International Women’s Day 2025 is upon us and we are celebrating – as usual – by celebrating the contribution of some of the amazing women who lead our work at BES. The IWD theme for 2025 is ‘Accelerate action’ and ‘accelerate’ is an appropriate word for the four staff we are profiling this year. They live life at a million miles an hour, with amazing lives professionally and personally – each of them has achieved incredible things in their roles and in their careers and BES is lucky to have them.
We celebrate these four along with all women working in International Development, Digital Transformation, and Public Health.
Name: Sahar Etesam
Job title: Program Manager (Laboratory)
How long have you worked for BES? 2 years
Tell us about your role:
As a Program Manager, I implement laboratory information systems (SENAITE) in different countries to improve workflow, reporting, and data management, supporting pathology labs in working more efficiently.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is collaborating with diverse teams, learning from different cultures, and making a meaningful impact by improving laboratory systems and workflows.
Who is a woman who has inspired you professionally?
My sister. She is goal-driven and constantly strives for the personal and professional growth of not just me, but other women as well. She encourages me to challenge myself and face my fears.
Name: Deepika Chand
Job title: mSupply Site Monitoring and Helpdesk Officer
How long have you worked for BES? One and a half years
Tell us about your role:
The role involves monitoring mSupply and Coldchain usage across Fiji MHMS facilities, identifying and addressing support needs, managing support requests through a digital system, coordinating training and on-site visits for MHMS staff, conducting user satisfaction surveys, reporting on monthly mSupply performance across targeted facilities, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure optimal mSupply usage and support.
What is the best part of your job?
The opportunity to make a direct impact on healthcare delivery by ensuring that health facilities have the tools and support they need to manage their supplies effectively. By optimizing the use of mSupply, we’re helping improve the efficiency of the supply chain, which ultimately supports better patient care and outcomes. Additionally, the chance to work closely with a variety of stakeholders, from local teams to international partners, provides a sense of collaboration and purpose in improving the healthcare system.
Who is a woman who has inspired you professionally?
My mother – She worked in the financial industry her entire professional career and still is. Her commitment, discipline, and ability to succeed in a competitive field has taught me the importance of perseverance and continuous learning. I learnt the significance of being adaptable in a changing environment and the power of staying true to my principles while achieving professional success. Mrs Kusum Chand, I am proud of you and to be called your daughter!
Name: Gigi Bade
Job title: Senior People & Culture Manager
How long have you worked for BES? 2 years!
Tell us about your role:
In my role I work across the whole HR and People & Culture lifecycle, across 3 countries. It’s a role where every day is different, and I really get to make it my own.
What is the best part of your job?
It’s so important for me to be working toward something that I care about. BES’s wide reaching positive impact in healthcare across the Pacific is something I’m proud to be part of. I love that the culture allows anyone to offer new ideas or improvements and run with them.
Who is a woman who has inspired you professionally?
I’m inspired by so many of the women in my life. I have amazing, intelligent, creative, high achieving friends who excel in all different industries. They make me feel like anything is possible.
Name: Safiya Nur
Job title: Digital Health Trainer – Kiribati
How long have you worked for BES? 4 years and 1 month (first 18 months as a contractor, then as an employee)
Tell us about your role:
Training healthcare professionals to use digital health tools and technologies and implementing BES solutions such as Tamanu, Tupaia and mSupply at various facilities around Kiribati to enhance their ability to deliver effective health care.
What is the best part of your job?
Enhancing healthcare professionals’ capabilities with digital tools to deliver superior service and accessible healthcare, all while ensuring transparency and elevating overall healthcare standards.
Who is a woman who has inspired you professionally?
I have met many amazing women in my professional life, however, there is a particular leader at BES who has inspired me with her innovation, leadership and resilience. She has inspired me through her unwavering commitment and determination to overcome obstacles. Her leadership confirms that true success is about making a positive change one step at a time.
