Emelyne Calimoutou

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT EMELYNE CALIMOUTOU

I am a global women’s health law and policy professional with over 10 years of experience designing and leading large-scale initiatives that advance gender equity, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and inclusive health systems across Africa and Asia.My work sits at the intersection of law, data, and systems change, supporting governments, donors, and multilateral institutions to translate evidence into policy and legal reform that improves outcomes for women, girls, and marginalized communities. I have led complex, multi-country legal and policy portfolios across more than 20 countries, including directing reform efforts under the $680M World Bank–funded SWEDD initiative, contributing to reductions in child marriage and expanded access to education and essential health services for adolescent girls.I bring deep expertise in public health law and policy reform (SRHR, GBV, maternal and child health, CRVS); data-informed decision-making and impact measurement; political economy and systems analysis; strategic partnerships with governments, UN agencies, donors, and civil society; and grant and portfolio leadership.I have successfully driven legal advocacy programs in Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Kenya, building trusted relationships with governments and interministerial coordination committees. I am recognized for navigating political sensitivities and institutional constraints while maintaining a clear focus on gender equity and results. I have represented global health organizations at international and country-level forums, including leading contributions to the UNESCAP Ministerial Conference on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific.I have built and managed high-performing, fully remote, multicultural teams and cross-border networks of legal experts and policymakers, and I am known for leading with empathy, clarity, and strategic focus in politically complex environments.In addition to my practice, I teach law, advise global initiatives, and publish on women’s rights and public health law. I have strong experience translating complex legal content into accessible learning tools and am fluent in English and French.Current focus: Advancing transformational women’s health and gender equity outcomes through data-driven policy reform, legal empowerment, and strategic partnerships.