Dr. Joannie Marlene Bewa, MD, PhD, Republic of Benin and USA

Dr. Joannie Marlene Bewa, MD, PhD, is a physician, public health researcher, global advocate for girls & women's sexual and reproductive health, and the founder and CEO of DOTOH Health.  She has over fifteen years of combined experience in global health, health policy, digital health, clinical care, research, international development and non-profits management. 

In this episode, Dr. Bewa discusses how her own encounter with the health care system as a girl sparked her passion for health and how that evolved to her focus on sexual and reproductive health... volunteering in a community organization that was focusing on health, respecting cultural and social norms while also challenging them… beyond basic health care, the importance of health information, education, community engagement, awareness and the spectrum of preventative care… the importance of addressing health inequities… the encouragement and support of her parents, and the valuable lessons she learned from them about hard work and about why it is important to help others… setting up a nonprofit at age 21, the Young Beninese Leaders Association, successfully establishing partnerships with other nonprofits, and then receiving support from  First Lady Michelle Obama’s Young African Women Leaders Grant Program to scale up programs… the importance of making the right decision at the right time, and of being open to opportunities and not missing them… continuing her studies to become a medical doctor and then working for a Masters degree and a PhD… ensuring that all girls have access to quality education by removing the financial, cultural, social, and logistical barriers they face… the essential role of mentors and role models, and safe spaces where girls can  express themselves freely without being judged… the need to see more women in politics and in leadership roles globally, and as medical doctors, engineers, astronaut, and journalists… and this encouragement for us all, “Believe in yourself, believe in your power, believe in your voice. Start somewhere because tomorrow starts today.” (Republic of Benin and USA)