WHAT IS THE NYOTA LEADERSHIP PROGRAM?
Nyota is a six-month, cohort-based leadership and professional development program for women in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Each Saturday afternoon, participants gather in person for three hours on the campus of the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC)—often after completing a full workweek, including Saturday morning hours. Their commitment is extraordinary.
Over the course of six monthly modules, women engage in interactive learning on topics that reflect their realities and aspirations:
- Work/Life Balance
- Women in Leadership
- Communication and Advocacy
- Project Management
- Resource Management
- Networking
Nyota is more than a curriculum. It’s a community. Between sessions, cohort members stay connected, sharing ideas, seeking advice, and encouraging one another. Many describe this ongoing peer support as one of the most transformative parts of the program.
Nyota was co-created through a user-centered design process led by Impact Now and UCBC. Women leaders from the region explored essential questions, including—
- What do you need to lead well?
- What barriers do you face?
- What support do you wish you had?
Their responses and insights shaped the program. Consequently, Nyota speaks to the real concerns and hopes of the women it serves.
The name Nyota, which means both “star” and “destiny” in Swahili, captures the heart of the program: helping women step into their calling and shine. In a context where women often face cultural, spiritual, and institutional barriers to leadership, Nyota participants are stars that light the way forward—for their families, their organizations, their communities, and their country.
Graduates of the Nyota Leadership Program step into a new destiny with confidence, resilience, and vision. They manifest their leadership despite working in male-dominant environments. Like stars that rise out of the darkness to brighten the night sky, Nyota women bring guidance and hope where it is most needed—and in doing so, they are creating a new future.
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.
CONGO CONVERSATIONS
At the most recent Congo Conversation (September 21, 2025), Vivian Bwirabuli and Adelphine Angemito, shared powerful stories of resilience and leadership, noting how women are breaking barriers, lifting each other up, and creating ripples of change in their communities.
Both women are UCBC staff and Nyota team members.
VIVIAN
Early in her talk, Vivian noted the two primary challenges facing women in DRC: lack of confidence and cultural norms. Vivian knows these challenges firsthand as a young professional. Through persistence she has pushed through resistance. She has proven her capability as a colleague, collaborator, and leader. Vivian underscored the unique strengths that women contribute to the workplace and community, and emphasized the importance of giving women the chance to demonstrate their own potential.
ADELPHINE
Out of personal experience and hardship, Adelphine has developed leadership skills and confidence. Among Adelphine’s gifts is the ability to inspire young women to develop self-assurance and capacity. During her time as a UCBC undergraduate, she started Women’s Voices, a student organization to help female classmates learn to believe in themselves and to develop skills of influence. Adelphine described how she balances family and work life, illustrating how leadership is a personal and professional skill.
This was just one glimpse into the courage and vision of women leaders in Congo. Information about the December Congo Conversation will be available soon.
The entire Congo Conversation with Vivian and Adelphine can be found at here. (Passcode: #0eqj^ui)
LISTEN TO NYOTA PARTICIPANTS
Charline Wakine
Linda Etoy
Marie Bulieni
Edwige Makombe
Mby José
Renath Sikahimbula
Falone Adidja
Jeannette Longhi
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