Futures Thinking Programs for A Changing World
African Women in Global Leadership Programme
second cohort
(A Five-Weekend Programme for Upwardly Mobile Female Professionals)
This intensive five-weekend programme is designed to empower Africa’s Upwardly mobile female professionals by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, networks needed to navigate leadership in global affairs.
The programme blends theoretical insights, real-world case studies, and interactive workshops to foster participants’ understanding of transformational leadership, policy, and international engagement.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role of female leaders in governance, diplomacy, and corporate leadership.
- Examine the impact of gendered governance structures on policy and decision-making.
- Explore strategies to overcome barriers to female leadership in global affairs.
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will gain knowledge and understanding of the contributions and challenges facing female leaders in global governance.
- Participants will develop personal leadership roadmaps for navigating continental and international leadership spaces.
CORE CASE STUDIES:
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – Liberia’s post-war presidency and transformational leadership.
- Prof/Justice Akua Kuenyehia (Ghana) – pioneering female judge and international law expert.
Learning Objectives:
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- Explore Africa’s role in global governance institutions (UN, AU, AfCFTA, IMF, World Bank).
- Assess the influence of female professionals in shaping Africa’s global trade, diplomacy, and development.
- Develop strategies for female professionals to influence Africa’s international policy.
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- Participants will evaluate Africa’s position in global economic and political systems.
- Participants will propose actionable strategies for increasing female representation in Africa’s global agenda.
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- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria) – leadership in global trade and finance institutions.
- Amina J. Mohammed (Nigeria) – UN Deputy Secretary-General and champion of sustainable development.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how digital transformation and AI are reshaping leadership in global politics and business..
- Assess the role of African women in technology, fintech, and AI-driven policymaking.
- Develop strategies to leverage digital tools for female leadership and advocacy.
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will analyse the intersection of technology, leadership, and gender in global governance.
- Participants will design digital strategies for female-led initiatives in global affairs.
CORE CASE STUDIES:
- Rebecca Enonchong (African Women in Tech Entrepreneurship) – This case study explores the impact of Rebecca Enonchong, founder of Apps Tech, in promoting African women in technology, AI innovation, and policy advocacy.
- Lindiwe Matlali (South Africa) – Founder of Africa Teen Geeks, champion for digital literacy among African youth.
Learning Objectives:
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- Understand the role of women in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and diplomacy.
- Analyse gender-sensitive policies in international relations and security.
- Develop negotiation and advocacy skills for global engagement.
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- Participants will examine the impact of women’s leadership in international peace and security.
- Participants will enhance their diplomatic skills through real-world simulations.
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- Leymah Gbowee and Women’s Peace Movements in Liberia – This case study highlights the role of Leymah Gbowee and the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace in ending the Second Liberian Civil War through grassroots activism and diplomatic engagement.
- Fatou Bensouda (Gambia) – International Law and Justice Leadership.
- Lindiwe Zulu (South Africa) – Minister of Social Development and peacebuilding advocate.
Learning Objectives:
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- Explore the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in global leadership.
- Analyse the impact of gender-based violence (GBV) on leadership opportunities and economic participation.
- Develop strategies to promote gender-sensitive policies and inclusive leadership in organisations.
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- Participants will assess how systemic inequalities affect women in global affairs.
- Participants will design DEI-focused policies and interventions to address gender disparities.
- Participants will develop strategies for combating gender-based violence in professional and political spaces.
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- Côte d’Ivoire’s Gender Equality Efforts – Examining the country’s legal reforms and ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity.
Programme Duration and Format
- Five weekends (Saturdays), 1.5 hours per session.
- Date: 15th, 22nd, 29th (November), 6th, 13 (December)
- Saturdays: 11AM GMT, 1PM EAT, 12PM SAT
- Delivery: Virtual participation.
- Methodology: Interactive workshops, expert panels, real-world case studies, leadership simulations, and peer learning.
Alumni and Networking Strategy
- Mentorship Programme: Each participant is paired with an alumna or senior African female leader for guidance, support, and career advice.
- Peer Networking: Quarterly virtual leadership forums facilitate ongoing dialogue and collaboration among cohorts.
- Alumni Platform: An online portal enables resource sharing, event announcements, and professional opportunities.
Practical Execution and Impact Tools
- Capstone Action Projects – Participants create a practical deliverable (policy brief, advocacy plan, or business model) applying programme learning to real challenges.
- Implementation Labs – Hands-on weekend sessions on concrete skills like launching DEI policies or community enterprises under AfCFTA.
- Templates and Toolkits – Provide ready-made guides for leadership strategies and GBV workplace protocols for easy adaptation and use.
- Real-World Mentorships – Match participants with experienced African leaders for ongoing guidance and practical support post-training.
- Monitoring & Impact Framework – train participants to track and report progress on their projects and leadership goals, fostering accountability.
Target group or eligibility requirements:
Tertiary or University level
Participation fees:
USD$250
for the full five weekends
Starting:
15th Nov.
2025
