Advancing a Global Digital Platform for Community and Advocacy

In 2026, WLEH has continued to advance the development of a new global digital platform designed to strengthen community engagement and amplify global advocacy efforts across the eye health sector. This initiative is being led by Clare Szalay Timbo in close collaboration with the WLEH Global Advocacy team.

Significant progress has already been made through a global participatory co-design approach, engaging with the broader WLEH community to shape the platform’s purpose and structure. An initial global survey generated strong interest, with over 60 respondents expressing willingness to contribute to the platform’s development.  

Structured follow-up engagement is now underway, including additional surveys and advisory meetings to refine the platform’s core features, purpose, and user experience, ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of a diverse global network.
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The platform is being designed to foster connection, mentorship, and advocacy, serving as a central space for women leaders and allies in eye health to exchange knowledge, build networks, and contribute to collective action.  The first advisory group meeting was convened on May 21, bringing together members of the WLEH community to help guide ongoing development and decision-making for the platform.

Looking ahead, the insights gathered through this collaborative process will inform the selection of the most suitable platform and support its development and launch, with the ambition of creating a user-driven space that strengthens global engagement and advances gender equity in eye health.

Please reach out to wleh@orbis.org if you want to learn more and/or join in our participatory co-design process.  

Read more about our co-design group here.