Advancing Women’s Leadership for Better Eye Health

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On World Health Day, we want to highlight how essential it is for women and girls to have access to the eye care they need—not just for their vision but for their overall well-being.

While both men and women face challenges in accessing timely and affordable health services, women often encounter additional barriers. Social and economic factors, caregiving responsibilities, and limited decision-making power can make it harder for women to seek and receive care when they need it. Closing these gaps strengthens communities and improves health outcomes for everyone.

We believe that empowering female professionals in eye health is key to transforming healthcare systems. By investing in mentorship, professional development, and institutional support, we help women overcome obstacles in their careers—ultimately improving the delivery and accessibility of eye health services.

Dr. Nonhlanhla Majola, one of our Professional Development Grant awardees, shared a powerful reflection on the need for women in eye health to unite:

"Speaking to many female ophthalmologists from around the world, I’ve realized that we have common problems. We share more in common than we realize. Now, it’s time to work together to fight and solve those problems”.

Dr. Majola participated in the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) 2024 thanks to the WLEH Professional Development Grant. Through this opportunity, she connected with fellow female ophthalmologists and witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration in addressing gender disparities in healthcare.

Female providers play a crucial role in ensuring more patients, especially women and girls, receive the care they need. For that reason, investing in women’s leadership and professional growth within the health sector not only benefits their careers but also enhances the quality and reach of healthcare systems worldwide.

On World Health Day, we encourage healthcare professionals and global health partners to continue working together to strengthen healthcare systems that serve all.

By fostering leadership opportunities for women, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for generations to come.

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