The current Nyota cohort recently completed the Project Management module of the Nyota curriculum. This module, like all six modules, is structured over four weeks. And, as happens throughout the entire Nyota program, participants grow in confidence as they strengthen and apply leadership skills immediately, and for the benefit of their communities.
TURNING IDEAS INTO IMPACT
During the Project Management module, the women don’t just learn how to “run a project.” They discover how to effect meaningful change. They learn how to transform concern and compassion into concrete action.
They learn how to define the problem at hand, set goals, create actionable plans, and track progress.
A current cohort member wrote, “I’ve realized that even a simple idea can become a structured project when we have the right tools and the right method. I especially liked the step-by-step planning part. It has helped me to clarify an idea that I had in my head for a long time, but didn’t dare to put into reality. Today I feel more confident about starting projects.”
A member of the first Nyota cohort has explained, “I used to think God had to fix the problems in my community. Now I see I can take responsibility—and I know how to ask others to join me.”
The impact of these realizations is that Nyota women are leading positive changes in their community, from advocating for girls’ education to improving working conditions for domestic workers.
And then, there is the impact of how Nyota women begin to see themselves as confident and influential leaders who can and do improve the lives of others.
The current Nyota cohort graduates in September. It’s my privilege to be in Beni and celebrate with them in person. I look forward to sharing highlights of that time.
PARTICIPATE TODAY
Give generously today to women changing the narrative about leadership in order to improve the lives of others.
Participate in the next Congo Conversation, Saturday, 13 September, 11am – noon (EST). Meet and talk with Nyota staff members.
NYOTA Leadership Program Cohort 2 on Launch Day.
CAPTION FOR FEATRUED IMAGE AT TOP: Fatuma at the hospital
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Vivian facilitating a NYOTA cohort.
In general, across Congo, women are expected to stay quiet, work in the background, and leave decision-making to men. When women try to exert influence in their churches or places of work, they are often dismissed, criticized, or even shamed.
Nyota is challenging those expectations.
Jolie, a Congolese colleague and member of the Impact Now board, explains, “In our culture, people say that women can’t or shouldn’t lead. Nyota is changing that by reclaiming space for women to lead with authenticity, strength, and vision. It’s not just about titles—it’s about influence, empathy, and service.”
Through Nyota, women are realizing that their voices matter, and that they can lead change.
Beni-based team member, Vivian, recently wrote, “With the right tools, women are proving not only that they can communicate effectively, but that they are eager to do so.”
Every time a Nyota graduate speaks up in a community meeting, organizes volunteers to address a problem, or leads a campaign to promote girls’ access to education, the old narrative loses ground.
At home, at work, at church, in the larger community, women have a voice. Women have strength. Women have purpose. Women lead.