Rapid demographic changes have taken place in Sub-Saharan Africa over the last 25 years, leading to an epidemic of cardiovascular disease, according to a report published June 19 in the inaugural issue of JACC: Case Reports. As such, a network of women has emerged who are dedicated to supporting each other in multicenter African studies focused on treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. "Female solidarity and the active mental decision to empower oneself are the most important ways forward," write Karen Sliwa, MD, PhD, FACC, et al. The case report also highlights some of the barriers facing African women researchers and scientists, including motherhood and "the old boys club culture," but notes that strong collaborations, formal mentoring programs, and sometimes friendships formed outside of work have proven "it is clearly possible to be innovative and highly productive and still manage to have a [balanced] life." Read more.