‘Meet the Team Edition’ is a new series where you get to know our WACI Health Team much better. This month we will be focusing on Rosemary Mburu, the Executive Director at WACI Health. She is a global health advocate and civil society leader in Africa working to create political will for improved health outcomes in Africa.
Question: What made you interested in advocacy and how long have you done it?
Answer:
“There was a gap in the access point of view. The HIV epidemic was ravaging across communities in Kenya and in Africa. I came to understand the biggest factor around changing that was through political will. We required decision makers to make the right decisions that would favour people and ensure that there is access to HIV services (prevention, treatment, care and support). This was my entry point into advocacy and by seeing how other advocates pushed, made me attracted to the movement. This happened in the year 2007/ 2008. The HIV movement served as my entry point, but I have since evolved into global health advocacy.”
Question: What has your experience been at WACI and what are your key takeaways?
Answer:
I have had a great experience. I love my work, the people, the environment, and the impact I am making in the advocacy space. My key takeaway is the power of people’s voices and what we can achieve when we come together. I have learned that in this field, it is less important to push yourself through a door, space, or process, and more important to mobilize movements to increase impact. WACI Health strengthens the voices of civil society, allowing them to continue amplifying their messages and boosting their impact and reach.
Question: How is it being a woman leader in those big board rooms dominated by men?
Answer:
Being a female leader carries certain responsibilities due to societal perceptions. Today, we don’t need to specify “female leaders”; we simply say “leaders.” Holding a leadership position as a woman comes with the privilege and awareness that you have significant influence to effect positive change. It is an honor to lead an organization and civil society in the region while also connecting with the global civil society. Despite challenges, such as considering the broader impact of your decisions on communities and civil society, my focus is not only on amplifying and ensuring WACI Health’s visibility but also on enhancing the visibility and influence of civil society as a whole.
Question: What challenges have you faced and how have they shaped you?
Answer:
One of the biggest challenges is embracing diversity and inclusion. If not approached carefully, it is easy to miss the mark. Understanding that communities and civil society are not homogeneous but highly diverse is crucial. As advocates, being mindful of our actions allows us to fully embrace this diversity and recognize the various players within the civil society space. It’s important to avoid leaning solely on groups that align with our own perspectives. This approach ties back to cultural humility—being aware of others’ orientations, socializations, and priorities, and promoting a collective voice rather than targeting a single group.
Question: Where do you see WACI Health in the next 5 years?
Answer:
As we approach the 2030 goals, the world will be determining the next set of global objectives within the development space. This process has already begun with the UN Summit of the Future, and I envision WACI Health playing a crucial role in ensuring that health remains a key priority in the upcoming development agenda.
Question: One interesting/ unique thing you love doing.
Answer:
I truly cherish the beautiful aspects of life: people, cultures, art, and nature.
