This past week in Beni has been nothing short of extraordinary. Every conversation with a NYOTA participant or planning team member uncovered stories of impact.
Beyond the “Classroom”
On Friday, NYOTA Co-Director JeanMarc Asobee and I sat down with five cohort members to hear their feedback on the NYOTA Leadership Program. Their message was clear: NYOTA hasn’t just taught leadership. It has sparked growth far beyond the classroom.
Malikidogo, a mother of seven, smiled as she shared a conversation with her children. “Before NYOTA, they said, ‘Mom, your life was a mess. You gave more attention to everything outside than to us.’ ” She continued. “Now, I have time for them, and still, I accomplish my work”
Linda echoed these sentiments, recounting how her colleagues have noticed a shift in the workplace. “After I learned about managing my time and tasks, I taught my team. Now, we are more effective and our projects finish on time. We pay attention to each other’s tasks. We respect time and do not interrupt each other unnecessarily. We are working as a team.”
These women aren’t just learning—they are leading with intention, and they are experiencing results at work and at home.
Stepping Into Confidence, Breaking Barriers
Fatuma speaking in a group meeting
During Saturday’s session on resource management, Fatuma spoke with conviction about her work with male prisoners, people society shuns. She explained, “The t-shirt you go into prison with is the one you wear all the time you are there. You may not have soap or a way to clean yourself. And you only eat if someone from outside brings you food.” Even if they are hospitalized, their basic needs remain neglected.
Despite cultural norms and attitudes, Fatuma is vigorously leading an effort to provide for personal hygiene and nutrition for these men. She is stepping confidently into an arena that society avoids, meeting real needs and breaking gender barriers.
Another day, Linda Etoy surprised me when she said that she had been discouraged and ready to give up on her work before NYOTA. My experience of Linda is as a strong woman, joyful and confident to pursue a vision for fair treatment of domestic workers. But she confirmed, “Yes, I wanted to give up.” With only a few weeks of NYOTA under her belt, Linda felt renewed and eager to speak on behalf of her organization and its mission. “Yes, I’ve spoken at churches, at a mosque, and in front of other groups. I speak even when men are in the room. I am encouraged.”
The ripple effects of NYOTA are undeniable. Cohort members aren’t just growing individually, they are shifting the culture around them.
Linda Etoy at her desk.
Reaching Out
NYOTA’s message of women empowerment and leadership doesn’t stop with the cohort. Last Friday, Malikidogo and Jeannette visited a local school for International Day of the Girl. They spoke to young girls about self-confidence and their potential for leadership. “Dream big,” they said, as they explained that leadership is built on trust and influence, not titles. Their message resonated with the girls and challenged the boys in the audience.
Linda, Asengo, Emeline, Fatuma, Djulfa, and Jeannette are in the early stages of establishing girls’ clubs at five local schools. They plan to help young girls develop self-confidence as they learn to be leaders and tackle community issues like environmental challenges. This is leadership in action.
Jeannette Speaking to a class
What’s Next for NYOTA?
With fewer than seven weeks before the conclusion of their program, NYOTA participants are reflecting on their journey and imagining what’s next. “We want more time to practice what we’re learning,” one participant said. “We want to become public speakers, to stand before large groups and share our message.” Another chimed in, “We need to teach leadership to young girls. Let’s create a Leadership Institute for women and girls!” Another added, “We are going to continue to support each other and work together, even after NYOTA is over.”
These dreams are contagious. They are the seeds of a movement—one that is transforming leadership across DRCongo, woman by woman, story by story.
Join the Movement
NYOTA’s impact is undeniable. The future is bright. To continue this work, we need your help.
Become a monthly donor to Impact Now. You’ll not just contribute money to a program. You’ll resource women leaders who are doing great things for their communities. And you’ll make it possible for more women in DRCongo to have the tools, confidence, and support to facilitate changes they identify as critical for their communities.
Together, we can create lasting change. Will you join us on this journey?
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