Women in Africa Initiative is launching the first edition of the WIA Young Leaders program, developed in partnership with Dior and the investment bank Lazard.
WIA and its partners aim to support and promote young African women leaders from the start of their careers in order to address the challenge of equal opportunities. The program trains young women leaders by providing them with high-quality support throughout their exceptional careers and social advancement, enabling them to reach their full potential.
In 2021, five selected Young Leaders will benefit from an international support program that can be rolled out every year, with the ambition of opening it up to more than 400 young women by 2030.
"Women are the backbone of the African economy and the future of the continent. Supporting young women is crucial and, more than ever, meaningful. I encourage every young African woman who wants to have an impact on the transformation of the continent to apply to our program." Aude de Thuin, Founder and Chair of the Board of Women in Africa.
How to apply?
Starting Monday, March 15, 2021, all young African women who are reinventing creativity and the future of the continent are invited to apply via the WIA website: https://wia-initiative.com/wia-young-leaders/. Five African women will be selected for their exemplary backgrounds and leadership by a prestigious international jury. Special attention will be given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds.
What are the selection criteria?
Each application will be reviewed according to specific criteria such as:
Interest in Africa's development and a vision of what Africa should be tomorrow;
The ability to balance business acumen with social impact;
Awareness of the need for and importance of public-private dialogue;
The ability to become a decision-maker at the highest level;
Strength of conviction combined with a taste for teamwork;
Social advancement: self-made careers will be given priority;
Strong ties to Africa: the candidate—or her parents—must have been born in an African country and currently be involved in an activity or cause in Africa;
Humility, empathy, and resilience.
Why apply?
The program aims to enhance the international visibility of the selected Young Leaders, but also to train and support them in developing their professional network.
Press release