Application Deadline: May 22nd, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship. This program was created in collaboration between the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Canada), the Moi University School of Public Health (Kenya) and the University of Cape Town School of Public Health (South Africa), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Requirements
Applicants for this fellowship must meet the following criteria:
- Identify as a woman
- Be early-mid career professional (5 – 15 years of experience in public health doing local, regional or global health work)
- Possess post-graduate education in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Sciences and/or related fields (Post grad diploma or certificate, master’s or PhD)
- Work in a role focused on public health policy, practice, teaching and/or research
- Be able to demonstrate leadership qualities (through work, education or community service)
- Reside and work in Kenya or South Africa
- Be an African national
- Be fluent in English
- Be able to take leave of absence to attend a one-week in-person leadership academy in early 2027 in Kenya
- Be able to obtain a valid passport (for travel to Kenya)
Benefits
Aside from a curriculum in global health policy, gender equity and leadership, this hybrid fellowship journey includes:
• Training and workshops delivered by experts
• Personalized mentorship
• Guidance in the design of a leadership project
• Fully funded one week in-person training (including transportation, accommodation, and meals)
• Financial stipend*
In-Person Training*
All participants will be expected to attend the one-week in-person training. Transportation, accommodations and meals will be provided.
Financial Support*
This fellowship will provide participants with a living and family support stipend to cover lost wages, child or elder care, or other expenses to support their full participation in the program.
Competencies
Throughout the program, participants can expect to gain knowledge and skills in the following competencies:
• Gender Equity and Intersectional Analysis: The ability to apply an intersectional and/or gender equity lens to health systems and/or health systems research.
• Global Health Policy and Advocacy: The ability to work around policy development, communication, cohesion, and advocacy to address the political environment and organizational culture of health institutions.
• Leadership: The ability to create a vision which empowers others, fosters collaboration, lead, guide decision-making and support diverse team members, to recognize and challenge gender inequity within their organization.
• Mentorship: The ability to develop and realize their leadership potential, their skillset, recognize opportunities for change, and optimize institutional resources to promote gender equity through their work.
Fellowship Phases
The fellowship lasts 12 months. Programming for the fellowship will consist of three phases.
| Phase | Activities |
| Pre-Start | · Information package (with information for in-person sessions)· Pre-survey to gage knowledge, skills, needs and expectations. |
| Phase 1(Online) | · Online learning sessions on global health, gender equity, policy and knowledge translation· Individual and group work, readings, reflexive exercises· Guest lecturers |
| Phase 2(Hybrid) | · Online learning sessions· Intensive one-week in-person training and guest speakers· Mentor matching and mentorship training |
| Phase 3(Online) | · One-on-one mentorship sessions and training· Development and presentation of a leadership project· Exit interviews and recommendations for next fellowship cohort |
| Post Fellowship | · Invitation to participate in alumni network and/or to become an advisor to future cohorts |
Application Process
Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI). We invite all candidates to register through our online EOI form to show their interest in the fellowship. It should only take about 15 – 20 minutes to complete. The EOI deadline is May 22, 2026.
Step 2: Full Application (Invitation only). Candidates whose EOI meet or exceed the eligibility and selection criteria will be invited to submit a full application. The final 18 fellows for the 2026/27 cohort will be selected from this pool. The deadline for full applications will be end of June or early July, 2026.
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