Women doctors urged to embrace leadership, mentorship for healthcare transformation

Organisers of the Global Africa Women in Medicine (GAWIM) Summit have stressed the importance of mentorship and leadership development among female doctors to drive transformation in Africa’s healthcare sector.

The call comes ahead of the 2026 GAWIM Summit organised by the Excellence in Medicine Ladies Network, which is aimed at strengthening leadership capacity among women in medicine across the continent.

The founder of the GAWIM Summit and the Excellence in Medicine Ladies Network, Dr Olajumoke Ladapo, said the initiative was designed to prepare female doctors for leadership roles in healthcare administration, academia and corporate governance.

According to her, the platform seeks to bridge the gap between clinical practice and executive leadership while creating opportunities for mentorship and global collaboration among female health professionals.

“We are redefining what leadership in medicine looks like together. Our goal is to equip the next generation of female doctors with the tools, mentorship and global networks needed to transform healthcare systems globally,” Ladapo said.

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She added that the summit would serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation across Africa by encouraging women in medicine to move beyond clinical roles into decision-making and policy-influencing positions.

Ladapo noted that the event would feature panel discussions and networking sessions aimed at addressing systemic challenges in the health sector while motivating women to take up leadership responsibilities.

She also disclosed that the summit would include a special tribute to African women who have made significant contributions to healthcare innovation and public health.

The 2026 GAWIM Summit will be held on March 21, 2026, at Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the theme, “Sustaining Leadership: From Practice to Boardroom”.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, will deliver the keynote address, while the Chief Executive Officer of JBS Gerontology Center/Medicare Services, Dr OluToyin Akande-Ajala, will chair the event.

Other speakers expected at the summit include the Chief Medical Director of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr Oluwabunmi Fatungase; the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Ogun State, Dr Olayinka Elemide; Dr Moyosore Taiwo Makinde; Dr Olusegun Adebisi; Dr Oge Ilegbune; and Dr Francisca Inofomoh.