From Seeds to Action: Taking on a New Role for the Coalition’s Future

As I step into the role of Chair for the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, I feel deeply honored and incredibly energized. The shoes I have to fill are significant, but I’ve had the privilege of learning from the best— Elisabeth Baugh and Annwen Jones OBE . Their leadership has shaped the Coalition into the impactful organization it is today, and I’m grateful they will continue to work alongside me as we embrace this exciting new chapter.

Our recent in-person Board Meeting in Dublin left me inspired and excited by the momentum we’ve built. With a newly expanded board and new and important working partnerships —for example, with global organizations such as the World Health Organization —we are well-positioned to tackle the challenges ahead. This is a moment of opportunity, and we remain steadfast in our commitment: No Woman Left Behind.

From Evidence to Action: A Turning Point

Our 2023–2028 Strategy, From Evidence to Action: Making Ovarian Cancer a Global Priority, serves as a bold roadmap for achieving profound and equitable change. At its core is our mission to improve survival and quality of life for everyone impacted by ovarian cancer through advocacy, awareness, and evidence-driven initiatives. Our vision is simple yet transformative: a world where every woman, no matter where she lives, has access to the best care and the best chance of survival.

This vision is backed by a compelling moral and economic case for action. Studies like the Socioeconomic Burden of Ovarian Cancer in 11 Countries illustrate the immense financial and societal impact of this disease, providing critical data to inform advocacy and policy change. Similarly, the Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition, for which I had the privilege of serving as Co-Chair of the Oversight Committee, highlights the disparities in care and outcomes experienced by women in underserved regions, amplifying their voices and identifying solutions to address these inequities.

I’m especially looking forward to the public release of the results of both studies in the first half of 2025. These findings will be a pivotal moment for the global ovarian cancer community, providing actionable insights to drive progress and deepen the understanding of the lived experiences of women affected by this disease.

Groundbreaking Collaboration and Ambition

The Coalition’s strength lies in its partnerships and through these we are genuinely advancing a global movement. 

This ambition fuels every aspect of our work. From raising awareness to advocating for policy change and empowering advocacy networks, the Coalition is turning evidence into action to ensure our impact is felt worldwide.

A Personal Commitment

For me, this work has always been deeply personal. My focus has always been the women behind the disease, their families, and their unique stories. That commitment remains at the core of everything we do.

As we move forward, I’m excited to build on our achievements, tackle the challenges ahead, and continue delivering on our promise to ensure no woman is left behind. Together, we will create a future filled with hope, progress, and action—one step at a time.

Robin Cohen