Talented mid-to-senior women leaders in public health across East Africa, this is for you. The WomenLift Health East Africa Leadership Journey 2026 opens its application window, offering a fully funded opportunity to deepen leadership skills, expand your influence, and shape health systems with impact.
What Is It?
A 12-month leadership development programme (March 2026 – February 2027) combining virtual and in-person learning. Participants will explore authentic leadership, strengthen their presence and influence, and be supported by peers, mentors, and coaches.
Key components include:
- Two in-person residencies: a 3-day Immersion and a 2-day Lift-Off event.
- Virtual learning touchpoints, group mentoring, and one-on-one coaching.
- A Health Leadership Project: participants will design, plan, and begin implementing a project addressing public health challenges.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a woman working in public health policy, practice, or research in East Africa.
- Have 10-25 years of experience in public health.
- Be an East African national, working and residing in one of the target countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, or Ethiopia.
- Be fluent in written and verbal English.
- Be able to commit ~4-8 hours per month to virtual sessions, plus attend the residencies.
There is no cost to participate; all program costs, including travel and lodging, are covered.
Why This Is A Big Deal
- Leadership transformation: The programme doesn’t just teach — it creates shifts in mindset, capability to influence, network power, and authenticity.
- Network & mentorship: You’ll join a cohort of women facing similar leadership challenges, supported by experienced leaders and coaches.
- Real projects with real impact: The Health Leadership Project gives an outlet to apply learning in a way that addresses public health needs in your context.
- Support for underrepresented voices: The call especially encourages applicants from minority, marginalized, or under-represented communities.
Important Dates & Deadline
- Application Deadline: October 10, 2025, by 5:00PM EAT.
- Notification of Acceptance: Expected by January 2026.
- Programme Duration: March 2026 ‒ February 2027.
How to Apply
- Prepare a compelling application, including your proven experience in public health, leadership challenges, and aspirations.
- Include a letter of recommendation, ideally from your supervisor or another senior leader familiar with your work.
- Develop an initial idea for your Health Leadership Project — what public health issue you wish to address, your approach, stakeholders, and expected impact.
- Ensure you have reliable internet access and availability for virtual sessions and the in-person residencies.
If you’re at a stage in your health leadership journey where you want to move from managing to influencing, from delivering to innovating, this could be your moment.
Apply here
