WoSHA

Women for Smart Health in Africa

Co-Chairs - Chelsea Kariuki & Terry Mochire

Join WOSHA

Africa is experiencing rapid advancements in digital health, transforming healthcare delivery. Despite these developments, challenges such as the lack of harmonized guidelines, inclusive design, and interoperable solutions hinder progress, while deepening the gender digital divide.

The Women for SMART Health in Africa(WoSHA) initiative addresses these issues by leveraging the WHO SMART Guidelines to promote the development of Digital Interventions, Services and Applications for Health(DISAH), tackle gender-specific barriers, and foster collaboration among women in the field.

Through these efforts, WoSHA aims to bridge gaps in access and ensure digital health innovations benefit all, particularly women and underserved communities across Africa.

Focus Areas

  1. Promoting gender-inclusive standards-based digital innovation by implementing a SMART Guidelines approach.
  2. Expanding opportunities for women in health tech by learning about SMART Guidelines.
  3. Bridging the gender digital health divide through the SMART Guidelines.

Key Activities

  1. Webinars and panel discussions on gender-inclusive digital health innovation: Host interactive sessions with leading women in digital health, sharing their insights on their journeys, challenges and successes. These webinars focus on practical advice for women interested in or already working in health tech, and showcase the impact of applying WHO SMART Guidelines in developing solutions.
  2. Interactive sessions on designing inclusive digital health solutions: Conduct engaging sessions where participants learn to develop standards-based digital health solutions using the SMART Guidelines. These sessions focus on fostering skills in design, development, and implementation.
  3. Mentorship and networking programs for women in health tech: Establish a mentorship program connecting women at different career stages in digital health. Through networking events and one-on-one guidance, participants can learn from established professionals, explore collaborative opportunities, and gain support for breaking into the health tech field.