Embedded Files
Women in Global Health (WGH) is working towards a world that values women as leaders in health. At the heart of this movement are country Chapters, linking global advocacy with local experience and establishing a network to strengthen global health.
Founded in January 2022, WGH Philippines plans to focus on three activities (Research, Mentorship, and Advocacy) and instill a learning process in this work. The emphasis and thematic focus could evolve as we improve our understanding of Filipino women’s participation in public health.
WGH Philippines is hosted by the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes (AIHO).
Key Accomplishments
WGH-Ph was formally launched during the World Health Worker Week on 4-8 April 2022.
WGH-Ph member Lynnell Alexie Ong was chosen as one of WGH’s delegates to the 75th World Health Assembly held on 22-28 May 2022.
WGH-Ph’s Martha de la Paz provided a lecture on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression on 14 June 2022. This lecture was co-sponsored by WGH-Ph and hosted by AIHO, with the aim to be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community.
The country chapter held its 1st Chapter Networking Activity on 10 September 2022.
WGH-Ph’s Martha de la Paz represented the country chapter in the historic WGH Peer to Peer Event in Nairobi, Kenya held last 24-28 September 2022.
Co-Convener Kim Sales was part of WGH's in-person delegation to the 76th World Health Assembly
Co-Convener Katherine Ann Reyes was selected as a Harvard LEAD Fellow for the 2023-2024 cohort.
Represented Women in Global Health at the 74th WHO WPRO Regional Committee Meeting and delivered a statement on health security.
WGH Microgrant Activities
WGH Philippines received a microgrant award from WGH and aims to implement the following activities from November 2022 to October 2023:
Understand
Scoping review to generate local evidence in the experience of Filipino women in public health
Policy review to identify policy provisions for Filipino women working in the health sector
Exploratory research to document the experiences of lesbian, bisexual, and trans women in public health in the Philippines
Profile women leaders in the public health sector to create awareness on the importance of women’s leadership
Networking
Networking events for identified and interested stakeholders
Meetings with government agencies and civil society organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership
Strengthen
Strategic planning to define the chapter’s goals and milestones
Know a Filipino woman leader in health?
We are accepting submissions for Filipino women who have had an impact on the Philippine health sector at the national or local level. Submit names here.
Her & Now: Stories from Women in Public Health
Introducing "Her & Now: Stories from Women in Public Health", a new original podcast from WGH Philippines where we dig into how gender and power intersect in our health systems.
We are bringing together women frontline workers, health advocates, and next-generation leaders to share the real-life experiences that shape our healthcare landscape.
Coming soon to your favorite podcast streaming platforms. 🎧✨
Rights Promised vs. Rights in Practice: Justice Gaps in Women’s Health
Across six countries, Women in Global Health chapters reveal how strong legal protections for women often fail in daily reality—through weak enforcement, stigma, unequal access, and systemic barriers. These stories expose justice gaps that undermine women’s health, safety, and leadership, calling for survivor-centered implementation that turns legal commitments into real, lived equity worldwide.
Policy Brief On Advancing Breast Cancer Prevention and Care
Breast cancer is the world’s most diagnosed cancer, yet women in low- and middle-income countries face major barriers to early detection, treatment, and affordable care. This Women in Global Health policy brief highlights how gender inequities shape breast cancer outcomes and calls for gender-responsive, UHC-aligned reforms that strengthen health systems, expand access, and place women’s leadership at the center of cancer care.
The Critical Role of Training and Mentorship in Advancing Women’s Leadership in Health
Drawing on decades of leadership in global health, Dr. Magda Robalo argues that investing in women’s training and mentorship is essential to stronger health systems. Although women make up 70% of the health workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership. Expanding mentorship, equitable promotion, and workplace protections can empower women leaders, improve care delivery, and build more resilient, inclusive health systems worldwide.
Abstract Submission: HSR2026 The 9th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research
HSR2026 invites abstract submissions for its global symposium, centered on four themes: Politics and Polycrises, Plurality and Partnerships, Platforms and Participation, and Pathways and Planet. The conference welcomes sessions that advance health systems research theory and practice, with submissions in English due by 19 April 2026. Participation is limited to one organized session role and one individual abstract presentation per person.
Integrating Sex and Gender in Health Research and Policy
This six-week course addresses the urgent need to integrate sex and gender into health research, challenging the longstanding “male default” that has led to inequities in evidence and health outcomes. Designed for researchers, clinicians, and policy professionals, it equips participants with practical skills to meet emerging global standards for rigorous, inclusive, and equitable health research.
Menstrual health is a public health and human rights issue
Before COVID-19, 500 million menstruating individuals lacked access to adequate menstrual health, underscoring a global crisis in dignity, equity, and rights. This article calls for menstrual health to be prioritized within sexual and reproductive health programs through stigma reduction, inclusive education, improved sanitation, affordable products, and better-trained health workers—ensuring no one is left behind in achieving health and gender equality.
Are men toxic? A peron-centered investigation into the prevalence of different types of masculinity in a large sample of New Zealand men
A nationwide New Zealand study challenges broad assumptions about “toxic masculinity,” finding that most men do not strongly endorse harmful masculine norms. Among 15,808 participants, only a small minority showed distinctly problematic patterns linked to hostile or benevolent sexism. The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing harmful masculinity from healthier, constructive expressions of male identity.
Barriers to Filipino women's political participation
Despite strong gender equality laws and high voter turnout among Filipino women, barriers to political participation persist. This policy brief examines women’s representation in electoral politics in the Philippines, identifies obstacles limiting their entry into leadership, and outlines policy recommendations to advance more inclusive and equitable political participation for women.
Scientists face fallout for past associations with Epstein
More researchers are facing professional consequences over ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as universities intensify scrutiny of past associations. Recent actions include resignations, leaves of absence, and revoked academic roles at institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, Chapman University, and the University of Arizona. The developments highlight growing demands for accountability and stronger ethical oversight in academic funding and donor relationships.
As women in academia, having children can feel impossible. Talking about it makes us feel less alone.
This reflection sheds light on a rarely discussed challenge for women in academia: balancing career instability with the desire to build relationships and start families before motherhood even begins. Faced with temporary contracts, frequent relocations, and biological time pressures, many women are forced into impossible choices, underscoring the need for academic systems that better support both career growth and family planning.
Image: ROBERT NEUBECKER
Gender equality, disability, and social inclusion in the Philippines: progress, challenges, and opportunities in SDG 5 and 10
A new study on the Philippines’ progress toward gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion highlights strong policy gains but persistent implementation gaps. Despite robust legal frameworks, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups continue to face intersecting barriers in education, employment, and services—underscoring the urgent need for stronger accountability, inclusive data systems, and intersectional policy reforms.
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