NYOTA LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
A six-month professional development program for women leaders in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
NYOTA is Swahili word with two meanings: star and destiny. Both have significance in the context of DRC.
Like stars that materialize out of the darkness and light the night sky, the women who graduate from the NYOTA Leadership Program will shine like stars in a context submerged in darkness. Like stars, NYOYA graduates will guide and bring hope to their families, organizations, and their country.
With new skills and vision, graduates of NYOTA will step into a new destiny. With confidence, resilience, and knowledge, they will “mainfest their leadership despite the male-dominant context they are working in” (Sifa Jolie Kpaka).
WHY BENI?
Barriers for Women
Women in Beni face deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, limited access to education, and systemic inequality, making leadership roles highly inaccessible.
Impact of Ongoing Conflict
Beni’s instability, driven by armed groups and violence, disproportionately affects women and exacerbates their marginalization.
Transformational Potential
Female leaders play a critical role in peacebuilding, fostering social justice, and addressing community needs with empathy and inclusivity.
Catalyst for Development
Empowering women leaders in Beni leads to improved access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, driving sustainable progress and equity in the region.
LISTEN TO NYOTA PARTICIPANTS
Charline Wakine
Linda Etoy
Edwige Makombe
Marie Bulieni
Falone Adidja
Mby José
Jeannette Longhi
Renath Sikahimbula
READ MORE ABOUT THE NYOTA LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:
Nyota Has Launched!
NYOTA has launched! Last Saturday's event was a delightful surprise and a great success. What I thought would be a simple session turned out to be a formal public ceremony, complete with an MC, the mayor, and other local leaders. UCBC leaders were among the more than...
THE STAR THAT IS NYOTA
What a delight to arrive in Beni, DRC, after a long (but smooth) journey. People often ask, “How long does it take to get there?” This time: 22 hours of actual travel (17 via air; 4 via road). 6 hours of “transit”—layover, border crossing, check-ins, and waiting. 3...
Meet Some of the Team!
Next week I head for Beni, DRC, to work side-by-side with the NYOTA planning team. I’ll also participate in the launch of this unique, six-month leadership development program designed with and for women in the Beni region. I’m excited to be back with people and at a...
Breaking Gender Norms
Christen Price, Congo Initiative-USA board member, recently shared with me the Jack Katz TED Talk, "Violence Against Women: It's a Men's Issue." Watching this TED Talk was timely, as Impact Now and the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) are developing the...
Managing Expectations
Navigating the intricacies of leadership expectations is sometimes like finding your way through a thick fog. In the dynamic world of for-impact organizations where passion meets purpose, understanding, managing, and communicating expectations is important for...
Shaping Tomorrow—How Women Leaders Drive Change in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation often marred by conflict and political instability, the emergence of female leaders signifies a beacon of hope for progress and change. Here are some women who are making an impact in DRC and why it is important to...
SUPPORT IMPACT NOW
Individuals and organizations who recognize the value that women make in this world support our work. Please consider joining us through a donation.