Apply for 2026 West Africa Midwifery Leadership Journey (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

This prestigious leadership initiative is organized by WomenLift Health in partnership with the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN). It aims to bring together experienced women working in midwifery, maternal and newborn health (MNH), education, policy, research, innovation, and related sectors across West Africa. The program is designed to develop and strengthen leadership capacities among women professionals, enabling them to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems and communities throughout the region.

This journey is not only about professional development but also about fostering transformational leadership. It offers a unique platform for women to enhance their influence, share experiences, and develop innovative solutions to health challenges faced by women and children in West Africa.

Duration & Format

• Duration: May 2026 – April 2027
• Format: Hybrid (combining virtual learning sessions with in-person residencies)
• Cost: Fully funded, covering all program-related expenses including travel, accommodation, and learning materials. Participants can focus entirely on their growth and participation without financial concerns.

Why This Matters

This leadership journey provides more than just skill-building; it is a transformational experience that:

• Strengthens leadership skills and enhances your ability to influence health policies and practices effectively.
• Builds a cross-country network of women leaders committed to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
• Increases capacity to deliver respectful, high-quality care that is patient-centered and culturally appropriate.
• Offers mentorship, coaching, and peer learning sessions that foster ongoing support, shared knowledge, and collaboration among women leaders.
• Empowers participants to design and implement a Midwifery Leadership Project a self-directed initiative focused on addressing real health challenges in your community or country, creating lasting impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as women and be citizens or residents of Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, or Burkina Faso.
• Have 10–25 years of professional experience in roles related to midwifery, maternal and newborn health, or sectors that advance these fields.
• Be actively working in roles that materially influence or improve midwifery or MNH services such as clinical care, education, policy, research, advocacy, or management.
• Have strong written and spoken English skills to engage fully with program content and peer learning.
• Be committed to attending all mandatory sessions and residencies, demonstrating dedication to completing the program.

Program Components

Participants will engage in a comprehensive set of activities designed to enhance leadership and practical skills:

• Virtual Interactive Workshops and Leadership Modules: Structured online sessions covering leadership theories, health systems, advocacy, and strategic influence.
• Peer Group Mentoring and One-on-One Coaching: Personalized guidance to support individual growth, project development, and leadership challenges.
• A Midwifery Leadership Project: A self-directed, practical project that addresses a specific health challenge within your community or workplace, allowing you to apply leadership skills in real-world settings.

Two In-Person Residencies

• Leadership Immersion: Scheduled for July 27–30, 2026, this intensive residency focuses on deepening leadership skills, networking, and strategic planning.
• Leadership Lift-Off: Scheduled for May 4–5, 2027, this session marks the culmination of the program, celebrating achievements, sharing lessons learned, and planning future actions.

Benefits & Outcomes

Upon completing the journey, graduates will:

• Become part of the WomenLift Health Global Fellows network, connecting with women leaders across regions and sectors for ongoing collaboration.
• Gain advanced leadership skills that can influence health policies, clinical practices, and community health outcomes.
• Develop a sustainable Midwifery Leadership Project that can be scaled or adapted for broader impact.
• Enhance their capacity to advocate for respectful, equitable, and high-quality maternal and newborn health services.
• Strengthen their influence as change-makers and role models in their communities and professional spheres.

Timeline & Important Deadlines

• Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 (11:59 PM WAT)
• Selection Notifications: April 2026
• Program Start: May 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official portal.

Click here to apply

Prepare your application by highlighting your professional experience, leadership aspirations, and how you plan to contribute to the program’s goals.

This leadership journey is an exceptional opportunity for women in midwifery and maternal health to elevate their influence and drive systemic change. If you are passionate about improving health outcomes for women and children, committed to personal growth, and ready to lead innovative initiatives, this program could be a pivotal step in your leadership journey.