Women’s health and rights on the global stage: In conversation with Professor Stephen Rulisa
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Women’s health and rights on the global stage: In conversation with Professor Stephen Rulisa
The XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics will take place in Cape Town, South Africa. The theme Advancing women’s health: a journey of unity and freedom speaks to the core of what we’re trying to achieve. The Scientific Programme Committee has come together with a vision anchored in two key areas: clinical excellence and global inclusivity. We interviewed Professor Stephen Rulisa, Chair of the Scientific Programme. Committee, to explore what participants can expect from this landmark event. The programme reflects cutting-edge research and advancements in women’s health, but also bold conversations around access, equity and rights. The keynote sessions will be powerful, featuring global leaders in clinical research, as well as frontline champions for women’s rights. There will be surgical video classrooms, hands-on simulation labs and practical workshops. You’ll meet colleagues from around the world, exchange ideas, challenge your thinking, and return home inspired.
With a programme designed to bridge clinical science and advocacy for the rights of women, the XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO Cape Town 2025) offers a unique platform to foster collaboration, learning and conversation between global delegates. We interviewed Professor Stephen Rulisa, Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee, to explore what participants can expect from this landmark event.
As Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee, what has been your vision for FIGO Cape Town 2025?
Thank you, it is truly an honour to Chair this programme. The Scientific Programme Committee has come together with a vision anchored in two key areas: clinical excellence and global inclusivity. As an obstetrician gynaecologist myself, I see firsthand how science and advocacy must go hand-in-hand. This year’s programme reflects just that — cutting-edge research and advancements in women’s health, but also bold conversations around access, equity and rights. The theme Advancing women’s health: a journey of unity and freedom speaks to the core of what we’re trying to achieve — bringing the global community together to unlock new possibilities for care, innovation and change.
What makes this year’s programme particularly exciting?
We have more sessions, workshops and speakers than ever before. We’ve built a programme that spans the entire field — from critical topics like postpartum haemorrhage, cervical cancer and vaccination, to emerging research in AI and robotics, sustainability and mental health. What’s especially exciting is how interactive the experience will be. There will be surgical video classrooms, hands-on simulation labs and practical workshops. There’s something for every career stage — from students and trainees to senior specialists.
The theme focuses on unity and freedom. How does that translate into the scientific content?
“Unity” inspires us to lift up voices from all corners of the world — making space for regional diversity, different health system experiences and cross-disciplinary collaboration. “Freedom” speaks to bodily autonomy, informed choice and the freedom to access safe, respectful care, no matter your background. Alongside the scientific sessions, you’ll also see tracks dedicated to advocacy, policy and human rights; including issues like reproductive justice, gender-based violence and barriers to care.
Can you give us a preview of a few standout moments in the programme?
I can say that our keynote sessions will be powerful — featuring global leaders in clinical research, as well as frontline champions for women’s rights. The President’s Session is a prime example of this, and a great way to open the Congress. The FIGO President, Professor Anne Kihara, has personally curated an exceptional line up of speakers to share invaluable insights and address critical issues in PPH prevention and care, including; Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE (Chief Midwife for the International Confederation of Midwives) and H.E Mutula Kilonzo Junior CBS (Governor of Makueni, Kenya).
I’m also excited to present the off-site Pre-Congress workshops, which will offer a real hands-on experience in practical local settings. We’ve worked with organisations like the University of Cape Town to offer a Global Surgery Hackathon, we’re also bringing back ‘delegate-favourite’ workshops such as Teach the Breach, hosted by EBCOG and WATOG.
Finally, what would you say to healthcare professionals thinking about attending FIGO Cape Town 2025?
FIGO Cape Town 2025 is not just a chance to gain knowledge, it’s a chance to be part of a global journey. You’ll meet colleagues from around the world, exchange ideas, challenge your thinking, and return home inspired. This is a space for learning, but also for leadership. If you’re passionate about advancing women’s health, Cape Town is where you need to be.
Women’s health and rights on the global stage: In conversation with Professor Stephen Rulisa
The XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics will take place in Cape Town, South Africa. The theme Advancing women’s health: a journey of unity and freedom speaks to the core of what we’re trying to achieve. The Scientific Programme Committee has come together with a vision anchored in two key areas: clinical excellence and global inclusivity. We interviewed Professor Stephen Rulisa, Chair of the Scientific Programme. Committee, to explore what participants can expect from this landmark event. The programme reflects cutting-edge research and advancements in women’s health, but also bold conversations around access, equity and rights. The keynote sessions will be powerful, featuring global leaders in clinical research, as well as frontline champions for women’s rights. There will be surgical video classrooms, hands-on simulation labs and practical workshops. You’ll meet colleagues from around the world, exchange ideas, challenge your thinking, and return home inspired.
With a programme designed to bridge clinical science and advocacy for the rights of women, the XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO Cape Town 2025) offers a unique platform to foster collaboration, learning and conversation between global delegates. We interviewed Professor Stephen Rulisa, Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee, to explore what participants can expect from this landmark event.
As Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee, what has been your vision for FIGO Cape Town 2025?
Thank you, it is truly an honour to Chair this programme. The Scientific Programme Committee has come together with a vision anchored in two key areas: clinical excellence and global inclusivity. As an obstetrician gynaecologist myself, I see firsthand how science and advocacy must go hand-in-hand. This year’s programme reflects just that — cutting-edge research and advancements in women’s health, but also bold conversations around access, equity and rights. The theme Advancing women’s health: a journey of unity and freedom speaks to the core of what we’re trying to achieve — bringing the global community together to unlock new possibilities for care, innovation and change.
What makes this year’s programme particularly exciting?
We have more sessions, workshops and speakers than ever before. We’ve built a programme that spans the entire field — from critical topics like postpartum haemorrhage, cervical cancer and vaccination, to emerging research in AI and robotics, sustainability and mental health. What’s especially exciting is how interactive the experience will be. There will be surgical video classrooms, hands-on simulation labs and practical workshops. There’s something for every career stage — from students and trainees to senior specialists.
The theme focuses on unity and freedom. How does that translate into the scientific content?
“Unity” inspires us to lift up voices from all corners of the world — making space for regional diversity, different health system experiences and cross-disciplinary collaboration. “Freedom” speaks to bodily autonomy, informed choice and the freedom to access safe, respectful care, no matter your background. Alongside the scientific sessions, you’ll also see tracks dedicated to advocacy, policy and human rights; including issues like reproductive justice, gender-based violence and barriers to care.
Can you give us a preview of a few standout moments in the programme?
I can say that our keynote sessions will be powerful — featuring global leaders in clinical research, as well as frontline champions for women’s rights. The President’s Session is a prime example of this, and a great way to open the Congress. The FIGO President, Professor Anne Kihara, has personally curated an exceptional line up of speakers to share invaluable insights and address critical issues in PPH prevention and care, including; Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE (Chief Midwife for the International Confederation of Midwives) and H.E Mutula Kilonzo Junior CBS (Governor of Makueni, Kenya).
I’m also excited to present the off-site Pre-Congress workshops, which will offer a real hands-on experience in practical local settings. We’ve worked with organisations like the University of Cape Town to offer a Global Surgery Hackathon, we’re also bringing back ‘delegate-favourite’ workshops such as Teach the Breach, hosted by EBCOG and WATOG.
Finally, what would you say to healthcare professionals thinking about attending FIGO Cape Town 2025?
FIGO Cape Town 2025 is not just a chance to gain knowledge, it’s a chance to be part of a global journey. You’ll meet colleagues from around the world, exchange ideas, challenge your thinking, and return home inspired. This is a space for learning, but also for leadership. If you’re passionate about advancing women’s health, Cape Town is where you need to be.