Some of the important lessons I have learnt are that you have to be strong hearted, resilient and confident to face difficult circumstances. I realized that with a strong resolve, you can withstand many challenges
Tell us about yourself, what do you do in health?
My name is Eva Mwai, working as the Regional Director, East Africa for North Star Alliance.
What led you to pursue a career in health?
I generally had a sickly childhood and was later diagnosed with a heart condition at the age of 16, which disrupted my education. I had the desire to become a Medical Doctor so that I could help those who had undergone similar experiences. However, I didn’t achieve my dream of becoming a Doctor. Instead, I went into social sciences where I still serve people in need within the health space.
In the late 80’s and early 90’s when HIV started to ravage people in Kenya and other countries, I met some of the first people who opened up about their HIV status. One of these was a mother and her sickly baby whose picture has never left my mind to date. I was moved by their sad stories. I empathized with them. The world was just getting to understand this strange infectious disease and stigma and discrimination were unimaginably high. I was determined to do everything possible to play a role by showing love to the infected persons. I found myself designing and implementing HIV/health programmes for the organisations I worked for. I reached out to the people who were infected and affected. I developed a strong passion for healthcare and have never looked back since.
What are you most proud of?
The fact that I have impacted people in various ways in the course of my career. I have contributed to saving lives of people. I am also proud of having passed my various academic examinations with distinction. In 2018, Pamela Steele Associates awarded me the “African Woman in Supply Chain Leadership” award.
What do you wish you had done differently?
In the midst of a busy schedule at work and being a single mother, I wish I had given more time to my son and myself.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced? How did you overcome them? What are some of the lessons learnt?
I lost my husband after 7 years of marriage and experienced the challenges which many widows face. My life was shuttered. I lost close friends and property. My faith and the love of my immediate family as well as some very close friends kept me going. I focused on people and aspects which gave me positive energy and ignored everything which had the potential to dampen my heart. Some of the important lessons I have learnt are that you have to be strong hearted, resilient and confident to face difficult circumstances. I realized that with a strong resolve, you can withstand many challenges.
What are some of the opportunities you see for women in health on the African continent?
There are many opportunities in health on the African continent including innovating and leadership. Women should be open to explore and take up various roles in the health sector as well as determine to overcome unequal power relations between men and women. Women play a significant role in meeting the health needs of their families and communities. They are therefore better suited to provide solutions for improved healthcare systems which can only be realized if they are represented in decision making and senior leadership positions. Women in leadership should equip and enable fellow women, especially the younger ones to develop and grow their careers in health.
What advice do you have for other women in health?
Be confident enough to demonstrate your ability to the world. Work hard, uphold high values of integrity and mentor upcoming women health professionals.
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