Some female healthcare practitioners solving critical health challenges and improving health outcomes were celebrated recently at the Global Africa Women In Medicine Summit 2025 in Lagos, themed, ‘Empowering the next generation woman in medicine’.

Some of those honoured include the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello who got the Exceptional Leadership and Service in Medical Education for Women in Medicine award, Dr. Esther Akinsoto was honoured with the Outstanding Leadership and Mentorship for Women in Medicine award; Dr. Funmi Ige who got rewarded with Outstanding Leadership and Service to Women in Medicine award; Dr Sola Pitan got the Outstanding Leadership and Support for Women in Medicine award.

In her welcome speech, Dr. Olajumoke Ladapo-Osinuga said the burdens female medical professionals go through are valid; they are real, lived experiences that affect the daily lives of countless women in medicine.

“These burdens can act as obstacles that slow down their progress (velocity) towards achieving their goals.”

For female doctors, having a clear direction towards their goals is essential. This means creating pathways for leadership, providing mentorship, and ensuring equal opportunities.

“By setting a clear direction, we can ensure that the progress of female doctors is not just fast, but also purposeful and impactful. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. To accelerate the empowerment of female doctors, we need to continuously increase the support and resources available to them.

“This includes advocating for policies that promote gender equality, offering professional development programs, and fostering an inclusive work environment. However, we must also address the “mass”— the burdens and weights that can slow down their progress.

“By reducing these burdens through supportive policies, flexible work arrangements, and addressing biases, we can enhance the acceleration of female doctors’ empowerment. Reducing the obstacles faced by female doctors requires a multifaceted approach.”

Her suggestions on the way forward include addressing gender discrimination and bias, mentorship programmes, ensuring equal opportunities for promotions, leadership roles, and professional development, flexible work arrangements among others.

She was optimistic that if the suggestions are implemented it will accelerate female doctors’ progress including achieving their full potential.

Before the awards presentations, there were different speakers who spoke on the theme and a panel discussion to dissect the issues.

Some of the speakers were the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; Special Adviser to Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi; President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Lagos State, Dr. Funmi Ige; Founder/CEO JBS Medicare and Gerontology Centre, Dr. Toyin Akande-Ajala.