Women’s History Month

Celebrate Women’s History Month with EngenderHealth as we honor the contributions and resilience of the women who wrote history, like Dr. Nafis Sadik, and those writing history today. In the face of adversity, exceptional leaders like Winnie Byanyima, visionary advocates like Alaa Murabit, and inspiring philanthropists like Tsitsi Masiyiwa continue to boldly advance health and gender equality.

Dr. Nafis Saidk

Born in Karachi in 1931, Dr. Nafis Sadik became the first woman to lead the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). A relentless advocate for women’s health, rights, and choices, she played a pivotal role in shaping the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which redefined the global landscape of reproductive health by elevating rights-based approaches. As vice chair of EngenderHealth’s Board of Directors, Dr. Sadik brought her expertise and passion to advancing our mission.  

Dr. Sadik passed away in 2023, but her vision remains as relevant as ever. In an era of increasing threats to reproductive rights and healthcare, her legacy reminds us to be bold, unite across borders, and center women’s voices in the fight for global health and gender equality. 

Winnie Byanyima

Winnie Byanyima is a fearless champion for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and the global fight against HIV/AIDS. As Executive Director of UNAIDS, she has worked tirelessly to expand access to healthcare, challenge systemic inequalities, and advocate for policies that ensure all individuals—especially women and girls—can make informed choices about their bodies and futures. Her leadership has been instrumental in breaking down barriers to HIV treatment and prevention, fighting stigma, and pushing for universal health coverage. 

EngenderHealth honors Winnie Byanyima’s legacy during Women’s History Month because her work underscores the vital need to protect and advance SRHR and end the HIV/AIDS epidemic to create a more just and equitable world. 

Alaa Murabit

Dr. Alaa Murabit is transforming global health, gender equity, and conflict resolution through initiatives that empower women and local leaders. At 21, she founded The Voice of Libyan Women, advancing women’s rights, peace, and security. As a UN High-Level Commissioner on Health, Employment, and Economic Growth, Dr. Murabit advocates for shifting power and resources directly to communities to build long-term resilience. Her latest effort, the Beginnings Fund, has raised $300 million to expand women’s health resources globally, focusing on sustainable, community-led development. 

For Dr. Murabit, women’s health is about power—the power to drive economic progress and transform communities. Her vision challenges traditional aid models, calling for justice, equity, and investments that prioritize women’s rights and local leadership. 

EngenderHealth honors Alaa Murabit’s legacy during Women’s History Month for redefining what it means to invest in women’s health and rights.  

Tsitsi Masiyiwa

Tsitsi Masiyiwa is a trailblazing philanthropist and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing education, healthcare, youth empowerment, gender equality, and other causes. 

Growing up in Zimbabwe, Tsitsi witnessed economic inequality and the transformative power of education. Alongside her husband, Strive Masiyiwa, she co-founded the Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies to invest in a better future for all. She serves on several boards, including Co-Impact and the END Fund, driving large-scale social change. 

EngenderHealth celebrates Tsitsi’s leadership in redefining philanthropy. With foreign aid from multiple governments declining dramatically in 2025, leaders like her highlight the power of diversified giving, including from the Global South and diaspora communities. Tsitsi’s commitment is inspiring a new wave of philanthropists to step up and keep critical issues like gender equality and women’s health in focus.