Breaking Barriers: AMPATH Women in Leadership Program Paves the Way for Change
In global health, women form the backbone of care, comprising 75% of the workforce. Yet, they hold just 25% of the leadership positions. This highlights a critical leadership gap—one that the AMPATH Women in Leadership (WIL) Program is determined to bridge.
Members of the AMPATH Women in Leadership Program and Lilly CHA Team members
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reflect on the remarkable journey of this program and the milestones that have shaped its impact.
The WIL Program was launched to strategically position women for leadership opportunities and foster impactful change in global health. Designed as a structured mentorship initiative, it brings together women from throughout the AMPATH partnership, including Moi University, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to develop essential leadership skills, build professional networks and champion inclusivity.
“The Women in Leadership Mentorship Program strives to prepare women for leadership by developing their leadership competencies, creating and strengthening the institutional structures for leadership support among women, and developing a woman’s community of support. We believe that this program will continue to create a platform for women to bring forward their voices” said Professor Mabel Nangami, PhD, one of the program founders, lecturer at Moi University School of Public Health and former dean of the Moi University School of Public Health.
From Concept to Action: Milestones in Women’s Leadership
The CHA Pilot Program: A Transformational Start
The WIL program grew from Lilly’s Connecting Hearts Abroad (CHA) program. CHA is a Lilly signature program where volunteers work alongside underserved communities across the globe.
In 2023, a Lilly CHA project with AMPATH and Indiana University Center for Global Health Equity, sought to identify barriers women face in leadership, provide mentorship, and empower them with leadership training. The project’s initial success set the stage for the WIL initiative, creating an opportunity for cross-cultural mentorship and sustainable leadership development.
Expanding the Network:
Recognizing the need for structured training, a comprehensive WIL curriculum was developed by the initial cohort of WIL participants in July 2024. This curriculum focuses on key leadership competencies such as:
strategic thinking
communication
conflict resolution
emotional intelligence
decision-making
Additionally, it addresses socio-cultural barriers that often hinder women from advancing in leadership roles. The program is designed to be interactive and blends lectures, mentorship sessions, and real-world leadership challenges to create a transformative experience. The program appreciates the support of male colleagues and allies including MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa.
Building on the success of the pilot phase, the selection process for the second WIL cohort commenced in late 2024, attracting a diverse pool of mentees and mentors eager to step into leadership roles.
“The curriculum not only focuses on theory, as theoretical knowledge is not enough. True leadership skills are honed through lived experiences, and that is what makes mentorship powerful,” said Dr. Florence Jaguga, principal investigator for the WIL program. “When seasoned leaders share their journeys—the triumphs, the setbacks, the lessons—it accelerates the growth of young women stepping into leadership roles. They can navigate challenges faster and with fewer mistakes because they have guidance from those who’ve walked the path before them.”
A Grand Celebration: The Official Program Launch
The official launch of the WIL program in September 2024 was a landmark event and an evening of powerful dialogue on the importance of amplifying women’s voices and breaking systemic barriers in the workplace.
The event saw an incredible turnout of mentors, mentees key stakeholders, and the Lilly CHA participating team all gathered with a shared vision: to champion women’s leadership in healthcare. The panel discussion was particularly engaging, as female leaders and male allies explored the unique challenges women face in leadership, while also offering practical solutions to bridge the gender gap.
The evening was further enriched by a keynote address from Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor Hon. Arthur Odera, who emphasized the importance of mentorship and institutional support in advancing gender equity. Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu, an established leader in global health, shared her powerful journey, inspiring young women to take up leadership roles unapologetically. Their words resonated with attendees, reinforcing the need for collective efforts in breaking barriers.
The night concluded with an official unveiling of the WIL curriculum, led by the program’s principal investigators, Dr. Jaguga, Dr. Jepchirchir Kiplagat and Dr. Julia Songok. This moment signified the beginning of a structured, transformative journey for the mentees.
“The launch was not just an event—it was a bold statement that the future of global health leadership is inclusive, diverse, and driven by strong, capable women,” commented Dr. Songok, dean of Moi University School of Medicine.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Stronger Women Leaders
The WIL Program is more than a mentorship initiative—it is a movement toward a more inclusive and equitable health leadership space. With structured mentorship, skill-building workshops, and ongoing support, AMPATH is championing a new generation of women leaders.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the women breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and paving the way for those who will follow. Together, we are redefining what leadership in global health looks like. #IWD2025 #WomenInLeadership #BreakingBarriers
Read reflections from some of the WIL participants: