In honour of Women's Month, we celebrate the exceptional achievements of Prof Liz Wolvaardt, an Associate Professor renowned for her pivotal role in health policy and management within the School of Health Systems and Public Health at the University of Pretoria. Her impact resonates through her leadership of one of the most prominent postgraduate programmes and her dedicated mentoring of young academics, making her a true advocate for women in science.

Prof Wolvaardt's journey into the world of academia is marked by her dedication to elevating health education. With a background in nursing, she pursued a Master of Public Health and a PhD in Curriculum Development and Instructional Design. Her doctoral thesis delved into the vital inclusion of public health in the medical curriculum, setting the foundation for her enduring commitment to health professions education.

At the University of Pretoria, Prof Wolvaardt leads a large fully online Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, where she plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of public health professionals. Her leadership and programme coordination contribute to the growth of a programme that nurtures expertise and knowledge dissemination in the ever-evolving realm of public health.

Prof Wolvaardt's influence extends beyond curriculum design. She was the  Regional Co-Director for the Sub-Saharan FAIMER Regional Institute (SAFRI), an endeavor that has since evolved into the Association for Health Professions Education and Leadership. Her commitment to fostering educational excellence earned her the Southern African Association of Health Educationalists Distinguished Educators Award in 2022, a testament to her impactful contributions.

As an Associate Editor at the African Journal of Health Professions Education (AJHPE), Prof Wolvaardt's vision for the future of health education shines brightly. Her creation of an editorial internship programme within AJHPE underscores her dedication to nurturing the talents of emerging academics, setting them on a path towards meaningful contributions in the field.

Prof Wolvaardt's commitment to student development culminates in the co-founding of Africa's first-ever journal for undergraduate health professions students. The forthcoming journal, which launched in 2023, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of health sciences education, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to driving innovation.

Prof Liz Wolvaardt's legacy exemplifies the power of women in science. Her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to education illuminate pathways for countless individuals to thrive in the realm of health professions. As Women's Month unfolds, her story continues to inspire and empower future generations of women in science to reach new heights.