Dr. Alaa Murabit, a leader in global health advocacy and communications at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is pushing for a broader perspective on women’s health care beyond just reproductive rights. She believes that women’s health is crucial for a thriving economy, not just a favor to women. By closing the health gap between men and women, the global GDP could see a significant boost by 2040, according to a McKinsey report.
Murabit has raised $550 million from philanthropists for the Beginnings Fund, an initiative aimed at providing resources and support for women’s health at the country level. This includes basic medical supplies in some countries as well as increased investment in research and development on menopause in the U.S.
For Murabit, empowering women through access to quality healthcare is about more than just their own health – it’s about giving them the power to use their bodies as an economic vehicle for themselves, their families, and their communities. It’s about using their bodies for political influence.
Overall, Murabit is working towards a future where women’s health is seen as a necessary component of global growth and prosperity. By shifting the focus away from reproductive rights alone, she hopes to create a world where women have the resources and support they need to lead healthy and empowered lives.
