Mirian Gom 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Organisers of the Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare (EWAH) Awards have raised concerns over the continued exclusion of women from healthcare leadership positions despite women constituting the majority of the global health workforce.
The organisers also announced that 10 outstanding African women will be honoured during the 2026 edition of the awards for their contributions to healthcare innovation, leadership and community impact.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press conference in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of LiveWell Initiative and Regional Representative of EWAH Africa, Dr. Bisi Bright, said the awards were created to amplify women whose contributions often remain invisible despite their transformative impact.
“Although women constitute more than two-thirds of the healthcare workforce, only a few of them are visible at the top,” Bright said.
The 2026 edition, themed “Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare with a Miles-to-Go Mindset,” will celebrate women driving innovation, resilience, inclusiveness and health system transformation.
Bright noted that the awards deliberately recognise contributions across both formal and informal healthcare sectors.
“The awards are for women making extraordinary impact at every level of healthcare. What matters is impact, innovation and service.”
She added that several previous recipients have gone on to occupy leadership positions in government, academia and public health.
Director of Programmes Delivery at Bloom Public Health, Mrs. Uju Nwabuzor, described the partnership as a shared commitment to celebrating women improving health outcomes.
Project Manager of EWAH Awards, Damilola Olarenwaju, said the initiative also seeks to inspire younger healthcare professionals.
“The EWAH Awards is not just about recognition; it is about inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders.”
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Oluwafunbi Bello