International Women’s Day: SickKids Centre for Global Child Health
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equity.For International Women’s Day, the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health is championing strong female partnership by showcasing the bold women that are working together in Canada, Africa and the Caribbean to improve the lives of children and their families around the world. Read on to learn about their experiences in leading efforts to address the most pressing global child health issues.
Valerie and Karla are improving the care and lives of paediatric patients in the Caribbean.
“Many children do not have a voice for themselves and are still vulnerable to diseases that are not of their own doing. We must ensure that the children of this world grow up to be adults of tomorrow.” - Valerie Sealey-Tobias, Trinidad and Tobago
“Diverse women’s voices are needed at the table in global child health as we tackle the social determinants of health, gender inequality, maternal and child health, and the advancement of nursing around the world.” - Karla Wentzel, Canada
For International Women’s Day, the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health is championing strong female partnership.
Lisa and Lucy are saving newborn lives and brains at birth in Kenya.
“I feel honoured to be in this career field and to mentor and be mentored by other women I work and interact with so that together we ensure child survival.” - Lucy Nyaga, Kenya
“As a woman, I get great personal satisfaction knowing that our team’s work is empowering women around the world with the tools and knowledge they need to increase the likelihood of their child’s survival.” - Dr. Lisa Pell, Canada
Sawdah and Mary are bringing nursing best practice and education to underserved communities.
“Together, we’re giving children in this part of the world an increased chance of survival by training skillfully competent paediatric nurses.” - Sawdah Esaka, Ghana
“By giving paediatric knowledge and expertise to the nurses of a country, we are impacting the health of children, and families for many generations to come.” - Mary Douglas, Canada
Jodi and Esther are giving Ghanian nurses the right skills to meet the special needs of children.
“I hope to continue to be a model of inspiration at varied levels to fellow women to take up daring, challenging roles in global child health to improve the health of children and women.” - Esther Ndanboah, Ghana
“Every child’s life is precious regardless of where it is born and deserves the best opportunity for good health and a supportive family. This means honouring the rights of children as stipulated by the UN Convention.” - Jodi Pipes, Canada
Frances and Shiphrah are giving frontline health care workers the skills to help babies survive and thrive.
“Supporting frontline health workers and helping them appreciate how they can bring change to the mothers and children they serve will directly impact the lives of those who most need better health care.” - Dr. Shiphrah Kuria, Kenya and Malawi
“Globally, children deserve the opportunity to thrive and access the best care possible which can only be achieved through inter-professional partnerships that promote mutual learning and sharing of resources.” - Frances Barry, Canada
Mariam and Michelle are fighting for equality to advance women’s and children’s health programs in Ghana.
“This program has awakened potential in me that I had no idea about. It has helped me build my confidence and is preparing me to take up challenges and responsibilities for caring for the children of Ghana.” - Mariam Musah Chantiwinne, Ghana
“There is great satisfaction in seeing improvements in the capacity of health systems and human resources for health to provide quality care to children who need it most.” - Michelle Dowling, Canada
