WomenLift Health Appoints Akhona Tshangela As Southern Africa Region Director
WomenLift Health Appoints Akhona Tshangela As Southern Africa Region Director. WomenLift Health has appointed Akhona Tshangela as the Director for the Southern Africa region, marking a significant step as the organization embarks on establishing its presence in the region. With over 15 years of extensive experience in public health, Ms. Tshangela brings a wealth of expertise and unique perspective to WomenLift Health’s programs and strategic initiatives.
“We are delighted to welcome Akhona to the WomenLift Health family. Her exceptional track record and dedication to advancing public health, coupled with her commitment to gender equality, make her the ideal Director to lead our efforts in Southern Africa.”, said Amie Batson, President, WomenLift Health.
Underrepresentation of women leaders in the health ecosystem continues to result in the exclusion of talented and highly skilled professionals who possess strong leadership qualities and are suitable for decision-making positions. “We’ve had great success with implementing our Signature Leadership Journey in East Africa, India, and North America, with a current cohort of 200 women and 230 alumnae women this year. We are excited on the prospects of establishing and continuing this work within the Southern Africa context,” added Amie.
In the Southern Africa region, like other countries in Africa, women’s leadership, including in the health ecosystem, has been hindered by repressive policies, restrictive cultural norms and practices, and entrenched patriarchy. Ms. Tshangela’s leadership will drive strategic initiatives under the WomenLift Health Signature Leadership Journey, aiming to expand the influence and opportunities for talented women in global health in the region, thereby addressing critical gaps and promoting gender equity at all levels of leadership. She will be critical towards fostering transformative leadership in the region’s healthcare sector, where women have historically been underrepresented in senior leadership positions.
In the Southern Africa region, like other countries in Africa, women’s leadership, including in the health ecosystem, has been hindered by repressive policies, restrictive cultural norms and practices, and entrenched patriarchy. Ms. Tshangela’s leadership will drive strategic initiatives under the WomenLift Health Signature Leadership Journey, aiming to expand the influence and opportunities for talented women in global health in the region, thereby addressing critical gaps and promoting gender equity at all levels of leadership. She will be critical towards fostering transformative leadership in the region’s healthcare sector, where women have historically been underrepresented in senior leadership positions.
“As the region calls for economic empowerment of women and gender equality, the role of the Director for the Southern Africa Womenlift Health Hub would be paramount in advancing the region’s commitment to empowering women leaders and ensuring inclusive and equitable healthcare services for all. Ms. Tshangela’s leadership will play a crucial role in driving positive change and fostering inclusivity.” Prof. Olive Shisana.
