Applications are Now Open for the 2026 Nigeria Leadership Journey: Empowering Women to Lead Change in Health

Application Deadline: December 31, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 Nigeria Leadership Journey, a fully-funded leadership development program by WomenLift Health, in partnership with the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN). Running from May 2026 to April 2027, this year-long experience is designed to equip mid-career women in Nigeria’s health sector with the confidence, network, and leadership skills to drive impactful change in public and global health.

The Nigeria Leadership Journey 2026 offers a hybrid learning format, combining virtual and in-person sessions that foster reflection, collaboration, and personal growth. The program is entirely free—covering travel, lodging, and all program-related costs. Participants commit approximately 4–8 hours monthly, ensuring balance with professional and personal responsibilities.

A Transformational Learning Experience

This 12-month program creates a safe and inclusive environment where women leaders can explore their authentic leadership style through self-reflection, mentorship, and community support. Participants gain practical tools and strategies to strengthen their leadership presence and influence, guided by an inspiring network of mentors, coaches, and peers from across Nigeria and beyond.

At its core, the Leadership Journey is designed to foster the mindset shifts necessary to tackle complex health challenges. By addressing the systemic, organizational, and individual barriers women face in leadership, the program cultivates more inclusive, strategic, and impactful leaders.

Upon completion, graduates become Global Fellows — part of an ever-growing international community of women committed to advancing gender equity and leadership in health systems worldwide.

Program Structure and Key Components

Health Leadership Project

A cornerstone of the Journey is the Health Leadership Project, where each participant designs and leads an initiative that addresses a pressing public health issue in Nigeria. Projects integrate gender perspectives, promote equity, and aim to create sustainable health impact.

Participants receive mentorship and coaching throughout the process—developing a Theory of Change, stakeholder analysis, and implementation plan. The final presentation takes place during the Lift-Off event, where each Fellow showcases their project’s outcomes and progress.

Project themes include:

Centering women and girls in health
Catalyzing institutional change
Strengthening leadership pathways
Building resilient health systems

Virtual Learning and Mentorship

Through facilitated online learning sessions, participants engage in interactive discussions and leadership workshops that combine research-based frameworks with real-world practice. These touchpoints help women reflect on their leadership styles and apply new insights to their work.

Each participant is also paired with a mentor—a senior leader in health—who offers guidance, technical advice, and professional support. This relationship provides valuable networking opportunities and deepens the learning experience.

One-on-One Coaching

Personal coaching sessions provide individualized support tailored to each participant’s leadership goals. Using tools such as 360-degree feedback, coaches help participants identify strengths, build new competencies, and chart a clear path toward more effective leadership.

In-Person Residencies: Immersion and Lift-Off

The Leadership Journey features two dynamic in-person residencies:

Leadership Immersion (July 20–22, 2026): A three-day convening where participants engage in hands-on learning, peer discussions, and skill-building exercises.
Leadership Lift-Off (April 20–21, 2027): A two-day event celebrating participants’ growth and leadership achievements, culminating with the presentation of their Health Leadership Projects.

JourneyPLUS Sessions

Beyond the core program, JourneyPLUS sessions offer optional opportunities for participants to connect informally, exchange experiences, and engage with guest speakers — including global health leaders and alumni from previous cohorts.

Eligibility Criteria

WomenLift Health seeks applications from mid-career Nigerian women working in public health, policy, research, or management roles. Eligible applicants must:

Identify as women
Have 10–25years of professional experience in public health
Reside and work in Nigeria
Possess strong written and verbal English communication skills
Be available to participate in all sessions, both virtual and in-person

WomenLift Health values diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from various sectors including government, academia, NGOs, research, and philanthropy.

Application Details

Applications for the 2026 Nigeria Leadership Journey are open until December 31, 2025 (11:59 PM WAT). Selected candidates will be notified by March 2026, and onboarding will begin shortly after.

Interested applicants can visit the official WomenLift Health website to learn more.

Join a Lifelong Network of Women Leaders

The Nigeria Leadership Journey is more than a training program—it’s a powerful community committed to elevating women’s leadership in health. By participating, you join a network of peers and mentors who continue to champion each other long after the program ends, fostering a culture of collaboration and impact across Nigeria and the world.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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