Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27

Call for Applications: Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27 at University of Toronto (Fully Funded)

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The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026–2027 at the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health is a fully funded, year-long leadership program designed to strengthen the capacity of early- to mid-career African women working in public and global health systems. The fellowship focuses on building leadership, policy expertise, and gender equity-driven approaches to health system transformation.

The program is delivered through a collaboration between the University of Toronto (Canada), Moi University School of Public Health (Kenya), and the University of Cape Town School of Public Health (South Africa), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

Overview of Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27

The fellowship is structured to support women working in health policy, research, education, and practice who aim to influence equitable health systems in Africa and beyond. It combines online learning, mentorship, and in-person training into a hybrid 12-month model.

The core objective is to strengthen the pipeline of women leaders in global health by providing structured training, peer learning, and mentorship opportunities within a regional and international network.

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Program Structure

The fellowship is delivered in three phases over 12 months:

  • Online learning phase: Global health policy, leadership development, and knowledge translation modules
  • Hybrid phase: Advanced training sessions, mentorship matching, and leadership development workshops
  • In-person training: A one-week intensive leadership academy held in Kenya with travel, accommodation, and meals covered

After completion, fellows develop and present a leadership project and join an alumni network for continued engagement.

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Key Competency Areas

The program builds technical and leadership capacity in four main areas:

  • Gender equity and intersectional analysis in health systems
  • Global health policy development and advocacy
  • Leadership and team management in public health settings
  • Mentorship and capacity building for health professionals

These competencies are designed to support fellows in influencing policy, institutional practices, and health system reforms.

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Fellowship Benefits

The program is fully funded and includes:

  • Participation in all training modules and workshops
  • Personalized mentorship from global health experts
  • Funding for a one-week in-person leadership academy in Kenya
  • Coverage of travel, accommodation, and meals for in-person training
  • Living and family support stipend to support participation

The financial support is designed to ensure accessibility for participants, balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria of Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026/27

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Identify as a woman
  • Be an African national
  • Be based in Kenya or South Africa during the fellowship
  • Have 5–15 years of experience in public or global health work
  • Hold a postgraduate qualification in public health, health policy, health sciences, or related fields
  • Work in a role related to health policy, research, education, or practice
  • Demonstrate leadership experience in professional or community settings
  • Be fluent in English
  • Be able to attend the in-person training in Kenya in early 2027

Application Process

The selection process is conducted in two stages:

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Applicants submit an online EOI form outlining their background and interest. This stage is used to assess eligibility and alignment with program goals.

Expression of Interest Form Link: https://redcap.utoronto.ca/surveys/?s=LX9W9DPYDARANNL8

Step 2: Full Application (Invitation Only)

Shortlisted candidates are invited to submit a full application. The final cohort of approximately 18 fellows is selected from this pool.

  • EOI deadline: May 22, 2026
  • Full application deadline: June–July 2026 (by invitation)

Program Objective and Focus

The fellowship addresses the gap in women’s leadership representation in global health systems by creating structured leadership development pathways. It emphasizes gender-transformative leadership, policy engagement, and health systems strengthening across African contexts.

The program is positioned within broader efforts to improve equity and representation in global health leadership and decision-making roles.

Conclusion

The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026–2027 at the University of Toronto is a structured, fully funded leadership program for African women working in public and global health. Through a combination of training, mentorship, and policy engagement, the fellowship supports the development of future leaders in health systems across the region.

Applications close on May 22, 2026 for the expression of interest stage.


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