Apply for Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026

Application Deadline for Expression of Interest (EOI): May 22, 2026

About the Fellowship

A year-long fellowship aimed at advancing the leadership skills of talented African women who are passionate about gender equity in global health systems has been designed. A comprehensive curriculum in global health policy, leadership, knowledge translation and mentorship skills delivered by experts through innovative lectures, case studies, role plays, workshops, discussion forums and reflective exercises is included in the fellowship, all while being supported by an amazing group of mentors. In collaboration between the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Canada), the Moi University School of Public Health (Kenya) and the University of Cape Town School of Public Health (South Africa), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, this program was created. The State of Women and Leadership in Global Health: The following data is highlighted by The State of Women and Leadership in Global Health, Policy Report, Women in Global Health Series, March 2023: women hold around 70% of health worker jobs globally, over 80% of nursing and over 90% of midwifery roles, deliver the majority of unpaid care and domestic work in families and communities, and make the majority of health purchasing and usage decisions. An estimated US$ 3 trillion is contributed annually to global health by women, half in the form of unpaid work. Yet only 25% of leadership roles in health are held by women.

Purpose

A pressing need to improve the pipeline of women leaders working in public and global health exists. No shortage of women leaders is believed to exist. What is missing are safe spaces where women can share their experiences with other like-minded peers while being exposed to gender transformative leadership, training tools and role models that can help them push forward more equitable health policies and practices.

Why This Fellowship Matters

A critical paradox is addressed by the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship: the majority of the global health workforce (70% of health worker jobs, over 80% of nursing and over 90% of midwifery roles) is formed by women, yet only 25% of leadership roles in health are held by them. This gap is not due to a shortage of talented women, but rather a shortage of safe spaces, mentorship, and gender-transformative leadership development.

This gap is filled by the fellowship through several approaches:

• Women from Kenya and South Africa are brought together to learn from each other’s experiences and build cross-national solidarity
• A comprehensive curriculum in global health policy, leadership, knowledge translation, and mentorship is provided
• Personalized mentorship from senior global health leaders is offered
• The design of a leadership project that advances gender equity in health systems is supported
• Financial barriers are removed through fully funded in-person training and a living stipend
• A lasting alumni network of women leaders committed to health equity is built

For early to mid-career African women working in public health policy, practice, teaching, or research, a transformative leadership development experience is offered by this fellowship.

Registration for the 2026/27 Cohort is Now Open

Eligibility Criteria:

All of the following requirements must be met by applicants:

• Identification as a woman is required
• An early-mid career professional (5–15 years of experience in public health doing local, regional or global health work) is required
• Post-graduate education in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Sciences and/or related fields (post-grad diploma or certificate, master’s or PhD) must be possessed
• A role focused on public health policy, practice, teaching and/or research must be held
• Leadership qualities (through work, education or community service) must be demonstrable
• Residence and work in Kenya or South Africa is required
• An African national is required
• Fluency in English is required
• A leave of absence must be taken to attend a one-week in-person leadership academy in early 2027 in Kenya
• A valid passport (for travel to Kenya) must be obtained
• Employer support to be part of the program is required

Fellowship Competencies

The following competencies are expected to be gained by participants throughout the program:

• Gender Equity and Intersectional Analysis: The ability to apply an intersectional and/or gender equity lens to health systems and/or health systems research
• Global Health Policy and Advocacy: The ability to work around policy development, communication, cohesion, and advocacy to address the political environment and organizational culture of health institutions
• Leadership: The ability to create a vision which empowers others, fosters collaboration, leads, guides decision-making and supports diverse team members, to recognize and challenge gender inequity within their organization
• Mentorship: The ability to develop and realize their leadership potential, their skillset, recognize opportunities for change, and optimize institutional resources to promote gender equity through their work

Fellowship Phases (12 Months)

Pre-Start:

• An information package (with information for in-person sessions) is provided
• A pre-survey to gauge knowledge, skills, needs and expectations is administered

Phase 1 (Online):

• Online learning sessions on global health, gender equity, policy and knowledge translation are delivered
• Individual and group work, readings, reflexive exercises are included
• Guest lecturers are featured

Phase 2 (Hybrid):

• Online learning sessions are continued
• Intensive one-week in-person training and guest speakers are provided
• Mentor matching and mentorship training take place

Phase 3 (Online):

• One-on-one mentorship sessions and training are conducted
• A leadership project is developed and presented
• Exit interviews and recommendations for the next fellowship cohort are completed

Post-Fellowship:

• An invitation to participate in the alumni network and/or to become an advisor to future cohorts is extended

Sample Learning Sessions:

• Gender frameworks and case studies
• Global health leadership
• Socio-cultural influences on policy
• Knowledge translation
• Conflict resolution
• Leadership styles
• Reflective leadership

Benefits of the Fellowship Journey

Beyond a curriculum in global health policy, gender equity and leadership, this hybrid fellowship journey includes:

• Training and workshops delivered by experts
• Personalized mentorship
• Guidance in the design of a leadership project
• Fully funded one-week in-person training (including transportation, accommodation, and meals)
• A financial stipend (living and family support stipend to cover lost wages, child or elder care, or other expenses to support full participation in the program)

In-Person Training: Attendance at the one-week in-person training is expected of all participants. Transportation, accommodations and meals will be provided.

Application Process

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI): Registration through the online EOI form is invited from all candidates to show their interest in the fellowship. Only 15–20 minutes should be needed to complete it.

Step 2: Full Application (Invitation Only): Candidates whose EOI meets or exceeds the eligibility and selection criteria will be invited to submit a full application. From this pool, the final 18 fellows for the 2026/27 cohort will be selected.

Key Dates

• EOI Deadline: May 22, 2026
• Full Application Deadline (by invitation only): End of June or early July, 2026

To submit an expression of interest, download the EOI Instructions Form.

For More Information: Visit the Official Dalla Lana School of Public Health Women in Global Health Page