Global Voices, Women’s Health
I was deeply honoured to represent the Australian Federation of Medical Women (AFMW) at the 33rd Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) Triennial Congress, held in Cairo, Egypt, from October 12–14, 2025. It was an unforgettable experience that reinforced my passion for advancing female leadership in medicine and connecting with inspiring medical women from around the world.
The congress theme, “One Humanity: Health Solutions through Women’s Leadership,” was brought to life through powerful sessions and global collaboration. I was especially inspired by the focus on:
- Prioritizing Women’s Health for Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- New Horizons for Women’s Health
- Women’s Issues in the Era of Digital Health
These themes sparked rich discussions on how we can collectively shape a more equitable and innovative future for women’s health.
One of the most significant moments was the MWIA General Assembly, where we officially welcomed the new Executive Committee for the 2025–2028 triennium. It was a privilege to witness this transition and celebrate the incoming leaders who will guide MWIA’s mission forward:
- President-Elect: Dr. Mandakini Megh (India)
- Secretary-General: Dr. Mariam Jashi (Georgia)
- Treasurer: Dr. Eliza Lo Chin (United States)
- VP for Northern Europe: Dr. Sarah Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
- VP for Near East and Africa: Dr. Joyce Sakala (Zambia)
- VP for Central Asia: Dr. Vandana Walvekar (India)
- VP for Western Pacific: Dr. Chyong-Huey Lai (Taiwan)
- VP for North America: Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh (Canada)
- VP for Central Europe: Dr. Cornelia Tauber-Bachmann (Germany)
- VP for South Europe: Dr. Emilia Solinas (Italy)
- VP for Latin America: Dr. Fatima Regina Abreu Alves (Brazil)
Their diverse expertise and regional representation reflect MWIA’s global commitment to empowering women in medicine and improving health outcomes worldwide.
Beyond the formal sessions and assemblies, what made this congress truly special was the rare opportunity to forge new friendships with medical women from across the globe. Despite our different backgrounds and healthcare systems, we discovered similarities in the challenges we face—from gender inequities in leadership to systemic barriers in patient care. These shared experiences created an immediate sense of solidarity and trust.
Together, we didn’t just exchange stories—we began creating solutions. Whether it was through informal conversations over coffee or collaborative workshops, we explored ways to elevate women’s voices in medicine, strengthen mentorship networks, and advocate for policy change. These connections are more than professional—they are the foundation of a global sisterhood committed to transforming healthcare.
Another memorable part of the trip was our visit to Baheya Hospital in Cairo, which specializes in breast cancer treatment. Established in 2015 in memory of Baheya Wahby, the hospital was founded with a mission to provide free, high-quality care to women across Egypt. It focuses on early detection, diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment—including surgery, chemotherapy, and psychological support. We had the opportunity to tour the facility and speak with the dedicated team providing care to women at various stages of recovery. It was inspiring to see their commitment to patient education and multidisciplinary care. The visit highlighted the importance of accessible, compassionate cancer services—and reminded us how vital it is to support women’s health initiatives at every level, from policy to practice.
That visit also gave me a deeper appreciation for the different realities faced by healthcare systems in lower-resource settings. Many of the clinicians we met are doing important work despite limited access to equipment, funding, and infrastructure. Their dedication to patient care was truly admirable. It made me reflect on how fortunate we are in Australia to have a well-supported healthcare system. While there’s always room for improvement, we benefit from resources and services that aren’t always available elsewhere.
As I reflect on my time in Cairo, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to represent AFMW on this international stage. The connections I made, the stories I heard, and the ideas I exchanged will stay with me for years to come. I’m already looking forward to the next MWIA Triennial Congress in Georgia in 2028.
This experience has left me with a renewed sense of purpose: to continue advocating for women’s health, championing leadership, and embracing innovation to build a more equitable future for all.
Dr Betty Ge
AFMW National Coordinator
The Australian Federation of Medical Women (AFMW) is a not for profit, politically neutral, non sectarian, non government organisation that seeks to improve the health of all Australians, especially the health of women and children.
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