Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Sometimes heroes wear capes.
And sometimes, they wear ombre coloured hijabs and a determined smile that hides the weight of the work they carry behind the scenes.
Today, we honor Dr. Dille Issimouha, a force of nature, a quiet disruptor, and a woman whose leadership has reshaped what is possible for surgical oncology across our continent.
To be completely honest, she is a story of firsts… but also a story of far more than firsts.
Being the first female surgical oncologist in West Africa was never her finish line. If anything, it was her starting point.
From Niger, she trailblazed her way into transforming how surgical oncology is delivered, building systems, strengthening teams, and ensuring women receive the care and dignity they deserve.
And she didn’t stop there.
If you’ve ever worked with Dr. Dille, you know her pace. One day she’s in hashtag#Eswatini, the next she’s in hashtag#Bungoma, and the following week she’s in another remote corner of Africa, always with her signature blend of grace, resilience, and grit.
Every time I speak with her, it’s the same clarity and conviction:
‘Our women need this. Let’s get it done.’
She crisscrosses the continent not for recognition, but to make sure our policies translate into practice… to ensure the things we commit to ‘on paper’ become real for the women who need them yesterday.
And she does it all with humility. With a grounded presence. With a fire that refuses to dim even in the toughest, most disheartening circumstances.
On this 1st day of December, we pause to thank her. To acknowledge the countless hours, the impossible travel schedules, the late-night calls, the problem-solving, the advocacy, the courage.
Dr. Dille, congratulations to you and your team. Your work is not only moving the needle; it is changing the story for women across Africa.
May we honour women like her loudly, support them boldly, and build systems worthy of their courage.”
More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi.