stories of impact -...

STORIES OF IMPACTTHE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS

STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS OVERVIEW

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.

Through VVLead, a sisterhood was created, fellows were validated as leaders,

professional goals and action steps were clearly defined, and fellows took action

toward achieving greater impact in their communities.

330 FELLOWSTo date, the Fellowship has engaged

330 fellows across the globe.

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

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.

SISTERHOOD

“I don’t feel competition. I do

feel that every woman who I am

connecting with sincerely wants

to help.”

“Sometimes [in a mixed-sex organization] you feel you’re getting that patronizing support,

a little pat on the head for doing something really well that people didn’t think you would

do well because you’re a woman. In an all-female network, you get a big applause. [There

is this] ‘I’m behind you because I know you can do it, and guess what, I think I can do it

too because I’ve seen you do it.’”

“[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.”

– AMINA EVANGELISTA

SWANEPOEL

PHILIPPINES

– LUMBIWE LIMBIKANI

ZAMBIA

– JENNY SCHWARTZ

ARGENTINA STORIESOF IMPACT

SISTERHOOD

VALIDATION

STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS

GOAL ACTUALIZATIONGOAL MAPPING

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.”

MUTHONI NDUHIUKENYA

SISTERHOOD

In September 2014, Muthoni registered

the organization, created a website and

began reaching out to clients. She also

formed a team by reconnecting with

some of the women she met through

the Moremi Fellowship and inspiring them

to get involved in the project.

Through VVLead, Muthoni reports having

had the opportunity to be involved in

a “continual learning and supportive

process.” In her mind, VVLead is unique in

its long-term, individualized commitment

to the fellows. Through the online

platform, Muthoni attended webinars

on Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic

Planning, and Vision and Goal Setting,

among many others. The possibility to

always access the online platform has also

been helpful to Muthoni, as it serves as

a refresher of the lessons she learned in

previous years.

Muthoni says she draws her inspiration

from the encounters with the other high

achieving VVLead fellows with whom she

connects with daily. Through VVLead she

has developed personal and professional

relationships with other powerful women,

from whom she receives “unconditional

help” for her organization. These women

have provided her with support in defining

her life and professional goals, kept her

“on track,” and improved her ability to

make decisions and focus on her vision

for the MAA.

Overall, Muthoni says she learned to trust

her vision and transformed Mastermind

Africa Alliance from a free time activity

to a true life mission as a result of

VVLead. Thanks to the sisterhood she

felt within the network, and the help and

the encouragement she received from

VVLead, Muthoni also reports having

gained clarity on her vision and learned

to be bolder and more self-confident in

her decision making.


SISTERHOOD VALIDATION GOAL ACTUALIZATIONGOAL MAPPING

VALIDATION

VALIDATION

“The association with Vital Voices has

enhanced my credibility, leadership and

business clout…I am also gaining the

visibility I need as the ‘go to person’

when it comes to issues relating to

coaching and mentoring.”

“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

women and gender issues, but now I am a voice,

I am an authority to be reckoned with.”

– TAMALA CHIRWA

MALAWI

– ASMAU BENZIES-LEO

NIGERIA

STORIES OF IMPACT


SISTERHOOD VALIDATION GOAL ACTUALIZATIONGOAL MAPPING

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.

VALIDATION

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 MACKENZIECOOK ISLANDS

VALIDATION

Teina’s current focus has centered on

educating communities in the Cook Islands

and the Pacific region on the impact of

deep sea mining endeavors through youth

debates. This initiative not only involves

local youth, but invites the community,

politicians and representatives from

the deep sea mining corporations to

participate. By providing local youth with

the opportunity to become involved in

politics, Teina hopes to both encourage

the students’ interests in the environment

and to develop the students’ educational

goals through empowerment and capacity

building. These debates have been

successful in the region because they

facilitate a balanced and non-threatening

environment for local communities to voice

their concerns.

VVLead has provided Teina with a sense

of validation through both the capacity

building exercises and the recognition as

a leader in her own right. This experience

was afforded to Teina at the South-South

Exchange, an in-person capacity building

program where fellows from all over the

world gathered for a week. She recalled,

“I felt noticed, cared for, and appreciated.

Having such genuine attention from my

peers gave me more self-esteem and

definitely more fervor to go out and make

positive change in the world.”

A political future seems imminent for the

community leader. With a strong sense of

personal drive, Teina’s focus is on reforming

local politics to focus on the interests of

the communities represented. Through her

involvement with VVLead, Teina has gained

a sense of validation and empowerment

which she uses to pursue her goal of

becoming a political leader for her country.

VALIDATION


SISTERHOOD GOAL ACTUALIZATIONGOAL MAPPING

VALIDATION

GOAL MAPPING

“Before I joined the VVLead

Program I had too much energy

with blurred image and that wasn’t

taking me [anywhere]…but now I

know where I can find myself in five

years. For me, this was a big step.

At this stage of my life I feel like I

have the map and compass of my

life, which means I know where I will

go next and [I] already know where

my next destination is.”

“The VVLead Fellowship Program redirected my course

and focus. I found out through the course that I was not

the only one with a challenge to achieve something for

the good of mankind. There were many other women who

had gone through worse and stood tall and strong. I now

feel empowered and energized.”

– NEBIAT ASSEFA

ETHIOPIA

– MARA BUA JOHNSON

UGANDA

STORIES OF IMPACT


SISTERHOOD GOAL ACTUALIZATIONGOAL 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.

GOAL MAPPING

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.”

JAKI MATHAGAKENYA

Her son Jayden was diagnosed with

autism at the age of five, and since then

Jaki has become an outspoken advocate

for children and parents affected by

autism. Her dream is to ensure that all

autistic children in Kenya have access to

the therapies and services they need to

reach their full potential. Jaki has since

become an active member of the Kenya

Autism Alliance (KAA), a Facebook group

made up of Kenyan parents who seek

and provide support and information to

one another. Currently, Jaki serves as the

President of the KAA.

One of Jaki’s biggest challenges is

securing enough funding so that she

can work on autism issues fulltime. As

such, one of her short-term goals is to

develop a fundraising and business plan

that will allow her to support her and

her son if she were to quit her day job.

Currently, Jaki is working one-on-one

with VVLead fellow Tamala Chirwa, a

professional coach who offered fellows

pro bono coaching services. Together,

they have discussed options for securing

additional funding, as well as setting a

firm deadline for when Jaki will make the

jump to autism work fulltime.

Regarding the role that VVLead plays

in supporting her passion, she says,

“Starting the VVLead Fellowship Program

crystallized my thinking and affirmed

my desire to do more…The fellowship is

equipping me with tools to not only do

my day work better, but tools that are

helping me better define my dream and

plan for the future.”

Besides reaching a point where she

believes her son Jayden is getting the

best education and services he needs,

Jaki is determined to expand the support

that KAA can offer other parents. “Vital

Voices was the first place I spoke my

dream out loud and it is where I have

started working on actualizing it. It is

where I am meeting women who tell

me—it does not matter how difficult or

impossible it looks, it can be done.”

GOAL MAPPINGSTORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS

VALIDATIONSISTERHOOD GOAL ACTUALIZATIONGOAL MAPPING

“I didn’t know what I could do to do more in the work

that I am doing, and learning these skills through the

webinars was very helpful. Now, I’m applying to this,

I’m applying to that. But then, going to the South-

South Exchange and listening to all those stories and

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

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.”

“Now that I know what I am going to do, I am

taking steps so it’s going to get done…I’ve

got women on the VVLead platform that are

keeping me accountable and checking back

with me regarding where I am in my process.”

– LUMBIWE LIMBIKANI

ZAMBIA

– JAKI MATHAGA

KENYA

STORIESOF IMPACT

GOAL ACTUALIZATIONSTORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS


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.

GOAL ACTUALIZATION

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.

AMINA EVANGELISTA SWANEPOELPHILIPPINES

In August 2015, Roots of Health turned

six. Over the past two years, the

organization has received a lot of pressure

from funders to expand their programs.

VVLead, through its online courses and

encouraging network of global women

leaders, has played an influential role in

helping Amina develop her management

style so that ROH can expand its scope

and impact.

Amina applied to VVLead at a time she was

seeking more professional development.

The lack of conferences and trainings

offered in the area she lives in, coupled

with the fact that she was bogged down

with the day-to-day operations of ROH,

gave her few opportunities to seek new

networks and skills. Similarly, having not

attended business school, she lacked

some necessary management skills and

expertise in successfully directing an

organization. As such, VVLead’s online

courses in Strategic Planning, Human

Resources and Monitoring & Evaluation

have been the most invaluable to her

personal leadership growth.

Amina credits the Strategic Planning

and Human Resources courses with

encouraging her to reflect on and

evaluate how she was leading and

handling the organization. In order for

the organization to grow, Amina must

entrust the day-to-day responsibilities

to senior-level management so that

she can focus on higher level planning

and management of the organization.

“[VVLead] really helped me to view my

role within Roots of Health at a higher

level… rather than being focused on

doing it all myself.” A major decision

she has made since joining VVLead was

create and hire two senior management

positions. This has allowed her to share

some of her responsibilities and delegate

more of her work so that ROH can expand

its services and reach more communities.

Expanding its programming and services

will mean that more people in Palawan will

have access to sexual health information,

contraceptives and maternal health

services.

GOAL ACTUALIZATIONSTORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS


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.

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: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. STORIES OF IMPACT: THE CASE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORKS


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