Ssemata Benjamin, Radiation Therapist at the Uganda Cancer Institute, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate a different kind of power: the power of awareness.
While we honour the incredible strides women have made globally, we must also confront the reality of how far we still have to go.
In many parts of the world, especially in LMICs, women face significant barriers:
- A lack of representation in leadership.
- The persistent gender pay gap.
- Limited access to education and opportunity.
- And critically, in the fight against cancer, unequal access to screening, vaccination (for HPV and cervical cancer), and the lack of proper supportive care during treatment that considers the unique needs of women.
Many of us care deeply about these issues. But caring and knowing how to drive change are two very different things. The path from empathy to action is paved with knowledge and awareness.
That’s why today, I want to give a special and heartfelt appreciation to two extraordinary women in the field of radiotherapy: Sandra Turner and Dr Katie Wakeham
These two champions didn’t just care about the global inequality in cancer care; they acted. They spearheaded an insightful movement that led to the birth of the World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD).
Their dedication has created a global platform that educates, advocates, and unites professionals and patients alike, shining a light on the life-saving potential of radiotherapy and the urgent need for equitable access worldwide.
To Sandra Turner and Dr Katie Wakeham: thank you for your vision, your relentless efforts, and for showing us how powerful informed action can be. You are true inspirations not just to women in STEM and healthcare, but to everyone who believes that awareness can truly save lives.
This Women’s Day, let’s take a step beyond celebration. Let’s build the knowledge that empowers progress.
Here’s how you can join the movement:
- Visit the WRAD website to learn more about this vital initiative.
- Share WRAD post’s to amplify the message of awareness and equity.
- Join WRAD at European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 2026 Congress in Stockholm Sweden 17-19th May 2026
- Take a moment to learn about one barrier women face in healthcare access today.
Knowledge is the first step. Awareness is the catalyst for change. Let’s keep learning, keep advocating, and keep pushing for a fairer, healthier world for all women. “
Other articles on World Radiotherapy Awareness Day on OncoDaily.
