Doctors in Debate: Social Activism Practice Session

27 February 2025 | In person

On 27 February 2025, the practice session took place. Doctors in Debate: Social Activism venue, organised by Doctors in Debate, Into The World and TROIE, in collaboration with Knowledge Centre Global Health (KCGH). The session brought 11 participants with diverse professional and social backgrounds.

The meeting provided an interactive and reflective space for participants who, in their work or involvement in global health, experience questions about social responsibility, activism and perspective for action. The starting point was the recognisable experience of working within larger systems, in which moral dilemmas and feelings of powerlessness can arise. The central question was how concerns about injustice and inequality can be translated into meaningful action.

During the session, we explored together what effective social activism can mean within the context of global health. Participants discussed questions such as: which forms of activism are appropriate for different roles and positions, which tone and strategy contribute to change, and how can individual involvement relate to collective action. There was a strong focus on the future of global health and the role that healthcare professionals, activists and concerned citizens can play in this.

The practice session was characterised by an open and safe atmosphere, in which there was room to share personal experiences, discuss doubts and exchange perspectives. The small-scale setting created an in-depth conversation in which different disciplines, values and practical experiences came together. Coffee and tea contributed to an informal setting that encouraged meeting and dialogue.

The meeting emphasised the importance of reflection, mutual exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue in strengthening social awareness and capacity for action within global health. The session provided participants with tools to explore their own position and consider ways in which they, individually and collectively, can contribute to positive change.

This training session was part of the activities supported by KCGH of NSGH working groups, aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and multidisciplinary collaboration within the Dutch and international global health field.