Women in AU Member States have stood at the frontline of the battle with COVID-19 as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic. Women leaders and women’s organizations have demonstrated their ‎skills, knowledge, and networks to effectively lead in COVID-19 response ‎and recovery efforts. Today there is more acceptance than ever before ‎that women bring different experiences, perspectives, and skills to the ‎table and make irreplaceable contributions to decisions, policies, and ‎laws that work better for all.‎

Recognizing this imperative contribution by women to promoting good health in Africa, the African Union (AU) and the Member States continue to empower and engage women constructively and equally for their support to improve primary health care strategies and implement health policies aimed at reducing health inequities. In this context, the Commission is hosting a roundtable webinar to discuss how women in leadership can further contribute to achieving health equity during a pandemic in Africa.