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Inspiring Stories

Improving Gender Equity in Global Health Research: A cross-cultural conversation

What will it take to increase the number of women in leadership roles in the field of health research?

In this exciting conversation with three accomplished leaders in health research, we explore how the sharing of experiences can help us build networks, foster mentorship, and better understand the unique challenges facing female health researchers across the globe.

Watch the video: Hear researchers Grace Mzumara (Malawi), Glenda Ernst (Argentina), and Sylvie KwedieNolna (Cameroon) share their cross-cultural experiences of gender-based challenges in professional advancement.

Grace Mzumara

Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust-
MALAWI

"What I enjoy most about being a researcher is answering questions about health problems that surround me. My dream is to use research to make the right decisions in national and international policies."

To overcome impostor syndrome, I am learning to 'tell myself a different story'. That means, when I feel like I don't belong in a place, I have to consciously tell myself that I qualify to be there and that I belong."

To improve womens participation in research, I have found that women respond to seeing other women succeed. It makes us believe that if 'she' did it, 'I' can do it too. Research institutions should also take the time to find out how to support the women they work with."

Glenda Ernst

Scientific Advisory Committee Coordinator, Britanic Hospital - ARGENTINA

"Diseases and treatments are dynamic, studying them is a constant need to optimise diagnostics and treatment. I'm passionate about disseminating findings to healthworkers, the transfer of materials through borders, and the global collaboration for health research"

"To improve gender equity in leadership roles, it is necessary to strengthen women's capacities and linkages by working as a team to defend equal gender rights."

"My advice is that regardless of the gender of your team members, be pioneers in decision making and team organization. Establish a consensual planning of tasks and work to achieve them without ever allowing any of the priorities to be neglected because of gender or power issues."

Sylvie Kwedi Nolna

Public Health Researcher, University of Yaoundé - CAMEROON

"I was inspired to work in health research as I realized that I needed to help Cameroon and I do that by learning, contributing my knowledge, and working with the community to improve health."

"I assert my authority from the very beginning. If I am still not getting the respect I deserve as a leader, I speak with the person individually. If that does not work, I call on the hierarchy or the justice system.

In Africa, social norms have to change and allow for women to have authority when needed."

Inspiring Stories

Improving Gender Equity in Global Health Research: A cross-cultural conversation

Grace Mzumara

Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust- MALAWI

Glenda Ernst

Scientific Advisory Committee Coordinator, Britanic Hospital - ARGENTINA

Sylvie Kwedi Nolna

Public Health Researcher, University of Yaoundé - CAMEROON

Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust-
MALAWI