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By Dr. Joannie Bewa
One day in 2017, I was in a hall standing beside the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other dignitaries discussing women’s health investments in Quebec. PM Trudeau and the Honourable Marie Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister of International Development had invited me to Canada to share experiences gained during a high-level panel. During the event, the Prime Minister announced an investment of $650,000,000 for women’s health. The conference venue was filled with representatives from various countries, nongovernmental entities and international organizations. The dynamic atmosphere bustled with activity.
“I never knew that one day, I would be standing before world leaders...”
I felt a deep sense of responsibility. I also felt privileged to be in the room among influential leaders and experts. It was an incredible opportunity for me to contribute to shaping the agenda for global health and gender equality.
Then, in 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron invited me to discuss France’s efforts in humanitarian and disaster relief at the national humanitarian conference. I went and shared my observations and recommendations.
“My country is also known for a pre-colonial elite military unit of women warriors who dedicated themselves to protecting the Kingdom of Dahomey…”
I never knew that one day, I would be standing before world leaders to tell them what I knew about health. Following my dreams to be a medical doctor has opened many doors for me.
My Roots Lie In West Africa’s Benin Republic
My journey to meeting and advising heads of state, prime ministers, world leaders and C-suite executives all began in Benin where I was lucky enough to build a strong professional foundation in medicine and public health and that foundation propelled me to the world stage.
I was born and raised in Cotonou, Benin Republic in West Africa. Everyone in my family is from there. My country is well known for its rich history, vibrant culture and relative political stability. My country is also known for a pre-colonial elite military unit of women warriors who dedicated themselves to protecting the Kingdom of Dahomey from its enemies and later, from the French colonizers. These women were known as Amazons or Agodjie. Hollywood reimagined these women on the big screen in the 2022 film, The Woman King.
“I grew up with a proud knowing of where I belonged as a child of Benin.”
Formerly known as Dahomey, my heritage lies in the Benin Republic. Some of my favorite things about my homeland are its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene and diverse traditional dances. One favorite Beninese meal is Dakouin, a fresh fish sauce with eba. In terms of music, I enjoy Benin's traditional rhythms like zinli, agbadja or modern Afrobeats-influenced tunes.
Dakouin with fish sauce and gari
I have fond memories of celebrating cultural festivals with my family and community. These merry occasions were filled with music, dance, delicious food and the warmth of loved ones. I grew up with a proud knowing of where I belonged as a child of Benin. My childhood was shaped by joyous moments, like when my teachers and relatives hailed me for my academic performance. In Benin, less than half of the adult population is able to read and write, but I worked hard to excel in school. I was wholeheartedly dedicated to my studies.
“I nearly died…when I was nine years old.”
My dad tells me that back then, I would refuse to eat until I completed my school homework. This instilled in me a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue pursuing my educational goals. I grew up in a supportive family where pursuit of excellence, service to others, compassion, resilience, and determination were key values. I pursued my career with an intense focus, closely supported by my family. My parents believed in the power of education and in the power of pushing girls, as we were only 2 siblings and all girls. They believed in going against social restrictions preventing women or girls to be who they are. Growing up under the grace and perseverance of my parents, I realized that women and girls can achieve greatness.
I Was Scarred By Near Death…And Death
I nearly died during an asthma-like attack when I was nine years old. I was rushed to a hospital. I could not breathe. I just remember waking up and being so grateful for the young doctor who knew what drugs to give me and who made sure that I did not die. Luckily, I did not die.
“I suffered the tragic loss of my best friend to complications following an unsafe abortion.”
This experience triggered a great desire to become a physician and help people. I've always wanted to address social inequalities especially those faced by girls and women. Social inequalities that include limited access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and decision-making power. Discrimination, gender-based violence, and cultural norms often restrict women’s freedom and perpetuate disparities in various aspects of life. As for the Beninise health system, challenges include inadequate infrastructure, limited healthcare resources, uneven distribution of healthcare facilities, and disparities in access to quality care, particularly in rural areas. Shortages of medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, further strain the system's capacity to deliver comprehensive services effectively. Additionally, financial barriers and insufficient funding hinder the provision of essential healthcare services, leading to disparities in health outcomes and access to care. Significant progress has been achieved, but disparities remain.
When I was a teenager, I suffered the tragic loss of my best friend to complications following an unsafe abortion. This trauma was the main motivating factor that led my medical career down the path of focusing on women’s reproductive health and rights.
Serving My Homeland Of Benin
I obtained a doctorate degree in medicine from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Universite d'Abomey Calavi in Benin Republic with the support of the Benin Government Excellency scholarship. I provided healthcare in various private and public hospitals in Benin. For example Hospital Haie Vive, Hospital IDEECO, and Hospital Agla. As part of the Benin government official delegation, I attended various negotiations at the United Nations Headquarters on Population, International Development and Health.
“We received a grant from the former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama…”
I also established a nationwide nonprofit called the Young Beninese Leaders Association (YBLA) which helped improve access to healthcare for more than 10,000 youth through campaigns, sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention services, clinical care, advocacy and lobbying through collaboration with national and international partners. We received a grant from the former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama Young African Women Leaders in 2012.
Crossing The Ocean To Pursue My Purpose
My American journey started in 2012. I crossed the great Atlantic Ocean to attend an international program. During the three-week program, I had the opportunity to discover more about youth engagement and civic participation as well as bring my research to America. When I returned to Benin, my peers elected me to become the president of the first youth council to help shape the U.S. government's policies and partnerships in Benin through the American embassy.
After traveling back and forth between the U.S. and Benin, I received a Fulbright scholarship in 2015 from the University of South Florida (USF) that enabled me to stay in the U.S. It was time for me to further my education. I chose Tampa, Florida. Leaving Benin and starting a new life abroad was a difficult decision, leaving behind family, friends and familiar surroundings.
Adapting to a new educational system and cultural setting only added to the complexity of my relocation. However, I was fueled by a sense of hope, purpose and determination to challenge myself. Why Tampa? Tampa has a vibrant health community and significant opportunities for professional growth. USF has an internationally recognized public health program, outstanding faculty, diversity, international community and is also a leading producer of Fulbright scholars. When I was admitted and awarded this scholarship, I was convinced USF was the best choice.
“I am keenly aware of who I am and how the world sees me.”
I pursued my Master's and PhD degrees in public health at the University of South Florida in Tampa. As an African student, cultural differences were evident, but through resilience and determination, I was able to gradually blend in.
Making An Impact In Tampa, Florida
In Tampa, I contributed to various healthcare, research and women's health initiatives. Through my work and ethics, I gained access to unlimited professional opportunities.
I developed extensive expertise in maternal, sexual and reproductive health and digital health and worked on various research funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH), the Society of Family Planning, and developed programs for the Florida Department of health through the Florida Prevention Research Centre.
I co-authored a paper that was selected as one of the most top-cited articles of 2020-2021. The article, published by Wiley in the American Journal of Community Psychology, is titled “Youth participatory approaches and health equity: conceptualization and integrative review.” My other research projects include: a 2023 study on adolescent contraception; a 2022 study on the acceptability of digital health solutions; a 2019 study on the associations between children’s autism status, severity, maternal mental and emotional health; “Where are they hiding?” A 2017 review of state breastfeeding-friendly child care designation programs, a 2016 study on sustainable development goals for maternal newborn health in Africa.
From The Graduation Stage To The World Stage
Finally, after 21 months I got my master’s degree in maternal and child health from the University of South Florida, as a U.S Senator Fulbright Scholar. Later, I went on to get a PhD in Public Health from the same university. I had the honor of delivering the commencement speech during the PhD graduation.
“I am frequently asked to prove my professional worth, qualifications and abilities, despite my track record of experience and credentials.”
I received the USF Global Achievement Award and USF Golden Bull Award in 2017 and 2018. I have been invited by various governments to speak on public health matters. One of my earliest major appearances was in Germany for the Berlin Model United Nations conference when I was 19 years old, and later at an embassy in Benin when I was 21, still a medical student. Ready to go for a run, I was called last minute to attend. I had the choice to go home, change my clothes, and miss the conference, or to go, wearing my jogging outfit. I knew it was weird, but I just didn’t care. I delivered my presentation and shared my experience and that was it.
Dr. Joannie Bewa representing as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Young Leader
The attendees, including high-ranked ambassadors and deputy ministers, were impressed by my fearlessness. I was called upon after the event to pursue the creation of a youth organization. Just one year later, the organization had a major win against gender-based violence in Benin: it collected enough signatures to contribute to a campaign to lead the Benin Government to adopt the anti-gender-based violence law.
Looking Back On What I Have Achieved
I am proud of every step of my journey. I hold my head high as I look back at all of my accomplishments. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and advising several prominent leaders in my journey to advance women's health and rights globally. I was featured on Melinda Gates’ list of six influential women on the topic of global access to contraception in 2016 – just to name a few accolades – and was excited to have an intimate conversation with Melinda Gates at the 2018 Goalkeeper Conference.
My move to the U.S. provided access to so many opportunities, greater access to industry leaders, exposure to different perspectives and networks.
“Being from Africa is a blessing..”
With my research team, I co-drafted and won a $40 million research and implementation grant from the U.S. Government; I have transferred my knowledge and taught healthcare graduate students; I was appointed to the Global Advisory Board for Merck for Mothers; I advocated for a $500 million investment for mothers and babies; I was recognized by the United Nations as a Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals; the Gates Foundation selected me as a Goalkeeper for the Sustainable Development Goals; I was awarded the USF Golden bull award, USF Young alumni award, Tampa Women of the Year Award and the Stars in Global Health Innovation award by Grand Challenges Canada. I founded and I am the CEO of DOTOH Health Tech, a digital health company providing teleconsultation and other health care in emerging countries. In addition, I run a global health and international development consultancy Bework Consulting Group where I help maximize global health and international organization impact.
Dr. Joannie M. Bewa interviewing Her Excellency President Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia
My involvement in various high-profile organizations, such as the WHO Afro Technical Advisory Group and the Merck for Mothers global advisory board, provided platforms for engagement with policymakers and heads of state. Additionally, my leadership roles in initiatives like the Young Beninese Leaders Association facilitated connections with C-suite executives and government officials, enabling me to advocate for impactful interventions and policies to address healthcare challenges facing women and marginalized communities.
Being African Is A Blessing
I am keenly aware of who I am and how the world sees me. I am a young black African woman who comes from a country where English is not the primary language. This identity gave me a unique perspective in America, but it still does not protect me from being stereotyped. I am frequently asked to prove my professional worth, qualifications and abilities, despite my track record of experience and credentials. Nonetheless, I embrace my identity, reaffirm my worth and foster supportive networks. Doing so has helped me to navigate life with determination and grace while celebrating the richness and the strength of diversity.
“I have positioned myself as a trusted advisor to leaders around the world.”
In between moments when I am trying to save the world through public health and share recommendations with a head of state, I am learning to build a social network in America with people who support me. I enjoy time with my American-born friends. I hang out, enjoying African, Indian, Mexican, Caribbean, or American cuisine. I intentionally immersed myself in supportive groups such as the numerous African diaspora communities and associations in America, the Women in Leadership and Philanthropy organization, and the Fulbright USF Chapter. These networks gave me the sense of belonging that I needed to live well in America.
University of South Florida College of Public Health
Being from Africa is a blessing because we, Africans, have particular core values that I don’t think are often spoken of or taught in societies in other continents. I am referring to values of a common and shared sense of what a family is, of what solidarity is, and working for the social good.
What Is Next For Me?
There are still aspirations I am working towards, such as expanding access to healthcare and promoting gender equality on a global scale. This is with emphasis on leveraging technology to address healthcare disparities and improve access to essential services, particularly for underserved girls and women. Driven by a passionate desire to impact lives and to pursue a career that is a true expression of who I am, I remain determined to make a difference in the US, in Africa and globally.
I am still in America fulfilling my calling for public health, but these days, I find myself spending more time back home in Benin. I am currently the National Coordinator for the UNFPA ICPD30 Global Youth Dialogue and the Founder and CEO of DOTOH Health, whose headquarters are in Cotonou, Benin.
In the coming months of 2024, I plan to attend: side events at UNGA include Goalkeepers and the African Women Leaders Network; The Summit of the Future and the World Health Summit in October.
Through my dedication, expertise, and strategic partnerships, I have positioned myself as a trusted advisor to leaders around the world, driving progress towards health equity and gender equality on a global scale.
Dr. Joannie Bewa is a physician, public health researcher, and global expert for women's health and reproductive rights living between Benin and the USA. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on global health, gender equality, leadership, digital Health and Africa. She sits on the board of various international organizations. She enjoys exploring cultures and empowering communities through education and healthcare initiatives.
Twitter: @DrJoannie_Bewa
Instagram: @drjoannie_bewa
LinkedIn: Dr Joannie Marlene Bewa, MD, PhD
Website: www.joanniebewa.com
Linktree: JoannieMBewa
And if you visit Benin, do not miss the Place de l'Amazone