WomenLift Health Southern Africa Leadership Journey 2027: An Opportunity for Growth

The WomenLift Health Southern Africa Leadership Journey 2027 is a fully funded, 12-month program designed to empower talented women leaders in the health sector. This initiative offers a unique space for participants to develop their leadership skills through reflection, build an inclusive network, and gain tools to increase their voice and influence. The program aims to equip women leaders with practical strategies to navigate the challenges they face in global health today.

Program Overview and Objectives

The WomenLift Health Southern Africa Leadership Journey is structured to provide a holistic development experience. It combines in-person learning with virtual support to foster personal and professional growth. The core objective is to create a supportive environment where women can explore their leadership potential, connect with peers, and gain confidence.

The program focuses on imparting contextualized tools and frameworks that address the specific challenges faced by women leaders in health. Participants will engage in two intensive in-person residencies, known as Immersion and Lift-Off. These are complemented by virtual learning sessions, group mentoring, and one-on-one coaching. A key component is the self-directed Health Leadership Project, where participants apply their learning to real-world issues.

Key Program Components

The 12-month journey is rich with opportunities for learning and development. It includes:

• In-Person Residencies: Two experiential learning sessions, Immersion and Lift-Off, provide intensive, hands-on development. The Immersion residency is a three-day event, with travel days on April 12 and April 17, 2027. The Lift-Off residency is a two-day event, with travel days on March 13 and March 16, 2028. The exact locations will be in Southern Africa and will be shared with cohort members closer to the dates.
• Virtual Learning: Ongoing virtual touchpoints ensure continuous engagement and learning throughout the program.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Participants receive support through virtual group mentoring and personalized one-on-one coaching sessions.
• Health Leadership Project: This self-directed project allows participants to work on a specific health-related challenge, applying the skills and knowledge gained during the program.
• Community Support: A strong emphasis is placed on building a supportive community among peers, mentors, and coaches.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the WomenLift Health Southern Africa Leadership Journey 2027, applicants must meet specific requirements:

• Gender Identity: Applicants must identify as a woman.
• English Proficiency: Strong written and verbal English communication skills are essential. This includes the ability to express emotions, engage in reflective conversations, handle complex interpersonal discussions, and integrate leadership concepts.
• Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens residing and working within Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, eSwatini, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
• Time Zone Compatibility: Applicants should live within the CAT (+/-1 hour) time zones for at least 75% of the program. This is to ensure effective participation in scheduled touchpoints and engagement with peers.
• Work Experience: Applicants should be mid-career leaders with 10 to 25 years of work experience in “Health++.” Health++ recognizes that improving health outcomes requires action across interconnected fields like climate change, food systems, agriculture, water and sanitation, education, economic policy, gender equity, and technology.
• Diversity: WomenLift Health is committed to creating a diverse cohort, representing various sectors (public, private, academia, NGO, philanthropy), disciplines, and cultural backgrounds.

Application Process and Costs

The WomenLift Health Southern Africa Leadership Journey 2027 is a fully funded program, meaning all costs associated with the program are covered. This includes travel and lodging for the in-person residencies.

Interested candidates can apply through the provided link. The application deadline is September 18, 2026. Further details about the program and the application process can be found on the WomenLift Health website.

Conclusion

The WomenLift Health Southern Africa Leadership Journey 2027 presents a significant opportunity for women leaders in the health sector across Southern Africa. By offering a blend of intensive learning, personalized support, and a strong community network, the program aims to cultivate confident, influential leaders capable of driving positive change in global health. The fully funded nature of the program removes financial barriers, making it accessible to a wide range of talented individuals.