“In order for gender equity to be achieved globally, I would like to see positive changes in laws and policies that allow for the recognition and protection of women’s rights. “

Meet Dr. Maria Jose Cisneros, a member of the CORE Group Board of Directors and Program Lead at AMBOSS.

How does the work you do empower women and girls in low and middle-income countries around the world?

It is all about the person. I have the opportunity in my different work fields to empower women and girls in low and middle-income countries and, with the use of technology, manage to expand to all parts of the world.

In the Medical Education field and thanks to AMBOSS GmbH, a digital medical education platform that tackles knowledge and access barriers with a great community sense, with initiatives such as a scholarship program and global health initiative that allows low and middle income medical students and medical doctors access to verified up-to–date medical education.
In the academic field, through research, and thanks to different organizations I have had the opportunity to work with, we have managed to tackle low and middle-income countries, especially in Africa and South America, Sexual Health and Rights, making visible their needs and areas of improvement, trusting in the power of research aiming to move it to action and involve key stakeholders.
Technology is a powerful tool for advancing gender equality worldwide. It can be used to address the digital divide, bridge access to resources and learning opportunities, and create equal opportunities for all. This can include access to telemedicine and healthcare, as well as access to digital tools like education and communication platforms such as AMBOSS GmbH. Additionally, technology can also be used to increase awareness and advocacy for gender equity, such as through using the platform of social media to spread messages of gender equality.

What more changes would you like to see in the journey towards gender equity globally?In order for gender equity to be achieved globally, I would like to see positive changes in laws and policies that allow for the recognition and protection of women’s rights. This could include moves towards pay equity, labor reforms and laws that protect victims of gender-based violence. Additionally, I would also like to see an increased investment in girls’ education, to ensure that all girls have the same access to opportunities and resources that boys have. This could include access to technology and digital tools, as well as mentorship and career guidance. Furthermore, I would like to see changes in cultural attitudes and behaviors towards gender equality – this could include tackling gender stereotypes and biases that exist in different societies.How can young people especially in the global south innovate for gender equity?Young people in the global south have the potential to innovate in many areas to foster gender equity. This could include creating digital tools and platforms to promote equality by providing equal access to resources and education, using technology to bridge the digital divide. Additionally, young people can use the power of social media to spread messages of gender equality, creating awareness and advocating for change. They can also challenge traditional gender norms by joining and leading gender-focused initiatives, as well as creating mentorship and education programs for young girls, to ensure they are provided with the same opportunities and resources as their male counterparts.

What’s your favorite app or website, and how does it bridge the gender divide? 

Women in Global Health (WGH),  is dedicated to empowering female health professionals by providing resources for leadership development, gender equal representation in the health and care workforce, and gender responsive health systems. It focuses on four key advocacy areas to ensure that women are protected from exploitation, given equal pay and opportunities, and have access to professional resources. It aims to bridge the gender divide in global health by advocating for gender equality and empowering women in the field. The website can be found here: https://womeningh.org/