Women In Innovation

Overview

WIIN is a series of discussions with women leaders hosted by IFPMA. Its aim is to mobilize and help advance women in technology and science.

The purpose of the discussions is to emphasize the fact that innovation is, always has been, and always will be gender agnostic.

WIIN also reflects a sense of urgency. Without women taking part in policymaking, business, and innovation, we will not be able to achieve the 2030 SDGs.

Historically, women have been excluded from decision-making spaces that affect their health and well-being. Voice, participation, and leadership are vital for the empowerment of women.

Yacine Djibo

Founder and Executive Director, Speak Up Africa

Sustainable health and gender equality are inextricably linked. By unleashing the economic power of women to drive innovations that improve education and health, we ensure stronger communities and better lives for all.”

Fumie Griego

Deputy Director General and Chief Operating Officer, IFPMA

Empower a woman, empower a nation.

Dr Eva Njenga

Member, Global NCD Alliance and Chairperson of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board

The economic and social imperative for women’s economic power is clear: greater gender equality boosts economic growth, which in turn leads to better development outcomes.

Desiree Joule-Adam

Deputy Director of Communications & Development, African Women’s Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC)

Launched in 2021

The inaugural WIIN took place on International Women’s Day 2021 as part of Africa Health Agenda International Conference. Hosted by IFPMA, it was a virtual event called “Providing leadership, creating solutions and driving change.” Read more about WIIN 2021 here.

The second dialogue, titled “Women-led innovation in Africa: Achieving sustainable health and gender equality on the continent”, took place during Speak Up Africa’s African LeadHERS Forum in 2022, and was co-hosted by IFPMA. Read more about WIIN 2022 here.

Women in STEM in the global health security context

Women account for 30% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s researchers and innovators. They face limited access to funding and skills gaps that are key to business enterprises’ formation, scale-up, and sustainability.

In light of this, IFPMA and Speak Up Africa held a virtual discussion at the Galien Forum Africa titled “Women in STEM in the global health security context” and focused on scientific innovation and gender equality.

Women’s Innovators Incubator

The Women Innovators Incubator, an IFPMA and Speak Up Africa initiative, supports innovation by African women. It also helps women tackle the extra challenges they face when it comes to taking their business ideas from concept to reality.

Find out more