya in early 2027.
- Get a valid passport if needed for travel.
Selection looks for those who meet these and stand out in leadership potential. Only 18 fellows join the 2026-2027 group.
Application Steps
The process has two clear stages. Start early to meet deadlines.
Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Fill out the online form to show interest. It takes 15 to 20 minutes. Cover your background and fit. Submit by May 22, 2026. This opens the door.
Step 2: Full Application (By Invitation)
If your EOI fits, you get invited to send a full application. This happens by late June or early July 2026. From these, the top 18 fellows get picked.
Review all details on the official site before applying. Prepare documents like your CV, degree proofs, and leadership examples.
Why This Fellowship Matters Now
Global health needs more women in charge to fix inequities. This program builds that pipeline with practical skills and networks. Women from Kenya and South Africa gain tools to shape policies at home and beyond. With the deadline approaching, check your fit today. The hybrid format makes it open to busy professionals. Join a group of peers focused on real change in health systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027?
Women from Kenya or South Africa with 5-15 years in public health, a postgraduate degree, leadership experience, and fluent English qualify. You must be able to attend a one-week in-person event in Kenya.
What is the application deadline?
Submit your Expression of Interest by May 22, 2026. Invited full applications follow in late June or early July.
What does the program include?
It offers hybrid training in global health policy, leadership, and gender equity through lectures, workshops, mentorship, and a one-week in-person academy in Kenya.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes, it covers the in-person week with travel, stay, and meals, plus a financial stipend for support during the program.
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