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Meet Dr. Fatma Shakarchi on International Women’s Day!

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On this International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the achievements of women in eye health and highlighting the inspiring journey of Dr. Fatma Shakarchi, one of our 2024 WLEH Professional Development Grant recipients, from Iraq!

Dr. Shakarchi’s story shows how investing in women’s leadership in eye health can truly make a difference. With a master’s degree in public health for eye care, she attended the 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Conference in Chicago (USA), thanks to receiving one of our professional development grants in 2024. This was a pivotal experience that enhanced her expertise, strengthened her professional network, and deepened her role as an advocate for women working in eye health.

”Attending the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 annual meeting marked a full-circle moment in my journey in ophthalmology”.

At the AAO Conference, Dr. Shakarchi immersed herself in groundbreaking discussions on artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and sustainable practice models, gaining insights to drive innovation in her field and spheres of influence. Additionally, she had the opportunity to present four research posters on global and clinical ophthalmology, based on large datasets, further positioning her as a thought leader among her peers in a highly international setting.

Moreover, her role as a panelist during our WLEH Coffee Hour, “Gender Equity in Eye Health Programming, Research, and Advocacy,” further underscored the significance of women’s leadership, inspiring critical reflections on leadership barriers and pathways to change.

"It is hard for me to put into words how beautiful and raw it was to connect with the incredible women who attended the session. One story that especially moved me about women's camaraderie and leadership in eye health was when four women colleagues, from different cultures and specialties, all shared examples of how it was women nurses who guided them early in their training as ophthalmologists”.

Beyond professional growth, this experience profoundly impacted Dr. Shakarchi’s vision for the future of her medical practice and the role she aspires to play in advancing eye health in Iraq.

"l was fortunate to present four posters at AAO 2024, on both global ophthalmology and clinical ophthalmology, in collaboration with different teams based across Iraq, the UK, the USA, and Zambia. (…) I was fascinated to learn from giants in the field on the different models of healthcare delivery and how telemedicine is being implemented to expand outreach, like at the Aravind Eye Hospital in India.”

Witnessing firsthand the scale of world-class research, the ambition of global leaders in innovation, and the possibilities available in cutting-edge ophthalmic care was an eye-opening experience for her. It reinforced her commitment to not only expanding her knowledge but also identifying gaps in eye health within her home country. The exposure to new methodologies, advanced technologies, and the collaborative nature of international research has fueled her ambition to drive meaningful change in her community.

Dr. Shakarchi’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity and mentorship. Her experience highlights the critical need for initiatives that support women in eye health. In fact, despite women constituting 70% of the global health workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership, holding only 25% of decision-making roles. These disparities persist within the eye health sector. Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) is committed to expanding leadership opportunities and fostering mentorship, professional development, and global networks to uplift women at every stage of their careers.

Through these key initiatives, WLEH champions the voices and contributions of women leaders, ensuring their rights and participation in leadership spaces shape the future of stronger eye care systems worldwide.

By investing in programs that amplify women’s voices, we move closer to a world where every woman in eye health can thrive and transform the future of vision care.

As we celebrate the achievements of women in eye health, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a better future for women and girls, everywhere.