Celebrating Women Transforming Health and the Evolution of Women’s Wellness

Introduction

April was more than just another month on the calendar for us at WENOSA — it was a moment of reflection, celebration, and education. Anchored by World Health Day, this month we turned the spotlight on how women’s health has evolved over the past decade and honoured the women who are redefining the future of healthcare across Africa.

At WENOSA, we believe that true empowerment starts with well-being. A woman who is healthy — physically, mentally, emotionally — is more empowered to thrive in the workplace, in education, in entrepreneurship, and in leadership. That’s why this April, we not only reflected on the progress made in women’s health but also celebrated African women who are leading innovation in the sector.

Fast Facts: The Evolution of Women’s Health

In collaboration with global trends and local progress, we shared statistics that show just how far we’ve come:

• Maternal mortality rates have declined by 16% globally over the past decade — a positive sign that investments in maternal care are working.
• In 2022, women made up 56% of clinical trial participants in the U.S., an essential shift that ensures women’s bodies are properly considered in medical advancements.
• In South Africa alone, over 500,000 girls are vaccinated annually against HPV, helping to prevent cervical cancer.
• The FemTech industry — focusing on reproductive health, menstrual care, fertility, menopause, and more — is projected to grow from $55.86 billion in 2024 to a staggering $130 billion by 2035.
• South Africa took a significant policy step in 2019 by removing VAT on sanitary pads, improving menstrual equity.
• Mental health care has become more accessible too, with a 154% increase in women using telehealth platforms for mental health support.

These milestones are not just statistics — they represent millions of women living healthier, safer, and more empowered lives.

Spotlight: Women Advancing the Health Sector

To honour the women who are actively shaping the future of health in Africa, we profiled three inspiring leaders whose work aligns with WENOSA’s values of impact, innovation, and inclusion:

1. Dr. Funmi Adewara

Dr. Adewara is a UK-based Nigerian doctor and founder of MobiHealth, a revolutionary telemedicine platform designed to close the healthcare gap across Africa. Her work brings accessible, quality medical consultations to underserved populations, especially rural women and children. She is proof that tech and compassion can co-exist and uplift.

2. Nomahlubi Nompunga

A South African force in health advocacy, Nompunga works within communities to improve reproductive rights and maternal care access. Her grassroots efforts ensure that policy conversations include the voices of those most affected — young women, teenage mothers, and rural families. Her work reminds us that healthcare must be community-led to be effective.

3. Dr. Nicole Bouba

Based in Cameroon, Dr. Bouba is a public health specialist focused on sexual and reproductive health. Her expertise has informed national and international health strategies that put women and girls at the centre. Her work promotes gender-responsive healthcare systems that are inclusive and sustainable.

10 Years of Change: Women’s Health Then and Now

We’ve seen monumental shifts in how women’s health is approached:

• More research, better representation: Women are now more included in clinical trials and research, leading to better diagnosis and treatments tailored to female bodies.
• Taboo topics are now policy priorities: Menstruation, menopause, and maternal care have moved from the shadows to centre stage, with companies and governments taking notice.
• Telehealth and digital tools: Access to mental health, reproductive services, and chronic illness management has increased significantly through digital platforms.
• Workplace wellness: Menstrual leave, fertility benefits, and menopause support are slowly becoming part of workplace benefits in progressive companies.

Why This Matters

This evolution in women’s health is about more than medicine — it’s about equity, access, and agency. When women have access to healthcare that meets their specific needs, they gain the power to fully participate in society. It’s about ensuring that no woman is left behind — whether in a rural clinic in Limpopo or a corporate boardroom in Lagos.

Let this be a reminder: Women’s health is not a side issue — it is central to the health of society.