STORIES OF IMPACT
THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
FUNDED BY THE UK’S DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (DFID), THE VVLEAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM DEVELOPED OVER THE COURSE OF THREE YEARS TO SERVE AND ENGAGE A GLOBAL NETWORK OF EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED WOMEN LEADERS WHO FOCUS ON ONE OF THREE KEY ISSUE AREAS: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, HARMFUL CULTURAL PRACTICES, AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS. Launched in late 2012, VVLead set out to test and implement a new and innovative model for women’s leadership development programs. VVLead’s in-person and virtual programming interventions were vital to the fellowship’s capacity-building mission. The interactive nature of the online platform provided fellows with a toolbox of resources, ideas, connections and support that could be tapped into instantly from anywhere in the world, while the in-person exchanges solidified learnings, connections and collaborative efforts among fellows.
330 FELLOWS To date, the Fellowship has engaged
Through VVLead, a sisterhood was created, fellows were validated as leaders,
330 fellows across the globe.
professional goals and action steps were clearly defined, and fellows took action toward achieving greater impact in their communities.
DOCUMENTARIAN PROJECT OVERVIEW VVLead’s Documentarian Project was developed in 2014 to gain a deeper understanding of how the program influenced its fellows’ leadership trajectories, as well as explore program outcomes through a descriptive and contextual lens. Much of VVLead’s quantitative data captured changes in skill levels, connections made, and beneficiaries impacted throughout fellows’ tenure in the program. The qualitative nature of this project, however, allowed VVLead to better understand how the program’s various activities and interventions led to these changes, and as a result, greater impact in their communities. While the case studies highlighted VVLead’s three overarching pillars – connect, learn and collaborate – they also captured other unique and unanticipated outcomes of women’s leadership networks: sisterhood, validation, goal mapping and goal actualization. These four outcomes played a positive role in shaping fellows’ individual trajectories and propelled them towards achieving their leadership and professional potential. To capture a diversity of voices and perspectives, VVLead utilized a participatory evaluation approach that resulted in 36 individual case studies that underscore fellows’ experiences in the fellowship. The following case study excerpts highlight some of our fellows’ stories and voices, and ultimately, make the case for investing in women’s leadership networks. For more information on the methodology used and lessons learned from the Documentarian Project, and to view the entire report, please visit bit.ly/1SyDidP
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
OVERVIEW
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
SISTERHOOD VVLead’s all-women’s leadership network created a space where fellows inspired to take professional risks in front of a non-competitive cohort of other professional women. Having a space and platform to openly share professional goals, challenges and needs – and subsequently receive encouragement, support and resources from a global network of women – gave some the motivation they needed to embark on a new professional endeavor, take on a leadership position, or expand the scope of their work.
“Sometimes [in a mixed-sex organization] you feel you’re getting that patronizing support,
“I don’t feel competition. I do
a little pat on the head for doing something really well that people didn’t think you would
feel that every woman who I am
do well because you’re a woman. In an all-female network, you get a big applause. [There
connecting with sincerely wants
is this] ‘I’m behind you because I know you can do it, and guess what, I think I can do it
to help.”
too because I’ve seen you do it.’”
– AMINA EVANGELISTA – LUMBIWE LIMBIKANI ZAMBIA
SWANEPOEL PHILIPPINES
“[Being a part of the VVLead Program] was a turning point in my life because I realized that I’m not alone. There are people supporting me.”
– JENNY SCHWARTZ ARGENTINA
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
STORIES OF IMPACT
SISTERHOOD
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
MUTHONI NDUHIU KENYA Through VVLead, Muthoni reports having gained her “sense of driving force,” as well as the deep vision and mission for Mastermind Africa Alliance (MAA), the nonprofit organization she founded that promotes women’s economic empowerment across Africa. Muthoi applied to VVLead at the end of 2013 and was accepted into the 2014 Class. About MAA, she said, “Armed with my conviction on the difference I wanted to make in women’s lives, plus the affirmation from being accepted into the fellowship program, I began the online trainings with growing the company in mind.”
In September 2014, Muthoni registered
Planning, and Vision and Goal Setting,
her life and professional goals, kept her
the organization, created a website and
among many others. The possibility to
“on track,” and improved her ability to
began reaching out to clients. She also
always access the online platform has also
make decisions and focus on her vision
formed a team by reconnecting with
been helpful to Muthoni, as it serves as
for the MAA.
some of the women she met through
a refresher of the lessons she learned in
the Moremi Fellowship and inspiring them
previous years.
to get involved in the project.
Overall, Muthoni says she learned to trust her vision and transformed Mastermind
Muthoni says she draws her inspiration
Africa Alliance from a free time activity
Through VVLead, Muthoni reports having
from the encounters with the other high
to a true life mission as a result of
had the opportunity to be involved in
achieving VVLead fellows with whom she
VVLead. Thanks to the sisterhood she
a “continual learning and supportive
connects with daily. Through VVLead she
felt within the network, and the help and
process.” In her mind, VVLead is unique in
has developed personal and professional
the encouragement she received from
its long-term, individualized commitment
relationships with other powerful women,
VVLead, Muthoni also reports having
to the fellows. Through the online
from whom she receives “unconditional
gained clarity on her vision and learned
platform, Muthoni attended webinars
help” for her organization. These women
to be bolder and more self-confident in
on Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic
have provided her with support in defining
her decision making.
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
SISTERHOOD
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
VALIDATION Many fellows reported that simply being associated as a VVLead fellow led to increased visibility and recognition as leaders, as well as credibility, by their peers and professional networks. This external validation led many fellows to recognize their leadership potential, with many women starting to see themselves as leaders for the first time, which ultimately led them to take bold actions steps within their communities, businesses and organizations.
“Before I became a VVLead fellow I used to be just an echo, but now I am a voice! I used to just exist as one of those NGOs that deal with
“The association with Vital Voices has
women and gender issues, but now I am a voice,
enhanced my credibility, leadership and
I am an authority to be reckoned with.”
business clout…I am also gaining the visibility I need as the ‘go to person’
– ASMAU BENZIES-LEO NIGERIA
when it comes to issues relating to coaching and mentoring.” – TAMALA CHIRWA
STORIES OF IMPACT
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
MALAWI
VALIDATION
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
TEINA MACKENZIE COOK ISLANDS Teina Mackenzie is an exceptional example of a community organizer, environmental and youth advocate, and political reformer in not only the Cook Islands, but globally. As a Cook Islander, Teina has brought together her community through the dissemination of knowledge regarding deep sea mining and issues related to a changing climate. She also recently represented her island nation by sailing a traditional Polynesian vessel from the Cook Islands to New Zealand and Australia in order to bring global attention to the Pacific Islanders’ ongoing struggles with the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.
Teina’s current focus has centered on
VVLead has provided Teina with a sense
involvement with VVLead, Teina has gained
educating communities in the Cook Islands
of validation through both the capacity
a sense of validation and empowerment
and the Pacific region on the impact of
building exercises and the recognition as
which she uses to pursue her goal of
deep sea mining endeavors through youth
a leader in her own right. This experience
becoming a political leader for her country.
debates. This initiative not only involves
was afforded to Teina at the South-South
local youth, but invites the community,
Exchange, an in-person capacity building
politicians and representatives from
program where fellows from all over the
the deep sea mining corporations to
world gathered for a week. She recalled,
participate. By providing local youth with
“I felt noticed, cared for, and appreciated.
the opportunity to become involved in
Having such genuine attention from my
politics, Teina hopes to both encourage
peers gave me more self-esteem and
the students’ interests in the environment
definitely more fervor to go out and make
and to develop the students’ educational
positive change in the world.”
goals through empowerment and capacity building. These debates have been
A political future seems imminent for the
successful in the region because they
community leader. With a strong sense of
facilitate a balanced and non-threatening
personal drive, Teina’s focus is on reforming
environment for local communities to voice
local politics to focus on the interests of
their concerns.
the communities represented. Through her
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
VALIDATION
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
GOAL MAPPING Many fellows entered VVLead with a blurred vision for their future. Throughout various online courses and in-person exchanges, fellows had the opportunity to define their leadership and professional goals and outline strategic action steps for achieving said goals. This was especially helpful for those women who were spread too thin by competing priorities and were instead encouraged to focus their vision and streamline their efforts.
“Before I joined the VVLead “The VVLead Fellowship Program redirected my course
Program I had too much energy
and focus. I found out through the course that I was not
with blurred image and that wasn’t
the only one with a challenge to achieve something for
taking me [anywhere]…but now I
the good of mankind. There were many other women who
know where I can find myself in five
had gone through worse and stood tall and strong. I now
years. For me, this was a big step.
feel empowered and energized.”
At this stage of my life I feel like I have the map and compass of my
– MARA BUA JOHNSON UGANDA
life, which means I know where I will go next and [I] already know where my next destination is.”
STORIES OF IMPACT
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
– NEBIAT ASSEFA ETHIOPIA
GOAL MAPPING
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
JAKI MATHAGA KENYA Jaki applied to VVLead at a time when she felt isolated as a woman in a top management position. She was seeking a space where she could talk to and seek advice from other women about work. She also wanted to make a difference, but did not know at the time how to go about doing so considering the monetary and time constraints she faces as a single mother. “The Fellowship has been filling my need to constantly learn and network,” said Jaki. “This is where I have also developed the courage to work more on my personal passion – autism.” Her son Jayden was diagnosed with
such, one of her short-term goals is to
equipping me with tools to not only do
autism at the age of five, and since then
develop a fundraising and business plan
my day work better, but tools that are
Jaki has become an outspoken advocate
that will allow her to support her and
helping me better define my dream and
for children and parents affected by
her son if she were to quit her day job.
plan for the future.”
autism. Her dream is to ensure that all
Currently, Jaki is working one-on-one
autistic children in Kenya have access to
with VVLead fellow Tamala Chirwa, a
Besides reaching a point where she
the therapies and services they need to
professional coach who offered fellows
believes her son Jayden is getting the
reach their full potential. Jaki has since
pro bono coaching services. Together,
best education and services he needs,
become an active member of the Kenya
they have discussed options for securing
Jaki is determined to expand the support
Autism Alliance (KAA), a Facebook group
additional funding, as well as setting a
that KAA can offer other parents. “Vital
made up of Kenyan parents who seek
firm deadline for when Jaki will make the
Voices was the first place I spoke my
and provide support and information to
jump to autism work fulltime.
dream out loud and it is where I have
one another. Currently, Jaki serves as the President of the KAA.
started working on actualizing it. It is Regarding the role that VVLead plays
where I am meeting women who tell
in supporting her passion, she says,
me—it does not matter how difficult or
One of Jaki’s biggest challenges is
“Starting the VVLead Fellowship Program
impossible it looks, it can be done.”
securing enough funding so that she
crystallized my thinking and affirmed
can work on autism issues fulltime. As
my desire to do more…The fellowship is
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
GOAL MAPPING
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
GOAL ACTUALIZATION Through targeted interventions – including online courses, in-person exchanges, peer mentoring and challenge grants –VVLead facilitated an environment that encouraged fellows to take action on their leadership, professional and organizational goals. The emphasis on strategic planning, coupled with the mentorship and motivation fellows provided one another, led fellows to implement their strategic plans and take the necessary action steps for increasing the scope and scale of their businesses and organizations, and ultimately, greater impact in their communities.
“I didn’t know what I could do to do more in the work
“Now that I know what I am going to do, I am
that I am doing, and learning these skills through the
taking steps so it’s going to get done…I’ve
webinars was very helpful. Now, I’m applying to this,
got women on the VVLead platform that are
I’m applying to that. But then, going to the South-
keeping me accountable and checking back
South Exchange and listening to all those stories and
with me regarding where I am in my process.”
the work everyone else is doing, I’m thinking I am part of a bigger picture. I’m part of a bigger family that is working towards the same goal and I think it gave
– JAKI MATHAGA KENYA
me a big boost, a big push to do more, to say more, to interact more, and to talk more about the issues that I’m very much interested in.”
– LUMBIWE LIMBIKANI ZAMBIA
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
STORIES OF IMPACT
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
AMINA EVANGELISTA SWANEPOEL PHILIPPINES Amina is the Founding Executive Director of Roots of Heath (ROH), an NGO based in Palawan, Philippines that strives to empower women and girls and improve family health. The organization provides clinical services to women in underserved, resource-poor communities and sexual health education to students and adults in the community. The organization is guided by the principal that health is a human right.
In August 2015, Roots of Health turned
networks and skills. Similarly, having not
she can focus on higher level planning
six. Over the past two years, the
attended business school, she lacked
and management of the organization.
organization has received a lot of pressure
some necessary management skills and
“[VVLead] really helped me to view my
from funders to expand their programs.
expertise in successfully directing an
role within Roots of Health at a higher
VVLead, through its online courses and
organization. As such, VVLead’s online
level… rather than being focused on
encouraging network of global women
courses in Strategic Planning, Human
doing it all myself.” A major decision
leaders, has played an influential role in
Resources and Monitoring & Evaluation
she has made since joining VVLead was
helping Amina develop her management
have been the most invaluable to her
create and hire two senior management
style so that ROH can expand its scope
personal leadership growth.
positions. This has allowed her to share
and impact.
some of her responsibilities and delegate Amina credits the Strategic Planning
more of her work so that ROH can expand
Amina applied to VVLead at a time she was
and Human Resources courses with
its services and reach more communities.
seeking more professional development.
encouraging her to reflect on and
Expanding its programming and services
The lack of conferences and trainings
evaluate how she was leading and
will mean that more people in Palawan will
offered in the area she lives in, coupled
handling the organization. In order for
have access to sexual health information,
with the fact that she was bogged down
the organization to grow, Amina must
contraceptives and maternal health
with the day-to-day operations of ROH,
entrust the day-to-day responsibilities
services.
gave her few opportunities to seek new
to senior-level management so that
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
SISTERHOOD
VALIDATION
GOAL MAPPING
ABOUT VITAL VOICES Vital Voices Global Partnership invests in women leaders who improve the world. Founded by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and guided by the belief that women are essential to progress in their communities, we partner with leaders from more than 140 countries who advance economic opportunity, increase political and public leadership, and end violence against women. Our programs in strategic planning, business, advocacy and communications build critical skills needed for creating transformational change at scale. Through our global platform, women leaders expand their connections and visibility, accelerating shared progress for all.
GOAL ACTUALIZATION
AUTHORS: ELIZABETH ANDREWS Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Global Programs, Vital Voices Global Partnership LUCINA DI MECO Senior Program Manager, Global Programs, Vital Voices Global Partnership LAURA THOMPSON Program Coordinator, Global Programs, Vital Voices Global Partnership ALICIA MASLAR M&E Fellow, Global Programs, Vital Voices Global Partnership SAMANTHA THURBER M&E Fellow, Global Programs, Vital Voices Global Partnership ANNA APPLEBAUM McLarty Global Fellow, Vital Voices Global Partnership
EDITING: YUSHUANG SUN Intern, Global Programs, Vital Voices Global Partnership ELYSE GAINOR Program Assistant, Global Programs, Vital Voices Global Partnership
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
Developing and implementing the Documentarian Project required the participation, commitment and hard work of our VVLead Documentarian fellows and their case study subjects. A special thank you to former and current VVLead team members for their help, support and dedication throughout this process.