Imagine a program that equips African women with the tools to lead change in global health, focusing on gender equity. The 2026 University of Toronto Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship offers just that. This fully funded opportunity helps early to mid-career professionals build skills in policy, advocacy, and leadership. If you are a woman working in public health in Kenya or South Africa, this could be your chance to grow.
Fellowship Overview
The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship comes from a partnership between the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health in Canada, Moi University School of Public Health in Kenya, and the University of Cape Town School of Public Health in South Africa. The Mastercard Foundation supports it too. The program runs for 12 months and mixes online learning with in-person training.
It targets African women passionate about fixing gender gaps in health. The main in-person event happens in Kenya in early 2027. No IELTS test is needed, and it covers costs like travel, housing, and meals for that week. The deadline for the first application step is May 22, 2026.
This fellowship stands out because it focuses on real-world skills. Participants design their own leadership projects with mentor help. It aims to boost women into top roles in health policy and practice.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements
Not everyone qualifies, but the rules are clear. You must identify as a woman and be an African national. Live and work in Kenya or South Africa. Have 5 to 15 years of experience in public health at local, regional, or global levels.
Education matters too. Hold a postgraduate diploma, certificate, master’s, or PhD in public health, health policy, health sciences, or a related field. Your job should center on public health policy, practice, teaching, or research.
Show leadership through your work, studies, or community service. Speak English fluently. Plan to take a week off for the in-person academy in Kenya in early 2027. Get a valid passport if you need one for travel.
These steps ensure the program picks women ready to make an impact. Check your fit before applying.
Key Benefits and Financial Support
This fellowship provides more than training. It offers full sponsorship, including a living and family allowance. This covers lost wages, child care, or elder care so you can focus on the program.
Everyone attends a one-week in-person leadership academy. Organizers pay for transportation, accommodation, and meals. You get workshops from experts, personalized mentorship, and help with a leadership project.
The hybrid format fits busy schedules. Online parts build skills over 12 months. Financial aid makes it accessible for women balancing work and family.
Skills You Will Gain: Program Competencies
The curriculum covers four main areas. First, gender equity and intersectional analysis. Learn to use a gender lens on health systems and research. This helps spot and fix biases.
Second, global health policy and advocacy. Build skills in policy making, communication, and pushing for change. Understand how politics and culture affect health groups.
Third, leadership. Create visions that inspire teams, make decisions, and challenge inequities. Foster collaboration with diverse people.
Fourth, mentorship. Grow your potential, spot change opportunities, and use resources for gender equity.
These skills prepare you to lead in your organization and beyond. The three-phase structure spreads learning over the year. Each phase builds on the last.
Program Duration and Phases
The fellowship spans 12 months with three phases. Details on exact timing come after selection. Phase one starts with online modules and planning. Phase two adds deeper workshops and project work. Phase three wraps with the in-person academy and final steps.
This setup allows steady progress. You apply what you learn right away in your job or project.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying is straightforward in two steps. Start with Step 1: Expression of Interest, or EOI. Fill the online form on the official site. It takes 15 to 20 minutes. Submit by May 22, 2026.
If your EOI fits, you get invited to Step 2: Full Application. Only top candidates move forward. The final 18 fellows come from these. Full apps are due end of June or early July 2026.
Visit the fellowship webpage at University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health to begin. Prepare your details on experience, education, and leadership early.
Conclusion
The 2026 University of Toronto Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship opens doors for African women in public health. With full funding, expert training, and real skills in leadership and equity, it creates lasting change. Do not miss the May 22, 2026 deadline for your EOI. Apply today and step into a stronger role in global health.
