Episode 27 - Healing Beyond Empire: Decolonising healthcare systems from a feminist approachca

Colonial legacies continue to shape the healthcare systems that impact girls, women, and marginalised communities globally particularly countries in the global majority. However, what does decolonising healthcare systems really mean, and why is it so urgent, particularly withing the context of the UASAID freeze and Dutch, Swiss and Belgian funding cuts?

In the latest episode of #WhatGirlsWant: A Podcast, we dive deep into these critical questions with Yumnah Hattas from Frontline AIDS. Together, we unpack:

•The meaning of decolonising healthcare systems and its importance.

•How colonial healthcare legacies still shape access to care today.

•Intersectionality as a key approach for decolonisation.

•The real-life impacts of colonial healthcare structures on girls and women.

•How feminist movements are leading the fight to challenge and dismantle these oppressive systems.

We find ourselves at a time when human rights, justice and the hard earned gains made by feminists are being threatened calling for bold action, unity and critical interrogation into how colonial healthcare legacies continue facilitate the oppression of marginalised communities. 

Yumnah Hattas is a globally recognized leader in gender justice, public health, and human rights advocacy, with over 23 years of experience in program management, policy influence, and multi-stakeholder engagement. She has successfully led multi-million-dollar programs, spearheaded groundbreaking health initiatives, and driven transformative advocacy on global platforms such as Women Deliver, ICASA, and the International AIDS Conference.

As Senior Advisor Gender and SRHR at Frontline AIDS, Yumnah has led gender-transformative strategies, anti-rights advocacy, and intersectional programming across 100+ countries. Previously, she served as Executive Director of JARID International, where she led multi-country SRHR and LGBTQ+ rights initiatives, and as Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator, where she managed a $590 million program and established the Locally Employed Staff Committee to advance equitable policies.

Her work has contributed to key regional frameworks, including the SADC Model Law on Child Marriages, the Maputo Plan of Action, and the South African Adolescent SRHR Framework. Passionate about anti-racism and combating anti-gender movements, she continues to champion inclusive policies that amplify marginalized voices.

A sought-after speaker, moderator, and thought leader, Yumnah has facilitated and presented at high-profile global events and hosts podcasts tackling gender, climate, and health equity. She holds a Master’s in Gender, Religion, and Health, a Bachelor of Nursing, and multiple leadership certifications.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about health justice, gender equality, and transformative change.