As technology and innovation reshape industries, Thato Schermer is at the forefront of a groundbreaking transformation in women’s healthcare. As the co-founder and CEO of Zoie Health Technologies, Schermer is tackling one of Africa’s most significant challenges to provide accessible and comprehensive healthcare for women. Her vision and strategic leadership have positioned Zoie Health Technologies as a trailblazer, combining cutting-edge technology with holistic care to close critical gaps in the healthcare system.
Founded in 2020 by Thato Schermer and Dr Nonhlanhla Sitole, Zoie Health Technologies came from the realisation that the healthcare sector often overlooks its most critical demographic, women.
“We realised that although there is a lot of innovation in the medical space, no one was focusing on one key customer, women,” Thato Schermer explains.
This insight led to Zoie Health- Africa’s first virtual women’s health clinic, which provides accessible, affordable, and inclusive healthcare solutions. The platform offers various services, including virtual consultations with medical providers and community forums where users can engage with healthcare experts and find tailored solutions to their needs.
Zoie Health Technologies takes a holistic approach to women’s wellness, offering support through every stage of life, from puberty to pregnancy and menopause. Whether addressing fertility concerns, providing guidance on breastfeeding, arranging baby wellness checks at home, or offering post-pregnancy fitness advice, Zoie Health is designed to function as a digital one-stop clinic.
According to the startup, users can access online support for fertility issues, seek advice on breastfeeding, arrange a baby wellness check from home, connect with other mothers to discuss specific challenges and learn about post-pregnancy fitness.
Zoie Health’s influence on women’s healthcare extends beyond regional boundaries to a global scale. The platform has positively impacted thousands of lives and gained international recognition as a leader in digital health.
The organisation has received numerous accolades, including First Place in the Stanford Graduate School of Business Africa Business Club Competition in 2022 and First Place in the Harvard Business School Africa Business Club Competition in 2022. These achievements highlight its innovative strategy for healthcare and other fields.
Thato Schermer’s journey is marked by relentless innovation and a strong commitment to social impact. With extensive experience in leadership roles across technology, digital innovation, and strategic consulting, she is actively reshaping the healthcare system and inspiring other professionals in the tech and fintech industries.
Her work shows how leveraging technology can bridge systemic gaps, create economic value, and address critical societal needs. As she continues to redefine women’s healthcare in Africa, Thato Schermer is setting a powerful precedence for the intersection of tech, innovation, and social impact in the global healthcare sector.
