In collaboration with Impact Now: When Women Lead, an organization supporting women leaders in small and mid-sized organizations, UCBC launched the NYOTA Leadership Program, specifically designed to empower women in leadership positions in the Beni area.
The NYOTA Leadership Program sprung from the belief that when women flourish, their families, communities, places of work, and country also flourish.
Nyota means star in Swahili. Marc Asobee, Coordinator of the UCBC Leadership Faculty explains, “Stars shine in the night. When it’s dark, the brighter the light. DRC has been going through a dark season since independence in 1960, characterized by poor leadership, chronic violence, poverty, and systemic injustice. In this context, women have great leadership potential that needs to be developed and deployed for social transformation. The NYOTA Leadership Program will empower women leaders to discover, develop, and unleash their fullest potential, and shine like stars to bring hope to their families, organizations, and our country.”
In a context fused with violence, displacement, and uncertainty, new voices are needed. UN Women Africa reports that, in Congo, women only make up 7.2% of leadership positions at the highest level of decision making in the national government. While women have made significant strides in Congo, they still face many barriers. And while preparing women for leadership roles is vital, a cultural shift that sees women as capable is perhaps even more important. NYOTA not only trains and supports women, but helps showcase that women have the talent and know-how to succeed in a setting that is typically dominated by men.
UCBC staff member and NYOTA program planning team member Sifa Jolie Amisi explains, “Nyota also means ‘someone’s destiny, fame or ideal situation.’ The graduates of this program are destined to actively practice their leadership skills and potential. This program will help them manifest their leadership despite the male-dominant context they are working in.”
Students in the leadership program are getting first-hand experience from the start. Mary Henton, CI-USA board member and Impact Now: When Women Lead Executive Director, notes, “A unique and powerful aspect of NYOTA Leadership Program is that the women leaders we plan to serve are participating in the program design. Because they are partnering with us, we can be certain that this program will provide the kind of education and support these leaders want and know they need.”
The NYOTA Leadership Program is designed to support women working in a variety of organizations and fields in the Beni area, to help them discover their full potential, and to support them in their chosen paths. Promoting their leadership will help change the narrative to create lasting transformational change for Congo. As Henton notes, “Together, we can empower these leaders to drive positive change at the heart of their communities, creating a ripple effect to transform lives.”
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