The African continent faces unique challenges in advancing SRHR and gender equality, which have been compounded by global funding withdrawal. The retreat of traditional donors has created significant gaps in national budgets, and political environments in many countries are becoming more hostile to SRHR and gender equity initiatives.

With civic spaces for advocacy shrinking, Women Deliver 2026 presents a strategic moment to reverse this trend. It offers a powerful platform for African advocates to reclaim space, demand accountability, and ensure that SRHR and gender justice remain central to global development frameworks. As these intersecting pressures mount, this convening is timely as it seeks to strengthen advocacy networks, co-create roadmap towards 2030 and beyond and defend the rights and dignity of all people, especially young women, adolescents, and marginalized groups—across Africa. At this crucial time, we can no longer afford fragmented responses.

Pathfinder Side Event

Women’s Voices, Women’s Power

Reclaiming Leadership in SRHR and Community Development

Tuesday, November 25 | 11:30 – 13:00 EAT
Room: Alamsi, 3rd Floor

This session will spotlight the transformative leadership of African women and youth in shaping SRHR policies and community development, showcasing their resilience, innovation, and advocacy in reclaiming civic space, influencing policy, and driving inclusive change across the continent. 

Pathfinder International plays a vital role in this movement—supporting women-led advocacy, youth-driven storytelling, and inclusive governance platforms across Africa. Through initiatives like FemVive, Women & Co, and youth-led programs in Niger, Mozambique and Ethiopia, Pathfinder is helping reclaim civic space, rebuild feminist power, and ensure SRHR remains central to Africa’s development agenda. 

Panelists

• Lilian Githuka, Global Director: Human Resources and Organizational Development, Pathfinder International
• Helen Njuguna-Mwathi, Enterprise Manager, FEMVIVE
• Mekides Berhanu Alemu, Project Manager, Roots and Wings ELIXIR
• Catherine Chacha, GBV Prevention and Response Coordinator, Women in Global Health – Kenya

Facilitators

• Ruth Ngechu, Global Director – Advocacy and Engagement, Pathfinder International
• Babirye Angel, President, African Youth and Adolescent Network East and Southern Africa (AfriYAN ESA)

At Pathfinder, we’re looking forward to #ICFP2025 as an opportunity to share our work through our 18 abstract presentations; learn from and reconnect with our allies and colleagues across the SRHR field; and reignite our commitment to SRHR as a crucial component of gender equity.

If you’ll be on the ground in Bogotá for #ICFP2025 this year, we invite you to join us at our side event on November 5, where we’ll be launching our Toolkit for Gender-Transformative Approaches (see below for details). Developed by our Takeda-funded Advancing the Leadership of Women and Girls Towards Better Health and Climate Change Resilience project, this toolkit is a practical and actionable resource that equips policymakers, program implementers, and advocates with evidence-informed strategies to challenge harmful gender norms and shift power imbalances while building resilience to climate change.

And don’t forget to stop by our exhibition booth (#85) on the fourth floor of the Ágora Bogotá Convention Center! In addition to browsing some of our resources and chatting with our technical experts, you’ll also have the chance to try your hand at winning a hand-poured candle made by women artisans in Pakistan.

Side Event

CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE

Launch of the GTA Toolkit for Gender Equity and Climate Resilience

November 5, 2025 | 7:00 – 8:25AM | Room M

As the world navigates the growing and interconnected crises caused by climate change, it becomes increasingly clear that these impacts are not experienced equally. Climate change is not gender neutral. Its consequences deepen pre-existing social and gender inequalities, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and marginalized communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The cascading effects of environmental degradation and extreme weather events, from droughts and floods to food insecurity and displacement, compound the vulnerabilities faced by women and girls.

Pakistan and Bangladesh stand at the forefront of the global climate crisis, consistently ranked among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Despite differences in geography and socio-economic realities, both nations face escalating environmental challenges that threaten the wellbeing of millions and jeopardize hard-won development gains. Both countries are contending with the social consequences of climate change, particularly its disproportionate impact on women, children, and marginalized communities. Health risks, disrupted livelihoods, and displacement have deepened vulnerabilities, placing additional strain on already fragile public services.

In recognition of these intersecting challenges, the Gender Transformative Approaches (GTA) Toolkit has been developed under the Takeda-funded Advancing the Leadership of Women and Girls Towards Better Health and Climate Change Resilience project. Designed as a practical and actionable resource for family planning, reproductive health, and climate resilience practitioners, this toolkit equips policymakers, program implementers, and advocates with evidence-informed strategies to challenge harmful gender norms, shift power imbalances, and create enabling environments for gender equity.

Join us at our side event at ICFP, where we will demonstrate the toolkit’s application and spark collaborative dialogue on how gender-transformative approaches can be effectively integrated into family planning and health initiatives amid the realities of a changing climate.

SPEAKERS

• Paola Salwan Daher, Senior Director, Collective Action, Women Deliver
• Theo Gibbs, Technical Director, Climate, Ylabs
• Yasmeen Qazi, CEO, QZ Catalyst
• Sadia Rahman, Manager, Youth and Adolescent Partnerships, FP2030 & Advisor, Light to Life
• Moderated by Bram Brooks, Senior Manager, MEL, Pathfinder International

Abstract Schedule

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Oral Presentations

Youth-Led Innovation and Climate Action for SRHR | 2:45 – 4:05PM | Room Ñ

• Climate and sexual & reproductive health (SRH) integration: Youth-led gardening initiative to cultivate edible fruits and vegetables to promote SRH services in health facilities and high schools of Lemi Kura sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  Presenter: Abebe Kassa, Project Manager, Pathfinder Ethiopia
• Engagement des jeunes leaders communautaires à Niamey, Niger pour l’adaptation des attitude résilientes aux changements climatiques pour faire face aux défis de l’accès et l’utilisation des services SR/PF dans les milieux fragiles
  Presenter: Mahamadou Fatah, Jeune Leader Champion, Pathfinder Niger
• Agents of change for enhancing Adaptability to climate change, promoting community empowerment, driving youth-led innovation, and improving contraceptive uptake in Tharparkar, Pakistan
  Presenter: Bram Brooks, Senior Manager, MEL, Pathfinder Global

Integrating Services to Improve Equity | 2:45 – 4:05PM | Room D

• Amélioration de l’offre de service planification familiale du post partum à travers l’intégration des services planification familiale du postpartum/ santé reproductive, maternelle, néonatale et infantile et nutrition (PFPP/SRMNI-Nut)
  Presenter: Yacouba Hassane Sanda, Program Director, Pathfinder Niger

Pre-Formed Panel

Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) as a Climate Adaptation Strategy: Strengthening Health Resilience and Unlocking Climate Finance | 4:20 – 5:40 | Room Z

• Delivering SRHR Services in Climate-Stressed Communities: Lessons from the Field
  Presenter: Dr. Zaib Dahar, Interim Country Manager, Pathfinder Pakistan

Flash Presentation

SRHR and Climate Change: Understanding the Impacts and Fostering Adaptation | 4:20 – 5:40 | Room E

• Strengthening sexual & reproductive health services and emergency preparedness in climate-affected health facilities in Bangladesh and Pakistan
  Presenter: Bram Brooks, Senior Manager, MEL, Pathfinder Global

Poster Presentations

Session 1 | 10:00 – 11:30AM | Ágora Main Lobby, First Floor

• Evaluating Cost-Effectiveness of Adolescent and Youth Health Services in Ethiopia: Separate vs. Mainstreamed Models
  Presenter: Teshager Mersha, Research Advisor, Pathfinder Ethiopia
• Expanding Access to Contraceptives: Advocating for Self-Injection Scale-Up in Mozambique
  Presenter: Alda Govo, Head, FP Program, Women’s Health Division, National Directorate of Public Health, Mozambique

Session 2 | 12:00 – 1:30PM | Ágora Main Lobby, First Floor

• 12:00 – 1:30PM | An Innovative Mixed Methods Approach to Family Planning in Rural Areas Uncovered by Lady Health Workers (LHWs), District Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan
  Presenter: Dr. Zaib Dahar, Interim Country Manager, Pathfinder Pakistan

Session 3 | 2:00 – 3:30PM | Ágora Main Lobby, First Floor

• Changes in Modern Contraceptive Use and Policy Implications for Family Planning in Mozambique
  Presenter: Alda Govo, Head, FP Program, Women’s Health Division, National Directorate of Public Health, Mozambique

Session 4 | 4:00 – 5:30PM | Ágora Main Lobby, First Floor

• To upscale the family planning practices in five tertiary care hospitals of Sindh, Pakistan
  Presenter: Dr. Zaib Dahar, Interim Country Manager, Pathfinder Pakistan
  

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Oral Presentation

Disability-Inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health | 10:20 – 11:40PM | Room Ñ

• Delivering SRHR Services in Climate-Stressed Communities: Lessons from the Field
  Presenter: Dr. Zaib Dahar, Interim Country Manager, Pathfinder Pakistan

Changing Norms: Influence of Religious leaders on FP practices and perceptions | 4:20 – 5:40 | Room G

• Résultats de l’engagement des Leaders Religieux et Traditionnels dans l’amélioration de l’utilisation des services de Planification Familiale documenté dans la Province du Kasaï, en République Démocratique du Congo
  Presenter: Harouna Zakou, Deputy Country Director, Pathfinder Niger

Poster Presentations

Session 5 | 10:00 – 11:30AM | Ágora Main Lobby, First Floor

• Innovative Advocacy Approaches Enhance Visibility and Budget Commitment for Family Planning and Maternal Health in Lagos and Kano: Findings and Lessons
  Presenter: Bayo Ewuola, Media Communications Officer, Pathfinder Nigeria

Session 7 | 2:00 – 3:30AM | Ágora Main Lobby, First Floor

• Résultats de la redynamisation des Cellules d’Animation Communautaire pour la promotion de la Planification Familiale dans la Province du Kasai en République Démocratique du Congo
  Presenter: Yacouba Hassane Sanda, Program Director, Pathfinder Niger
• Améliorer l’accès et l’utilisation des SSR adaptés aux besoins des adolescents et des jeunes pour les jeunes personnes malentendantes (sourd) et ou ayant des troubles de communication (Muet)(PSM) grâce à l’intégration de la langue des signes
  Presenter: Mahamadou Fatah, Jeune Leader Champion, Pathfinder Niger

Session 8 | 2:00 – 3:30AM | Ágora Main Lobby, First Floor

• Bridging the Gap: Barriers in the utilization of Public Health Services Among Out-of-School Adolescents and Youth in Ethiopia
  Presenter: Teshager Mersha, Research Advisor, Pathfinder Ethiopia
  

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Flash Presentation

Innovation, inclusion and youth participation in SRHR | 11:55 – 1:15PM | Ágora Main Lobby, First Floor

• “Je suis desole, je parle francais”: How English Hegemony Undermines Efforts to Shift Power in Global Health
  Presenter: Marieme Fall, Senior Behavioral Health Designer, ideas42

Resources and Publications

• Pathfinder International – At A Glance
• Health Systems Strengthening – At A Glance
• Women’s Economic and Social Empowerment – At A Glance
• Climate and Health – At A Glance
• Engaging Climate Champions to Strengthen Community Preparedness and Response
• DSSR Ado-Jeunes: Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for Adolescents and Youth in Kinshasa
• Fostering Civic Participation in Mozambique: How Impacto Strengthened Young Women’s Engagement in Local Governing Bodies
• Advancing Climate Leadership Among Adolescents in Bangladesh
• Pathways December 2024: Women Lead on Climate and Health
• Her Future Her Choice – Case Studies
• About Femvive
• About Women&Co

10 ans d’Actions, d’Engagement pour la SSRAJ dans une approche inclusive a Kinshasa : Bilan, Voix des Acteurs et Perspectives

Jeudi 23 octobre | 14 h 00 – 15 h 30 WAT

Ce webinaire marque la clôture du projet “Droits en Santé Sexuelle et Reproductive des Adolescents et Jeunes à Kinshasa” (DSSR Ado-Jeunes), financé par la Fondation Packard. Pendant une décennie, ce projet a œuvré pour améliorer l’accès des jeunes, y compris les plus marginalisés, à des services de santé sexuelle et reproductive de qualité. À travers les témoignages des acteurs clés – représentants du gouvernement, ONG partenaires, jeunes leaders et membres du projet – nous reviendrons sur les acquis, les défis, les innovations et les perspectives de pérennisation. Ce moment d’échange vise aussi à inspirer d’autres initiatives en RDC et ailleurs.

INSCRIVEZ-VOUS SUR ZOOM

ORATEURS

• Brady Bilala, Directeur, IYAFP
• Dr Toms Epupola, Médecin Directeur, Centre de Santé MALAIKA
• Dr Didier Lukeme, Chef de Division Chargé de la Formation, Programme National de Santé des Adolescent (PNSA)
• Edith Matondo, Chargée de Recherche et Sensibilisation, Fondation Mwimba Texas
• Mr Mbadu Muanda, Directeur, Programme Nationale de la Santé des Adolescent (PNSA)
• Dr Vicky Mbutu, Coordinatrice Provinciale, Programme National de Santé de la Reproduction (PNSR)
• Beatrice Nday wa Mbayo, Manager de programme, Pathfinder DRC
• Albertine Mavinga, Conseiller technique, Pathfinder DRC
• Dr Marie-Claude Mbuyi, Directrice de pays, Pathfinder DRC

10 years of action and commitment to inclusive AYSRHR in Kinshasa: Assessment, Stakeholder Feedback, and Outlook

Thursday, October 23 | 2:00 – 3:30PM WAT

This webinar marks the conclusion of the project “Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Adolescents and Young People in Kinshasa” (DSSR Ado-Jeunes), funded by the Packard Foundation. For a decade, this project has worked to improve access to quality sexual and reproductive health services for young people, including the most marginalized. Through testimonials from key stakeholders—government representatives, NGO partners, youth leaders, and project members—we will review the achievements, challenges, innovations, and prospects for sustainability. This exchange also aims to inspire other initiatives in the DRC and elsewhere.

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SPEAKERS

• Brady Bilala, Director, IYAFP
• Dr. Toms Epupola, Medical Director, Malaika Health Center
• Dr. Didier Lukeme, Head of Division in Charge of Training, Programme National de Santé des Adolescents (PNSA)
• Edith Matondo, Research and Awareness Officer, Fondation Mwimba Texas
• Mbadu Muanda, Director, Programme Nationale de la Santé des Adolescent (PNSA)
• Dr. Vicky Mbutu, Provincial Coordinator, Programme National de Santé de la Reproduction (PNSR)
• Beatrice Nday wa Mbayo, Program Manager, Pathfinder DRC
• Albertine Mavinga, Technical Advisor, Pathfinder DRC
• Dr. Marie-Claude Mbuyi, Country Director, Pathfinder DRC

Virtual side event at the Second World Summit for Social Development

From Care Workers to Entrepreneurs

Investing in Women-Led Solutions for Social Development

November 5, 2025 | 8:00 – 9:30AM EST

This side event is a joint initiative of Women in Global Health and Pathfinder International, united by a shared commitment to gender equity in the health and care sector. Women make up nearly 70% of the global health and care workforce, yet they remain concentrated in lower-paid, lower-status roles and are often unpaid or underpaid for essential work. Despite their critical contributions, this workforce remains undervalued and under-resourced.

Investing in the health and care economy is not only a public health imperative — it is a proven strategy for social and economic development. Quality jobs in the care sector can lift families out of poverty, empower women, and contribute significantly to GDP growth. These investments improve health outcomes, reduce inequality, and build more resilient societies.

This side event will explore how centering care and health work — especially women’s work — in economic development planning can unlock transformative change. Pathfinder International is advancing a bold shift toward women-led, locally grounded solutions that strengthen communities and promote equity. A key part of this strategy is Women&Co., a social innovation platform designed to scale women-led solutions that improve health, drive economic opportunity, and enhance community well-being. One such initiative is FemVive, a social enterprise that empowers women entrepreneurs to generate income while expanding access to health and wellness products.

Women in Global Health (WGH) complements this vision through its global movement to advance women’s leadership in health. With over 50 national chapters, WGH equips early- to mid-career women with tools for leadership through Gender Transformative Leadership (GTL) training, advocacy and media programs, and grassroots campaigns. WGH India, for example, works with women in second- and third-tier cities to develop localized leadership and advocacy tools. WGH Kenya partners with Community Health Promoters to elevate local voices, and WGH Nigeria runs fellowships that highlight women’s leadership through storytelling and research. The WGH Speakers Bureau and StoryBoard platform also give visibility to women leaders globally.

By fostering both individual empowerment and collective action, WGH is helping shift power structures in health systems and policy spaces. These women-led approaches are critical to building equitable, inclusive, and sustainable health and care systems.

REGISTER ON ZOOM >>

Speakers

Opening remarks by Dr. Sultani Matendechero ‘ndc'(K) Deputy Director General – Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Closing Remarks by Dr. Magda Robalo, Executive Director, Women in Global Health.

Moderation by Madiha Latif, Vice President, Strategic Engagement & Innovation, Pathfinder International.

PANELISTS

• Amar Nijhawan, Senior Program Officer, International Development Research Centre
• Ms Sonia Phalatse, Researcher, Southern Centre for Inequality Studies
• Helen Njuguna-Mwathi, Enterprise Manager, FEMVIVE
• Tiffany Dove-Abbam, Founder and Executive Director, Dove Foundation for Global Change

The 2025 Biennial Conference and General Meeting of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) brings together leading voices in medicine, public health, policy, and civil society to explore the evolving challenges of global health. Convened under the theme “Global Health, Leadership and Ethics in a Changing World,” the conference will address pressing issues ranging from health equity, pandemic preparedness, non-communicable diseases, and health workforce migration to the transformative role of artificial intelligence and digital health.

The event offers a unique platform for health professionals, policymakers, researchers, and development partners to foster collaboration, share evidence-based solutions, and strengthen leadership in tackling complex health challenges.

Pathfinder at MWAN 2025

As a proud partner of MWAN 2025, Pathfinder International will be closing out its Enhancing HPV Vaccine Awareness and Uptake in Nigeria. Implemented in collaboration with MWAN and the Nigeria Cancer Society, the project was carried out in Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna states. Through this project, Pathfinder worked with state governments, civil society, and local communities to strengthen HPV vaccine acceptance, reduce barriers to access, and empower local champions to advance cervical cancer prevention. To spotlight lessons learned, Pathfinder is hosting a high-level panel session.

Panel Discussion 4

Enhancing HPV Vaccine Awareness and Uptake through Local Partnerships – Lessons from Kaduna, Kano, and Lagos States

Date & Time: Tuesday, 2 August at 10:30AM WAT
Venue: Kaduna

This discussion will highlight how local partnerships and innovative strategies are driving HPV vaccine uptake, building community trust, and shaping Nigeria’s cervical cancer prevention response.

Panelists

Ms. Elizabeth Hassan, HPV Desk Officer, Nigeria Primary Health Care Development Agency
Dr. Aisha Mustapha, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State President
Hadiza Umar, Team Leader and Co-Founder of Hope for Communities and Children
Dr. Akinpelu, Lagos Immunization Programme Coordinator

Moderated by Aishatu Abubakar-Abdullateef, Consultant Psychiatrist/Senior Lecturer Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Climate change is putting communities, economies and investments at risk across the African continent. ACS2 is a critical milestone on the road to COP30 for Africa to articulate its priorities and commitments – championing home-grown solutions that are driving adaptation and systems-level shifts. The conference will provide a platform for policymakers, practitioners, businesses and civil society to advance Africa’s climate agenda and sustainable development priorities.

Pathfinder Side Event at ACS2

Women-Led Climate Resilience: Focusing on Advancing the Leadership of Women and Girls Towards Better Health and Resilience

Monday, September 8 at 12:00–13:30
Room M3, Addis International Convention Center (RSVP Today)

Climate change is a growing threat to public health, particularly in vulnerable regions like Ethiopia, where extreme weather events, food insecurity, and water scarcity exacerbate health risks. Women and girls are disproportionately affected due to socio-economic and biological factors, facing heightened risks of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and maternal health complications.

#ACS2 provides an opportunity to highlight the intersection of climate change and health, with a focus on Ethiopia. This session will explore policy gaps, community-based solutions, and strategies to strengthen health systems against climate-induced challenges. The session aims to:

• Promote the inclusion of women and girls in climate decision-making processes at local, national, and regional levels.
• Create awareness about how climate change disproportionately affects women’s health (e.g., maternal health, malnutrition, disease burden) and identify gender-responsive solutions.
• Showcase successful women-led initiatives in climate adaptation, disaster response, and health resilience across Africa.
• Advocate for gender-sensitive climate policies and increased financial support for women-led climate and health resilience programs.
• Encourage collaboration among governments, NGOs, private sector actors, and grassroots women’s groups to scale up solutions.

REGISTER ONLINE

SPEAKERS

Lucy Atim, Deputy Country Representative, Global Green Growth Institute
Vera Kloettschen, Climate and Environment Lead, WaterAid, UK
Abebe Shibiru, Country Director and Global FP2030 Board Member, MSI Reproductive Choices
Mwanahamisi Singano, Director of Policy, Women’s Environment & Development Organization
Abireham Misganaw, Global Technical Advisor – Climate, Pathfinder Ethiopia
Meseret Teklemariam Zemedkun, Head of UNEP Southern Africa, Sub-Regional Office, UNEP

Moderated by Mengistu Asnake Kibret, Senior Country Director, Pathfinder Ethiopia.

High-Level Week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) takes place September 22–30, 2025 in New York City.

Held under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” this year’s high-level week highlights the urgency of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and renewing global commitment to multilateralism, solidarity, and shared action for people and planet.

At Pathfinder International, we’re looking forward to using our platform at UNGA80 to advocate for climate-resilient health systems, a strong and supported health workforce, and a global commitment to safeguarding sexual and reproductive health and rights and advancing gender equality. Above all, we call for greater investment in women’s leadership and women-led solutions for achieving these objectives.

Let’s explore opportunities for working together toward a healthier, more climate-resilient, and more equitable world. We invite you to join us at our in-person events (details below)—or connect with on LinkedIn or through email.

Our Events

The Tipping Point: A New Era of Leadership in Global Health

Monday, September 22 at 8:00 – 10:00AM
Venue will be shared with confirmed guests.

The world is at a crossroads. As global health systems face unprecedented strain, African leaders, youth visionaries, global partners, and civil society are coming together to chart a new path forward.

In honor of #UNGA80, join us in NYC on Monday, September 22 for The Tipping Point: A New Era of Leadership in Global Health. This high-level convening will bring together African leaders, youth visionaries, civil society, and global partners to redefine global health leadership in Africa in the 21st century. Together we’ll harness the energy of a rising generation ready to lead, mobilize bold political will to invest in Africa’s health future, and translate shared global ambitions into tangible results.

SPACE IS LIMITED — EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST TODAY

Accelerating the Reduction of Maternal and Newborn Mortality in Côte d’Ivoire: Aligning Donor Investments with National Priorities

Tuesday, September 23 at 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Closed Invitation

Recently, Pathfinder secured a three-year strategic investment from the Gates Foundation to scale up the provision of free family planning services in Côte d’Ivoire. As part of this transformative initiative, Pathfinder will lead a high-level donor advocacy and resource mobilization campaign at global policy fora, including UNGA80.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Côte d’Ivoire, The Gates Foundation, and key partners, Pathfinder Côte d’Ivoire will host a closed-door roundtable side event in New York City. This convening will serve as a critical platform to catalyze sustainable financing for Côte d’Ivoire’s health priorities, establish long-term partnerships, and explore possibilities for a multi-stakeholder fiduciary fund.

From Ideas to Trust-Based Collaboration: Scaling African Women Innovators

Tuesday, September 23 at 3:00 – 4:00PM
Convene | 810 7th Avenue, 23rd Floor

Climate change and gender inequality are twin crises with deeply interconnected impacts. Women and girls—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—bear disproportionate health, social, and economic burdens, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making. The Gender Snapshot 2024 warns that by 2050, 158 million more women and girls may be pushed into poverty due to climate change – 16 million more than men. 

Already, nearly 50 million more women than men are likely to face food insecurity. These inequities intersect with other forms of discrimination, compounding risks for Indigenous, Afro-descendant, LGBTQIA+, stateless, and disabled women and girls.

At the same time, women across the globe are designing climate-health solutions—leading sustainable agriculture, driving renewable energy adoption, and mobilizing communities. Their leadership is essential for resilience, yet their voices remain fragmented and under-resourced.

This roundtable at UNGA80 will bring together women leaders across sectors and generations to build a chain of advocates: a sustained platform that moves beyond dialogue to collective, equity-centered influence on climate-health policy.

Building a Chain of Women Advocates for Climate Action

Friday, September 26 at 9:00 – 11:00AM
The Penn Club & Online

Women in Global Health (WGH), AMREF Health Africa, and Pathfinder International are convening women climate–health advocates from across the globe for a high-level strategic dialogue at UNGA80. The roundtable will move beyond fragmented advocacy to coordinated global action—developing immediate policy recommendations for Climate Week NYC and laying the foundation for sustained collaboration.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Meet Our #UNGA80 Delegation

Dr. Tabinda Sarosh
President and Chief Executive Officer

A bold and visionary leader, Dr. Sarosh brings exceptional strategic insight and deep commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights and women’s rights. She is a clinically trained, seasoned public health practitioner, with multi-faceted experience leading sexual and reproductive health and rights programs and research. She has worked to advance sexual and reproductive health care for women and girls, including numerous policies related to women’s and girls’ health and rights. Read more.

Madiha Latif
Vice President, Strategic Engagement and Innovation

Madiha Latif is an experienced systems interventionist.​ In addition to her technical and management experience in family planning, Madiha is credited with conceptualizing and leading teams toward implementing innovative designs at the intersection of climate change and sexual and reproductive health and rights in Pakistan with support from global donors. She also successfully led a multi-sectoral gender-based violence response in Sindh and institutionalized the very first multi-sectoral response mechanism led by the government itself. Read more.

Mohamed Abou Nar
Chief Programs and Impact Officer

Mohamed has extensive experience in leading and managing international development operations and projects in human and institutional capacity development programs in adult education, economic support, and health systems strengthening. With a strong background in transformative leadership and monitoring and evaluation, he has contributed to multiple leadership initiatives at Pathfinder and fostered strong, trusted relationships with ministries of health, donors, and regional partners. Read more.

Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi
Regional Portfolio Director, West and Central Africa

Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi is a physician and public health professional with more than two decades of extensive experience in designing and managing health system and sustainable development programs aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women, girls, and communities. She is currently a Senior Country Director at Pathfinder International where she provides overall strategic leadership of Pathfinder activities in Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Democratic Republic of Congo. She is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and the American Public Health Association. She is also a Fellow of the West African Institute of Public Health and African Institute of Public Health Professionals.  Read more.

Rannia Elsayed
Regional Portfolio Director, South Asia, Middle East, North Africa

Rannia Elsayed has more than 25 years of experience working with numerous national and international organizations on development projects in several sectors with different donors. She has extensive experience in coordinating and managing complex programs in various fields such as health, employment, economic support, and education. She has solid project and financial management skills starting from workplan and budget preparation, monitoring and evaluation, formulating and managing teams, to overseeing and guiding project implementation. Read more.

Dr. Ernest Yao
Country Director, Côte d’Ivoire

A champion of sexual and reproductive health, as well as health statistics, Dr. Yao had more than 20 years of experience in public health in Côte d’Ivoire before joining Pathfinder International as the country director in 2019. He served as a clinical doctor, a civil servant in the Ministry of Security before joining the Ministry of Health in 2009. At the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yao worked in the Directorate of Health Statistics and then in the National Maternal and Child Health Program (PNSME). Read more.

Laurel Lundstrom
Communications Director

Laurel Lundstrom is Pathfinder’s Communications Director, overseeing internal and external communications. She has more than 15 years of experience leading communications initiatives for international organizations. Laurel brings expertise in developing and executing communications strategies to drive brand awareness and organizational growth. Her editorial contributions span feature articles, blogs, opinion editorials, press releases, films, newsletters, research dossiers, technical briefs, peer-review journal articles, and proposals, among others. Read more.

Shoba Ramachandran
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Director

Shobana Ramachandran is the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director at Pathfinder International based in Washington, D.C. In her role, she leads a comprehensive MEL strategy for Pathfinder, ensuring high-quality data collection and management, insightful research and analysis, and continuous learning across the organization. Prior to joining Pathfinder, Shobana spent nearly 15 years at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, where she ultimately served as Associate Director of Strategic Information and Evaluation. Read more.

Yosra Albakkar

Senior Partnership Manager, South Asia-MENA

Yosra holds a master’s degree in sustainability and has been working in international development for more than 10 years on diverse themes such as gender, public health, environment and economic empowerment. She has worked directly for donors and other partners in the MENA region developing multi-million dollar projects to advance achievement of the SDGs and is currently the Senior Partnership Manger for Pathfinder International in MENA and South Asia.

Erick Gonzalez
Global Advisor, Innovation

Erick Gonzalez is an accomplished strategist and development expert with a passion for creating social impact and driving innovation. Before taking the role of Innovation Architect, Erick worked as Partnerships & Engagement Lead, actively exploring new opportunities to address urgent challenges for both people and the planet through strategic partnerships and collaborations. He works closely with the CEO, Presidents, and in-country leadership, representing Pathfinder externally, and plays a key role in developing and executing strategies that contribute to Pathfinder innovations. Read more.

Des droits en santé sexuelle et reproductive au Burkina Faso

Création d’un environnement local et communautaire favorable

Mercredi 27 août 2025 | 14h à 15h30 GMT | Inscrivez-vous sur Zoom

Le Projet Sauver La Vie (PSLV) financé par l’Ambassade Royale des Pays-Bas a été mis en œuvre durant cinq ans par Pathfinder en partenariat avec cinq (05) organisations nationales du Burkina Faso.

Pathfinder et ses partenaires ont utilisé plusieurs approches innovantes et efficaces dans le but de créer un environnement communautaire favorable à la santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR), à la planification familiale (PF) et à la gestion des conséquences des violences sexuelles des zones d’accès difficile.

Ce webinaire mettra en lumière des expériences concrètes, des résultats probants et des enseignements clés issus de la mise en œuvre d’une approche intégrée combinant plaidoyer stratégique et interventions de changement social et comportemental pour promouvoir un environnement local et communautaire propice à l’accès aux services de SSR, y compris les services d’interruption sécurisée de la grossesse (ISG) selon la loi.

Le PSLV a permis le renforcement de l’engagement de plus 250 autorités locales, leaders communautaires, journalistes /communicateurs, influenceurs, et organisations de la société civile locales sur les DSSR et la création de la demande en SSR.

Une synthèse de chacune des approches sera présentée lors de ce webinaire et des témoignages sur l’apport significatif de ces innovations dans l’amélioration de la demande de service en SR/PF/ISG selon la loi seront faits par les acteurs des formations sanitaires et des districts.

Orateurs

• Monsieur NACANABO Souleymane, HC de la province du Mouhoun
• Magistrat KIEMDE Saïdou, Substitut du Procureur
• Dr. Denise W. MOYENGA, Médecin Chef du district sanitaire de Boussouma
• M. Bélélé Joseph IDO, Sociologue Consultant/ Formateur

Témoignages

• GANAME Idrissa, Président de la délégation spécial de SAFANE
• Joël LANKOANDE et Larba SAWADOGO, les points focaux

Modéré par Pr Charlemagne Marie R. OUEDRAOGO, Président de la SOGOB et expert dans le domaine de la SR ayant suivi la coordination de la mise en œuvre du PSLV dans le Centre Nord.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Burkina Faso

Creating a Supporting Local and Community Environment

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. GMT | Register on Zoom

Projet Sauver la Vie (PSLV), funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy, was implemented for five years by Pathfinder in partnership with five national organizations in Burkina Faso.

Pathfinder and its partners have used several innovative and effective approaches to create a supportive community environment for sexual and reproductive health (SRH), family planning (FP), and managing the consequences of sexual violence in hard-to-reach areas.

This webinar will highlight real-world experiences, evidence-based findings, and key lessons learned from implementing an integrated approach combining policy advocacy and social and behavior change interventions to promote a local and community environment conducive to SRH services, including safe termination of pregnancy services under the law.

PSLV has strengthened the engagement of more than 250 local authorities, community leaders, journalists/communicators, influencers, and local civil society organizations on SRHR and the creation of SRH demand.

A summary of each of the approaches will be presented during this webinar. Representatives of health facilities and districts will give testimonies on the significant contribution of these innovations in improving the demand for SRH services according to the law.

Speakers

• Mr. NACANABO Souleymane, HC of the province of Mouhoun
• Magistrate KIEMDE Saïdou, Deputy Public Prosecutor
• Dr. Denise W. MOYENGA, Chief Medical Officer of the Boussouma Health District
• Mr. Bélélé Joseph IDO, Sociologist Consultant/ Trainer

Testimonials

• GANAME Idrissa, President of the special delegation of SAFANE
• Joël LANKOANDE and Larba SAWADOGO, project focal points

Moderated by Prof. Charlemagne Marie R. OUEDRAOGO, President of SOGOB and expert in the field of reproductive health who followed the coordination of the implementation of the PSLV in Centre-North.

The Africa Primary Health Care Forum 2025 (APHCF2025) will take place from July 14-15, 2025 at Lake Greenfield Hotel, Abuja under the theme “Reimagining Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa.” We look forward to joining participants, sharing innovative health workforce solutions and engaging in high-level conversations on task-shifting, task-sharing, integrated workforce models, and community-based health approaches. 

During the forum, we will showcase our proven approaches to strengthening primary health care systems through innovative workforce models, community engagement strategies, and integrated service delivery that advances both Universal Health Coverage and health security in Nigeria and across Africa. 

Interested in learning more about our integrated workforce models, geospatial planning tools, or advocacy strategies? Reach out to communications@pathfinder.org to connect with our team to explore partnership opportunities for PHC strengthening.

RESOURCES

• Pathfinder’s Approach to PHC Strengthening 
• The Importance of Multi-Sectoral Partnerships to Achieving Universal Health Coverage 
• Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing Implementation Guide – Kaduna & Kano Experience 
• GeoST4R Geospatial Microplanning Toolkit (GMT) Overview 
  

FEATURED PANEL

Advancing Integrated Workforce Models Through Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing: A Systems-Based Proof of Concept from Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria 
Date/Time: July 14, 2025 at 2:30PM WAT

This panel session will present evidence-based approaches to reimagining health workforce models through strategic task-shifting and task-sharing. Drawing from concrete implementation experience in Kaduna and Kano States, the session will demonstrate how integrated workforce models can strengthen primary health care delivery while advancing Universal Health Coverage goals. 

PANELISTS

• Dr. Ibrahim Bashir – Strategic Information & Engagement Advisor, Impact Catalysts 
• Dr. Fatima Fanna Mairami – Senior Technical Advisor, Pathfinder International 
• Dr. Aisha Abubakar Sadiq – Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Health 
• Dr. Bashir Idris – Registrar and Chief Executive, Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) 
• Moderator: Dr. Hameed Adediran – Medical, Media, and Management Professional 
  
  

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

From Policy to Practice: Readiness and Implementation Gaps in Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing in Kaduna State’s PHC System
We will examine the critical transition from policy development to practical implementation, identifying key readiness factors and addressing implementation gaps that affect the success of task-shifting and task-sharing initiatives in primary health care systems. 

Improving Maternal and Child Health Planning in Nigeria: A Pilot of the GeoST4R Geospatial Microplanning Toolkit (GMT)
We will present innovative geospatial microplanning approaches that enhance maternal and child health service planning and delivery. The GeoST4R toolkit demonstrates how technology can improve resource allocation and service accessibility in primary health care settings. 

From Misconceptions to Empowerment: A Community-Based Approach to Improving Adolescent SRH Knowledge through Tailored Education and Engagement
We will showcase community-driven strategies for addressing misconceptions and improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health knowledge through culturally appropriate education and engagement approaches that strengthen primary health care delivery to young people. 

POSTER PRESENTATION

Innovative Advocacy Enhances Visibility and Budget Commitment for Family Planning and Maternal Health in Lagos and Kano
Our poster will demonstrate evidence-based advocacy strategies that successfully increased government budget commitment and visibility for family planning and maternal health services, showing how strategic advocacy strengthens primary health care financing and sustainability. 

Meet our Delegation

Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi 
Senior Country Director, Nigeria 

Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi is a physician and public health professional with more than 2 decades of extensive experience in designing and managing health system and sustainable development programs aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women, girls and communities. She is currently a Senior Country Director at Pathfinder International where she provides overall strategic leadership of Pathfinder activities in Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Democratic Republic of Congo. She is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and the American Public Health Association. She is also a Fellow of the West African Institute of Public Health and African Institute of Public Health Professionals.  Read more.

Oumar Onyango 
Senior Advisor, Research and Strategic Communications – Africa 

Oumar Onyango is a public health and strategic communications professional with over a decade of experience driving high-impact research translation, health systems strengthening, and advocacy across the global health landscape. As Senior Advisor for Research and Strategic Communications, Africa at Pathfinder International, he leads the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that elevate Pathfinder’s presence and influence across the continent. His work focuses on advancing the organization’s core thematic areas on health, climate and leadership for women and communities that Pathfinder International co-creates with. 

Maryam Modibbo Saleh
Executive Assistant to Senior Country Director, Pathfinder Nigeria

Maryam holds a Master’s degree in Public Health and has contributed to several impactful initiatives inlcuding adolescent sexual and reproductive health and youth empowerment. She also supports activities of the Empowering Futures Project, a youth-focused initiative that equips adolescents and youth with SRH and life skills to support their holistic development. She currently serves as the Executive Assistant to the Senior Country Director at Pathfinder in Nigeria, where she plays a vital role in supporting leadership and programmatic initiatives.

Bayo Ewuola
Senior Media and Communication Officer, Nigeria

Bayo is a strategic communication specialist with over eight years of experience in the development sector, where he has consistently designed and implemented impactful communication strategies that enhance program visibility and advance organizational goals. Bayo leads communication efforts across Pathfinder Nigeria’s programs, driving visibility and strengthening stakeholder engagement through compelling storytelling, digital campaigns, learning products and strategic media outreaches.

Fatima Fanna Mairami
Senior Technical Advisor, Nigeria

Dr. Fatima Fanna Mairami is a seasoned public health professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in health systems strengthening, primary health care (PHC) optimization, workforce capacity building, and quality improvement, with a particular focus on reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH). She currently serves as Senior Technical Advisor at Pathfinder International, where she leads the implementation of the Task Shifting and Task Sharing (TSTS) investment aimed at strengthening PHC services across Nigeria. Dr. Mairami has been deeply involved in the TSTS policy landscape since its inception, contributing to its design, advocacy, and operational rollout, and playing a pivotal role in testing scalable models for optimizing the role of frontline health workers, especially CHEWs and JCHEWs.

Ayobami Afape
M&E Officer

Ayobami Afape is a public health expert with over seven years of experience in designing and implementing health systems strengthening and primary healthcare programs across Africa. He has worked with both governmental and international organizations, including the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), and UNFPA. He served as Special Assistant to the Governor of Kaduna State during the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship, where he contributed to key health policy and program reforms.

Dr. Tanimu Salisu Argungu
State Team Lead – Nigeria

Dr. Tanimu Salisu is a medical practitioner with over a decade of progressive experience in clinical practice, public health programming, and health systems strengthening. He currently serves as the State Team Lead at Pathfinder International, where he provides strategic leadership for healthcare initiatives, and contributes to the strategic planning and execution of the Task Shifting and Task Sharing (TSTS) project in Kaduna State. He is deeply committed to driving sustainable health outcomes through evidence-based practices, leadership development, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

The Africa Health Business Symposium will take place from July 16–17, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria under the theme “Leveraging Innovation to Advance UHC in Africa.” We look forward to joining participants, contributing to climate-health solutions and engaging in high-level conversations on climate resilience, women’s leadership, health system strengthening, and innovative partnerships. 

During the symposium, we will share our solutions in implementing climate-resilient health programs through women’s leadership and promoting our new innovative platform as the next generation of development innovation that delivers measurable impact across health, climate, and economic empowerment. 

Whether you’re on site in Abuja or anywhere in the world, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for our updates on #AHBS2025. 

Ready to invest in women-led climate-health solutions? Reach out to communications@pathfinder.org to connect with our team on exploring collaboration opportunities through our innovation platform.

RESOURCES

• Pathfinder Climate & Health Pathway Overview 
• Tanzania Conservation Banks Impact 
• Accelerating Women-Led Climate Resilience in Bangladesh 
• Hope and Heartbreak for Pakistan in the Era of Climate Change 
  

FEATURED SESSION

Addressing the Effects of Climate Change on Health 
Date: July 17
Theme: Leveraging Innovation to Advance UHC in Africa 

This session will bring together policy and implementation experts from public and private sectors to propose actionable strategies for minimizing and mitigating the effects of climate change on health. The discussion will focus on enhanced awareness of climate-health connections, identification of evidence-based interventions, and formation of action-oriented partnerships to implement climate health interventions. Pathfinder’s contributions include:

• Showcasing women-led climate-health solutions from 95% climate-vulnerable countries 
• Presenting our new systems innovation platform for scalable, community-driven interventions 
• Demonstrating integrated approaches that deliver health, climate, and economic outcomes simultaneously 
  
  
  

Meet our Delegation

Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi 
Senior Country Director, Nigeria 

Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi is a physician and public health professional with more than 2 decades of extensive experience in designing and managing health system and sustainable development programs aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women, girls and communities. She is currently a Senior Country Director at Pathfinder International where she provides overall strategic leadership of Pathfinder activities in Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Democratic Republic of Congo. She is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and the American Public Health Association. She is also a Fellow of the West African Institute of Public Health and African Institute of Public Health Professionals.  Read more.

Oumar Onyango 
Senior Advisor, Research and Strategic Communications – Africa 

Oumar Onyango is a public health and strategic communications professional with over a decade of experience driving high-impact research translation, health systems strengthening, and advocacy across the global health landscape. As Senior Advisor for Research and Strategic Communications, Africa at Pathfinder International, he leads the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that elevate Pathfinder’s presence and influence across the continent. His work focuses on advancing the organization’s core thematic areas on health, climate and leadership for women and communities that Pathfinder International co-creates with. 

ABOUT #AHBS25

This year’s theme for the Africa Health Business Symposium is “Leveraging Innovation to Advance UHC in Africa.” The AHB Symposium 2025 will mark a pivotal moment bringing together Africa’s leading health policy experts, private sector leaders, innovators, researchers, and implementation specialists for dialogue and action aimed at accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage through innovative approaches. 

The symposium will provide a platform for African and global stakeholders to address the intersecting challenges of climate change and health, demonstrate scalable solutions, and forge new partnerships that deliver sustainable impact for Africa’s most vulnerable populations.