The transformative role of women in digital health remains not only underappreciated but, in many instances, unrecognized. The African Women in Digital Health (AWiDH) initiative was conceived during a series of impactful conversations in Dakar in March 2022, is a timely response to this stark imbalance.

This initiative is not only a response to the obvious gender disparities in digital health, but also a transformative movement born of ambition and purpose: to ensure African women lead and shape the digital health landscape across the continent, taking their rightful place at the forefront of innovation and progress.

The journey from vision to reality has been marked by milestones of collaboration and progress. From its inception, AWiDH has been fueled by a simple yet powerful belief: empowering women in digital health is essential to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s digital future. This initiative serves as a blueprint for a more inclusive and equitable health system—one where the contributions of women are valued and amplified. AWiDH is a testament to the power of collaboration. From a brainstorming session in Dakar to its official recognition by the Africa CDC as a flagship, and finally, to its official launch at the Conference on Public Health in Africa and Africa Health Tech Summit in Kigali, December 2022, the initiative has gained momentum thanks to the dedication of partners who share its vision.

Watch this video to learn more about AWiDH’s journey from the very beginning.