Call for Applications: WomenLift Health Eastern Africa Leadership Journey 2027 (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: September 17, 2026

About the Journey

The WomenLift Health Eastern Africa Leadership Journey is a fully funded, 12-month leadership and professional development programme designed for experienced women working in health and interconnected sectors across Eastern Africa. The programme recognises that health outcomes are influenced by many sectors beyond healthcare, which WomenLift Health terms “Health++”. This includes fields like climate change, food systems, agriculture, water and sanitation, education, economic policy, gender equity, and technology. The Journey is designed to provide talented women leaders with a safe space to explore their authentic leadership through vulnerability and reflection. It offers an inclusive and diverse network which fosters a strong sense of belonging, along with tools and strategies for enhancing voice, presence, and influence all while being supported by a powerful group of peers, mentors, and coaches. The programme is part of a global movement. For 2027, Leadership Journeys will focus on Africa and Asia, and applications will not open in North America.

Programme Structure and Components

The 12-month hybrid programme runs from March 16, 2027 – February 10, 2028. Participants engage in:

• Virtual Learning Touchpoints: Facilitated, interactive group sessions exploring leadership frameworks, research, and tools
• Virtual Mentorship: Group mentoring with senior leaders from different backgrounds, health sectors, and disciplines
• One-on-One Executive Coaching: Personalised coaching to build on strengths and address areas for growth, often using a “360-degree evaluation” for feedback
• Two In-Person Residencies:

• Leadership Immersion: A 3-day convening early in the Journey to enhance skills and apply them to real-world examples
• Leadership Lift-Off: A 2–3-day event at the end of the Journey to celebrate growth and present leadership projects

• Health Leadership Project (HLP): A core component where participants design and lead a self-directed project to improve health outcomes in East Africa. Participants enter with an idea and develop it throughout the year
• JourneyPLUS Sessions: Optional, informal events to build community and explore special topics with guest speakers

Note: While the programme is fully funded, WomenLift Health does not provide funding for the implementation of the Health Leadership Projects.

Programme Benefits

The Eastern Africa Leadership Journey is fully funded for selected fellows. The programme covers participation costs, including travel, lodging, and food expenses associated with the in-person residencies. This allows selected women leaders to participate in the full 12-month experience without having to personally fund the core programme and residency travel costs.

Additional benefits include:

• Access to a lifelong network of Global Fellows at local, regional, and global levels
• Support to design and implement a Health Leadership Project
• Leadership assessments and personalised coaching

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Gender: Identify as a woman
• Career Stage: Be a mid-career leader with 10–25 years of work experience in health or a health-related field (“Health++”)
• Location: Be a citizen who resides and works within Eastern Africa, specifically: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, or Burundi
• Time Zone: Live in East Africa Time (EAT +/-1 hour) for at least 75% of the program
• Language: Demonstrate fluency and confidence in both written and verbal English communication
• Commitment: Be committed to collaborative learning and advancing women’s leadership in health

WomenLift Health is committed to selecting diverse cohort members, representing different sectors (public, private, academia, NGO, philanthropy), disciplines, and cultural backgrounds.

Why This Programme Matters

The WomenLift Health Eastern Africa Leadership Journey addresses the critical need for women’s leadership in health and health-related sectors across the region. By providing a fully funded, structured leadership development programme, it empowers mid-career women to advance their careers, influence decision-making, and drive positive health outcomes.

For women leaders in health and interconnected sectors across Eastern Africa, this programme offers:

• A fully funded 12-month leadership journey
• Access to mentorship and executive coaching
• Support to design and implement a Health Leadership Project
• A lifelong network of Global Fellows
• Opportunities to enhance voice, presence, and influence

Application Deadline: September 17, 2026

Applications are reviewed holistically, with emphasis on leadership potential and the proposed Health Leadership Project.

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official WomenLift Health Eastern Africa Journey Page