Stories of Impact: The Case for Women’s Leadership Networks

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.