WHO Regional Director advocates disability rights, gender equity
The Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Matshidiso Moeti, has become an advocate of disability rights and gender equity within the continent’s health systems.
READ ALSO:UN urges swifter action for gender equality in science
Moeti disclosed this in an interview with Newsmen on Sunday at the sidelines of the WomenLift Health Global Conference 2024, holding in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The conference, themed “REIMAGINING LEADERSHIP: NEW APPROACHES TO NEW CHALLENGES,” aims to highlight actions in advancing women’s leadership in health systems.
She shared anecdotes and outlined her vision for promoting fairness in health policies and leadership structures across African countries.
She pleaded for greater attention for disability rights, which stems from both personal experience and a deep commitment to social justice.
Recalling the struggles her sister went through to get education and employment for her son with cerebral palsy, she regretted the systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, even in relatively privileged families.
She narrated how her journey took an unexpected turn, when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2023, resulting in loss of vision in her left eye.
She said that this personal encounter with disability prompted her to become actively involved in disability advocacy, with a focus on policy integration and creating opportunities for marginalised groups.
In addition to her advocacy for disability rights, she emphasised the critical importance of gender equity in leadership positions within the WHO and other organisations.
She stressed the need for male leaders to actively support gender equality initiatives and create inclusive work environments that empower women to pursue leadership roles.
She called for male leadership involvement in promoting a safe and respectful workplace culture, underscoring the collective responsibility of all leaders to address issues effectively.
The conference aims to explore innovative approaches to gender equality as well as women’s leadership in global health systems.
NAN/Wumi
