A recent New York Times article brought one of the realities of eastern DRC into sharp focus for me. The piece documented life in Goma one year after M23 rebels took control of the city. The human toll: nearly 3,000 people killed and more than 2,800 wounded in a city of 2 million. And these numbers omit the impact of this devastation on infrastructure, health care services, and the local economy.
I immediately thought of the NYOTA women.
Over the past year, several NYOTA graduates have been transferred to work in Goma. Others, including NYOTA team members, have friends and relatives who live and work in Goma.
These aren’t distant headlines for them. This is daily reality.
And here’s what strikes me: In the midst of this uncertainty and upheaval, NYOTA women continue to lead.
Remember Jeanette from the December newsletter? She organized a workshop for 38 young entrepreneurs, coaches motorcycle taxi drivers, and facilitates marriage workshops. She’s taking action while political and civic structures fumble.
And Rebecca, from January’s newsletter? She transformed an entire school, creating leadership development opportunities for over 400 students and 40 staff members. She’s building the future even when the present is unstable.
Last week the NYOTA facilitation team and the monitoring and evaluation team gathered data about the extent of the NYOTA impact. They met with 19 of the 49 NYOTA graduates. That one sample of NYOTA graduates has reached 3,547 people!
That’s nearly 200 people per graduate.
These women meet needs that no international organization can meet. They’re school directors who guarantee quality education for children. They’re child advocates who unite families separated by war. They’re maternal healthcare workers who provide pre-natal care and education. They’re business owners who create jobs for others.
This is why your partnership matters.
Financial support to Impact Now doesn’t just develop individual leaders. It multiplies hope across entire communities. It provides leadership development for women who refuse to let crises define their future.
Twenty-five new women have recently begun the NYOTA Leadership Development program. They’re joining a network of female leaders who have stepped into their calling despite the winds of war.
Please partner with them and give generously today.
Caption for Featured Image: NYOTA grads at the first NYOTA Day on January 31.
NYOTA DAY REVEALS RIPPLE EFFECTS
Zawadi shares an impact story
The recent gathering of 19 NYOTA graduates uncovered insights about how leadership development multiplies across communities:
100% confidence transformation. Each of the women reported increased self-confidence. This, they note, is the foundation for everything else they accomplish.
Protection as priority. Eleven of the women reported providing protection services, reuniting families, and safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Intergenerational impact and future-oriented change. Twelve women reported that children and youth have benefited from their work. These leaders are investing in the next generation even amid crisis.
Organizations benefit. Thirteen women noted that applying leadership skills that they strengthened through the program had a positive impact on their organizations.
NYOTA women don’t just lead. They help individuals, communities, and organizations thrive.