Dr Matshidiso Moeti, regional director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO), has become an advocate for disability rights and gender equity within the continent’s health systems.

Ms Moeti disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Sunday on the sidelines of the WomenLift Health Global Conference 2024, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The conference, themed “REIMAGINING LEADERSHIP: NEW APPROACHES TO NEW CHALLENGES,” aims to highlight actions in advancing women’s leadership in health systems. 

She shared anecdotes and outlined her vision for promoting inclusivity and fairness in health policies and leadership structures across African countries.

She pleaded for greater attention for disability rights, which stems from both personal experience and a deep commitment to social justice.

Recalling the struggles her sister went through to get education and employment for her son with cerebral palsy, she regretted the systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, even in relatively privileged families.

She narrated how her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023, resulting in a loss of vision in her left eye.

She said that this personal encounter with disability prompted her to become actively involved in disability advocacy, with a focus on policy integration and creating opportunities for marginalised groups.

In addition to her advocacy for disability rights, she emphasised the critical importance of gender equity in leadership positions within the WHO and other organisations.

She stressed the need for male leaders to actively support gender equality initiatives and create inclusive work environments that empower women to pursue leadership roles.

Furthermore, she addressed recent incidents of sexual exploitation within the organisation, emphasising the importance of transparent and accountable responses.

She called for male leadership involvement in promoting a safe and respectful workplace culture, underscoring the collective responsibility of all leaders to address such issues effectively.

The conference aims to explore innovative approaches to gender equality as well as women’s leadership in global health systems. 

Over the next three days, participants will engage in discussions and workshops aimed at advancing women’s leadership and gender equality in the field of health.

The conference promises to be a pivotal moment in the journey towards achieving gender equality in health leadership, with participants eager to contribute to meaningful change in the field.

(NAN)