On Pan African Women’s Day, we honour the legacy of women who led movements for justice, and celebrate those carrying it forward through bold, transformative leadership. At WomenLift Health, we are investing in the power of African women leaders whose voices, vision, and influence are reshaping health systems and societies across the continent.
We spoke to Dr. Mumba Chalwe, a passionate men’s health expert, global surgical advocate and immediate past President of Women in Surgery Africa, Dr. Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba, a leading voice in public health, immunization, and health security across Africa, with over 27 years of experience as a virologist, epidemiologist, and health policy strategist. Both are respected mentors in the WomenLift Health Southern Africa Leadership Journey, 2025. Joining them was Dr. Samukeliso Dube, Executive Director of FP2030 and a member of the WomenLift Health Advisory Board, whose fierce advocacy continues to advance gender equity in health leadership. Together, they reflect on the state of women’s leadership in Africa, and the road ahead.
Q: What does true liberation for African women look like to you?
Dr. Mumba Chalwe: True liberation is about equity, and balance, to not only be present but to be the architects of health systems, education strategies, and economic blueprints that uplift our people. Liberation for African women must be structural. It’s not just about the freedom to speak, it’s about having power in the rooms where policies are made, where budgets are allocated, and where futures are shaped.
Dr. Mazyanga Mazaba: For me, liberation is deeply rooted in agency. It’s when African women, from rural clinics to global boardrooms can lead without being silenced or second-guessed. When our lived experiences become policy priorities. When we are not tokens, but torchbearers. That’s liberation
Dr. Samukeliso Dube: Liberation means being free to lead, to dream, and to implement without limitations imposed by gendered expectations. It’s when African women no longer have to justify their presence in leadership spaces. It’s when our contributions are seen as essential, not exceptional.
Q: Why is women’s leadership essential to the wellbeing of African communities?
Dr. Dube: Women’s leadership is deeply connected to the realities on the ground. We lead from a place of empathy and lived experience. When African women shape policy, they bring with them the resilience of their communities, and that leads to more inclusive, sustainable solutions.
Dr. Chalwe: Women’s leadership is peculiar in several aspects, women bring a unique community lens, and it changes everything. This approach ensures we as providers centre dignity in development. We don’t just build operating theatres; we strategize on how to reach that last mile village.
Dr. Mazaba: It brings diverse perspectives, grounded experience, and inclusive solutions to the heart of public policy, health systems, and community development. We lead from the frontlines of care. African women have always been the first to respond to crisis – as health workers, mothers, farmers, teachers. When we lead at the policy level, we bring that deep, human wisdom into governance. We make decisions that protect life. That nourish hope.
Q: What barriers still stand in the way of African women’s full leadership?
Dr. Mazaba: The politics of funding and power. Women’s initiatives are underfunded. Our expertise is undervalued. And yet, we deliver the impact. These barriers are often interconnected and deeply rooted in social, economic, and institutional structures. We need to stop asking for a seat at the table, let alone being the menu and start building new tables — made by us, for us.
Dr. Chalwe: Systemic barriers from historically non inclusive approaches to leadership and governance are still a hinderance. We need to start to strategically dismantle old mindsets, and to understand the needs of today as well as the future.
Dr. Dube: Power dynamics and unequal access to resources continue to marginalise women’s leadership. Despite our impact, we are underfunded and overlooked. We need to shift from asking to be included to designing systems that reflect our realities from the start.
Q: What gives you hope about the future of African women’s leadership?
Dr. Dube: The next generation. They are bold, informed, and united. Young African women are not waiting for permission, they are taking the lead and creating networks of mutual empowerment. That shift gives me immense hope.
Dr. Chalwe: Seeing women leaders lifting each other. That’s what WomenLift Health embodies. It’s not about climbing alone, it’s about rising together, and making sure no one is left behind.
Dr. Mazaba: The future! The next generation is fierce. They are unafraid to claim space. They are unapologetic about wanting more and they are building communities of support, not competition. That solidarity is power. I add though with caution, that we need to hold their hands through mentorship before we let go of the baton.
Any last word?
Dr. Chalwe: African women are leading the charge and owning healthcare on the continent. It’s a marvel to watch us do it boldly, beautifully, and without compromise.
Dr. Dube: We are the daughters of giants. We honour them by leading with courage, conviction, and a deep commitment to transformation
Dr. Mazaba: I leave with a quote – “True leadership is not about rising above others, but about rising with them through lifting voices, building systems, and mentoring the next generation to lead even better.”