The NYOTA Leadership Program launches in just a few short weeks, on June 8. NYOTA, Swahili for “shining light” or “star,” is a six-month program for women leaders in businesses and organizations in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Members of the 20-person cohort commit to meet weekly for six months to develop skills, deepen their knowledge, and cultivate supportive, professional relationships. Why would they make such a commitment? Because they want to “improve their communities” (their words). They want to light the way and “bring hope to their families, organizations, and their country.”
NYOTA is a collaboration between Impact Now and the Leadership Faculty of the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC). We are not just merging resources. We are learning from each other and co-creating something new, something to meet the expressed needs of female leaders in and around Beni.
While the product of this collaboration benefits the women for whom NYOTA is being designed, the collaboration also benefits both organizations. We are learning from and with each other to co-create something new.
Collaborative Synergy Across Borders
At the heart of the UCBC/Impact Now partnership is a commitment to learn from, build on, and join our strengths. Among the gifts UCBC brings to the process is contextual wisdom. This ensures that the NYOTA curriculum speaks directly to the program participants. It ensures that the curriculum addresses and respects the societal roles and expectations shaped by local institutions. Impact Now brings globally-tested program and curriculum design strategies to the table. This pairing of our respective experiences and knowledge, enriches each of our organizations and builds a better program.
Contextualized Learning
The essence of NYOTA’s success is rooted in a contextualized approach to the curriculum. For example, initial conversations with potential participants revealed their strong preference for face-to-face interactions. This prompted us to change our previously-planned program structure and adjust some of our teaching methods. Potential program participants also said they wanted to connect with female leaders outside of the region. So, we are making that possible.
Sustainable Impact Through Local Engagement
NYOTA will not only enhance the leadership capacity among the women in the program, but prompt community-wide curiosity and efforts to support female leaders. This, in turn, will plant the seeds for sustainability. Our potential participants have asked that NYOTA engage their organizations in the larger conversation about women in leadership. We will work with program participants to do just that. Additionally, to assure the program’s continuation, both organizations are developing plans for financial sustainability.
In closing
The mutual benefits of the Impact Now and UCBC collaboration underscore the transformative power of tuko pamoja, “together we are.” Every step we take together enriches our understanding, amplifies our impact, and establishes a strong foundation for current and future leaders.
You can join us in this journey of shared growth and learning! There are two ways to do that:
- Follow the news on social media. Follow our
- Contribute to our “Launch Campaign.” Help us raise $500 before June 8. That amount will cover the cost for one NYOTA participant.
Your involvement is pivotal as we continue to enlighten, empower, and elevate women leaders in the DRC.