Dr Glenda Gray - Freedom of Expression and Equal Opportunity

DR GLENDA GRAY ON COVID-19, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Born and raised in Boksburg, South Africa, Glenda Gray knew from the age of six that she would become a doctor. In this week’s Top Women podcast, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher, sits down with the leading physician, scientist and activist. As the first ever woman president and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, Glenda has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is a strong activist for the equal rights of women and girls, and was listed as one of Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women" by Forbes Africa in 2020. With a strong view that as a society, we need to provide young disadvantaged individuals with opportunities in science and technology, Glenda shares her hope for the future in terms of education and how equal opportunity will play out in the coming years. Glenda and Ralf dive into all things education, medicine and science. They discuss the current challenges of COVID-19 − considering a wide range of factors that need to be taken into account during this time. They talk about the lesser-discussed factors of the virus as well as how it presents itself in the bigger picture. Glenda Elisabeth Gray MB BCh, FC Paeds, DSc (hc), OMS is a South African physician, scientist and activist specialising in the care of children and in HIV medicine. In 2012 she was awarded South Africa's highest honour, the Order of Mapungubwe (Silver). She became the first female president of the South African Medical Research Council in 2014, was recognised as one of the "100 Most Influential People" by TIME in 2017 and was listed amongst "Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women" by Forbes Africa in 2020. Her research expertise involves developing microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV vaccines