The third day of the 2025 Galien Africa Forum turned the spotlight on women as key agents in advancing health sovereignty and equality on the continent. 

Opening the Women’s Forum in Dakar under the theme “Women’s Leadership: A Transformative Driver for Equal Rights and Universal Access to Health in Africa,” Senegal’s First Lady, Absa Faye, underscored the indispensable role of women in shaping Africa’s health systems and future. 

“When women are at the frontline as decision-makers, the continent is stronger,” she noted, calling for a more inclusive approach that promotes women’s participation in the national health and development agenda. 

She reminded participants that women are “the first actors in health, home, and several spaces,” yet remain largely absent where crucial national decisions are made.

“When women are committed, they will spearhead every destiny beyond borders,” she added. 

According to her, investing in women’s leadership is not only about fairness but also about building sustainable health foundations.

“When a society invests in health, it lays the foundation for its nation,” she emphasised, urging African leaders to prioritise women in the quest for health sovereignty. 

Earlier, President of Galien Africa, Awa Marie Coll-Seck, welcomed participants to the forum with a stirring message highlighting women’s significant contribution to Africa’s health systems. 

“There is no health sovereignty without strong and bold women,” she said. “They are the first to bring care, mobilize communities, build trust, and are essential to any sustainable health system.” 

Professor Coll-Seck called for increased investments in women, describing it as an investment in prevention and resilient families.

“When we empower women, we build healthier communities and stronger nations,” she noted. 

The Women’s Forum forms part of the ongoing 2025 Galien Africa Forum, which has gathered global health leaders, innovators, and youth advocates in Dakar to deliberate on strategies to secure Africa’s health sovereignty through homegrown solutions and inclusive leadership.