The Women for One Health (WfOH) Network is an interconnected community of One Health (OH) professionals advancing the participation of women and under-served groups in One Health research, policy, and practice to enhance gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. The idea of the network was sparked by the initiative of a few female One Health advocates who met in November 2022 at the World One Health Congress in Singapore and discussed the importance of gender-balanced representation in One Health events.

From October 15 to October 17, 2023, the World Health Summit with the motto " A Defining Year for Global Health Action " took place in Berlin. From engaging presentations to stimulating discussions to enriching workshops, the days were filled with inspiring insights and valuable exchanges. These interactions fostered connections and dialogues essential to advancing Global Health.

On Sunday evening, we were delighted to meet with community members of our network and exchange ideas about the next strategic steps, marking our first live get-together. WfOH strives to unite One Health experts and enthusiasts across various sectors, regions, and genders, which is why we consider this get-together a significant milestone. We had fantastic conversations, established valuable connections, and ultimately strengthened our network. These interactions fostered connections and dialogues essential to advancing Global Health.

Global Health and One Health are connected through their shared goal of improving health for all. One Health’s framework informs and enhances Global Health strategies, showcasing the importance of collaboration. By ensuring the inclusion of women and underrepresented groups in health discussions, research, and leadership, we can achieve more holistic and effective outcomes that reflect the needs of all populations.

The importance of these connections—between One Health, Global Health, and Inclusivity—is precisely why we consider it a significant milestone for us to have attended the World Health Summit.