Women’s circles within the WLEH initiative are innovative, mentorship-inspired “safe” spaces, both formal or informal, designed to support the ongoing professional and personal development of female eye health professionals and foster connection.

These circles bring together women leaders in various stages of their careers to foster meaningful peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and support. They are often integrated into post-conference and training engagement experiences, providing a continuous platform for participants to share insights, reflect on personal and professional experiences, and discuss actionable strategies for advancing gender equality in eye health systems.

By creating numerous inclusive and uplifting environments, WLEH utilizes a women’s circles methodology to help participants strengthen their connections, gain confidence in leadership roles, and collectively address the challenges that limit women’s advancement in the field.

This model also serve as a community-building tool, inspiring collective action and long-term growth within the global eye health sector, providing an ongoing platform for women to support one another.

Women’s Circles naturally complement participation in conferences, panel discussions, and training opportunities, offering a space to deepen connections, reflect on shared experiences, and translate insights into meaningful professional growth.