About Us
The Innovation Equity Forum (IEF) was launched in 2023 through a partnership between the Gates Foundation and the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health. It was created to confront a long-standing gap: the underinvestment and underrepresentation in women’s health research and development (R&D).
The IEF brings together a global community of over 250 stakeholders committed to advancing women’s health.
Our membership includes philanthropists, venture capitalists, biopharmaceutical companies, women’s health startups, regulators, researchers, and patient advocates. Together, this diverse group is committed to advancing a more equitable, coordinated, and innovation-driven ecosystem for women’s health R&D.
The IEF was established to
Convene
key global players and decision-makers in women’s health innovation
Mobilize
transformational efforts through a shared understanding of critical R&D priorities
Catalyze
cross-sector, multinational partnerships that overcome structural barriers and drive progress
In 2023, the IEF published the Opportunity Map, a foundational resource to identify gaps, align priorities, and build momentum for transformative action in women’s health R&D.
Since then, the Forum has met regularly to strengthen accountability and impact, launching a 2024 Progress Report to track advancements across the ecosystem and forming dedicated working groups to translate insights into impact. The Innovation Equity Forum is building a movement to elevate women’s health as a global innovation priority.
Dr Judie Mbogua
Science for Africa Foundation
Senior Program Officer
Dr. Birikty Hagos
Ministry of Health - Ethiopia
Reproductive Health Advisor
Dr. Cecile Ventola
Impact Global Health
Senior Technical Officer
Dr. Dikabo Mogopodi
University of Botswana
Senior Lecturer, Chemistry
Dr. Emmanuel Okechukwu
Veritas University Abuja
Dr. Farah Asif
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
Head, Clinical Research
Dr. Irene Flore Kuetche Djembissi
The University of Yaounde
Dr. Joia Crear – Perry
National Birth Equity Collaborative
President
Dr. Joia Crear-Perry
National Birth Equity Collaborative
President
Dr. Judie Mbogua
Science for Africa Foundation
Senior Program Officer
Dr. Krista Donaldson
Stanford University Mussallem Center for Biodesign
Director, Innovation to Impact
Dr. Leon McDougle
Professor of Family and Community Medicine
The Women’s Health Opportunity Map is just the beginning. It serves as a launchpad for deeper collaboration, shared advocacy, and increased investment in women’s health innovation.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a Forum member or simply staying informed, we welcome your ideas, expertise, and energy. Let us know how you’d like to engage with the IEF.
