The power of networks: building connections, building a sisterhood 

Leadership is sometimes seen as an individual pursuit: a culmination of ambition, grit and perseverance. But to leave lasting impact, leadership cannot be a solo journey. It is shaped by those who guide, support and challenge us.  

In the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme, networks are more than professional stepping stones; they are catalysts for transformation, amplifying voices, unlocking opportunities and forming deep bonds of sisterhood. 

For these fellows, relationships built during the programme have been more than just professional connections — they have redefined leadership as a collective experience. Whether through the solidarity of other young women leaders or the encouragement of mentors and allies, their experiences show that true leadership does not happen in isolation. It thrives in community. 

Networks that inspire and challenge 

Sometimes, a single interaction can shift one’s perspective entirely. For Oluwatomi Omogbai (originally from Nigeria, working in South Africa), this moment came not in a high-level meeting, but through an unexpected exchange that forced her to step outside her comfort zone. “I had a conversation with a fellow who challenged the way I was approaching things — pushing me to rethink, refine and grow,” she recalls. More than just offering support, her AfYWL network demanded her best self, instilling confidence and encouraging her to embrace new opportunities without hesitation. 

That same push toward growth has defined the fellowship experience for Lala Mariam Dabo, from The Gambia. As a young leader passionate about climate action and governance, she found herself immersed in a network of like-minded women who are redefining leadership across Africa. “Engaging with them — whether in finance, policy, or development — has broadened my understanding of what’s possible,” she says. Lala’s encounters during her deployment in Kenya are not just about exchanging ideas; they challenge assumptions, stretch ambitions, and build the confidence to navigate high-level spaces with ease. 

Collaboration that breaks barriers 

Beyond personal growth, networks within the fellowship have played a tangible role in shaping impactful projects. For Diouma Kamara (from Côte d’Ivoire), working with government ministries and private sector partners in Zimbabwe to empower over 700 women- and youth-led MSMEs was an eye-opening experience. “This wasn’t just a theoretical exercise — it was about creating something real, something that bridged policy with action,” she explains. Witnessing firsthand the power of cross-sector partnerships reinforced her belief that leadership is not just about individual success, but about opening doors for others. 

A similar lesson unfolded for Natacha Tsivery. Originally from Madagascar, her work on Youth, Peace and Security in Senegal brought her into collaboration with civil society organizations, policymakers and young leaders. For her, this a professional achievement; but beyond that, it was a demonstration of what happens when diverse voices come together to drive meaningful change. “The impact of this project will extend far beyond me or the fellowship,” she reflects. “It has the potential to shape policy for generations to come.” 

The impact of these networks, however, is not just about professional projects. Sometimes, it’s about the personal transformations they enable. 

Sisterhood: strength found in each other 

For many fellows, the most profound takeaway has been the strength of a shared sisterhood. Grace Divine Ongtouek Baketa (from Cameroon, deployed in Turkey) reflects on how her peers helped her reshape her own perception of success. “Before this fellowship, I thought my ambitions were too grand — that maybe I should lower my expectations. But meeting my fellow young leaders changed everything,” she says. Seeing other women dream big and achieve even bigger gave her permission to do the same. 

That same strength in unity resonates deeply with South African Mellon Ncube, who describes the other AfYWL fellows working in New York as more than just colleagues. “We have evolved into confidantes, offering wisdom as we navigate the world of diplomacy together,” she shares. “When we uplift each other, we don’t just break barriers: we redesign the entire structure.” 

But sisterhood is not just about encouragement. It is also about accountability. It is about women holding each other to higher standards, pushing one another forward, and making sure no one is left behind. It is a space where challenges are met with solutions, where ambition is matched with action, and where success is never a solo endeavour. 

‘He for she’: allies in the journey 

True gender equality cannot be achieved in isolation. While the power of sisterhood is undeniable, progress accelerates when men become active allies, using their platforms to challenge biases, advocate for inclusivity, and create space for women to lead. 

“Gender equality is not just a women’s fight,” says Natacha Tsivery, reflecting on how men who champion inclusivity create lasting change. Diouma Kamara agrees, emphasizing that “male allies are bridge-builders who challenge stereotypes and push for more equitable environments.” 

For Grace, allies aren’t just supporters; they are partners in change. “It is empowering to have men in your network who respect your ambition and treat you as an equal — not as someone who must prove herself twice as hard.” 

Lala Mariam Dabo has witnessed the impact of inclusive leadership, noting that “He for She allies amplify women’s voices in rooms where they might otherwise be overlooked.” Mellon Ncube adds, “When men actively advocate for gender equality, they don’t just create space — they help redefine leadership itself.” 

As Oluwatomi Omogbai puts it, “True progress is collective. When men and women work together, we don’t just break barriers — we build a more just world.”