In 2026, WomenLift Health will continue its East Africa Leadership Journey, a program that has already supported women leaders across the region to step into stronger leadership roles in health. Running from March 2026 to February 2027, the fully funded 12-month hybrid program invites applications from mid-to-senior women professionals in health systems, policymaking and management from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Ethiopia. The deadline for applications is October 10, 2025. Through in-person residencies, mentorship, virtual learning and a self-directed Health Leadership Project, participants will gain tools, networks and strategies to strengthen their leadership. The initiative continues to focus on equipping women to lead with confidence, drive systemic change and improve health outcomes across East Africa.
A Transformational Journey for Women Leaders
The WomenLift Health East Africa Leadership Journey is more than just a training program. It is a transformational experience that provides women leaders with the tools, networks and confidence to influence health systems at multiple levels. Each year-long journey will bring together 60 women, split into two cohorts of 30. Participants will take part in both joint and separate activities throughout the year.
The program is fully funded, covering travel, lodging and materials, ensuring equal access for participants regardless of financial background. The expected time commitment is about four to eight hours per month, making it manageable for women in demanding leadership positions.
Participants will engage in two in-person experiential residencies: the Immersion at the beginning of the journey and the Lift-Off at the end. These residencies are complemented by virtual learning modules on leadership, strategy and execution, as well as regular peer mentoring sessions and one-on-one coaching.
A key component of the program is the Health Leadership Project. This project challenges each participant to design and implement an initiative that draws on her expertise, creativity and network. Guided by mentors and coaches, participants will develop a Theory of Change, stakeholder analysis and an implementation plan. The project does not need to be fully completed during the program but its early outcomes are presented at the Lift-Off residency.
Projects are required to integrate gender considerations into policies, systems or interventions. They can take many forms, such as promoting health education, improving organizational processes, developing new technologies, advancing gender-disaggregated data use or contributing to health equity advocacy. All projects must connect to broader systems and aim for sustainable, scalable impact.
Building a Lasting Network of Women Leaders
The WomenLift Health initiative is built on the principle that real leadership change happens through collaboration, diversity and representation. The program is intentionally inclusive, encouraging applications from minorities, historically marginalized groups and underrepresented communities in the six East African countries it serves.
Participants will join a lifelong network of Global Fellows who continue to support each other after completing the program. This network spans local, regional and global levels, creating an ongoing platform for collaboration and advocacy for women’s leadership in health.
Beyond technical leadership training, the program creates a safe space for women to reflect, share experiences and explore authentic leadership through vulnerability and courage. It encourages participants to amplify their voices, increase their presence and expand their influence, all while fostering a sense of belonging in a diverse community.
The program’s approach reflects WomenLift Health’s core values of inclusion and continuous learning. By focusing on women leaders from different disciplines and sectors, it ensures that leadership is viewed through a systems lens. This mindset shift is vital for tackling today’s complex public health challenges, from building resilient health systems to addressing gender inequities in healthcare.
A Call to Action
Applications for the 2026 East Africa Leadership Journey are open and will close on October 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM EAT. Women who meet the criteria, mid-to-senior leaders in health with significant experience in policymaking, management, or systems, are strongly encouraged to apply.
The opportunity is fully funded, meaning that cost is not a barrier for qualified candidates. Selected participants will gain not just knowledge but also confidence, networks and the ability to make meaningful changes in health outcomes across East Africa.
At its core, the WomenLift Health East Africa Leadership Journey is about unlocking potential. By investing in women leaders, it is investing in stronger, more inclusive and more resilient health systems.
