The India Leadership Journey
"The India Leadership Journey offers a fantastic opportunity for talented Indian women leaders to become the drivers of change rather than recipients of programs or interventions. It is a multi-pronged program that provides numerous tools to talented women in the Indian health space to expand their power and influence. I am confident that those participating will come away with a meaningful experience that is mindset shifting and enables women to be more in touch with their authentic leadership styles. — SHAGUN SABARWAL, South Asia Region Program Director, WomenLift Health
The India Leadership Journey
In this fully-funded, 12-month Leadership Journey, we provide mid-career women the safe space to explore their authentic leadership through vulnerability and reflection, an inclusive and diverse network which fosters a strong sense of belonging, tools and strategies for enhancing their voice, presence, and influence – all the while being supported by a powerful group of peers, mentors, and coaches.
Participants engage in two in-person experiential learning residencies (Immersion and Lift-Off), in addition to virtual learning touchpoints, virtual group mentoring, virtual one-on-one coaching sessions, and importantly, a self-directed leadership project – all the while being supported by their Leadership Journey community and experts in the health sector.
Alumnae will be part of a lifelong network of allies at local, regional, and global levels who continue to support each other and new cohort members and to advocate for women’s leadership.
Our aim is to create a network of talented women leaders around the world beginning with India, East Africa, and North America and provide them with a safe space for independent and collaborative learning to deepen and elevate their leadership impact.
“This is a unique journey where the focus is on inner transformation as a leader, so that we can understand ourselves better and, in the process, drive systemic change. It has not only helped me assess strengths and areas for improvement in my work, but also to introspect on how to be an empathetic and effective leader, focusing on the ‘self’ as well as ‘others’. The program has enabled me to interact with women leaders from all across the health sector in India. Sharing this experience together has helped us understand our common struggles, celebrate our achievements, and build a sense of community and a stronger commitment to working for equitable health systems and better health outcomes. ” — SAPNA KEDIA, Technical Specialist at International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)
"Being part of the WomenLift Health Leadership Journey has been a special blessing. I am particularly grateful for the mentorship and valuable life lessons I have received. Learning to break barriers between people and take everyone together; treating yourself as a professional first rather than a woman or man; taking care of your needs and the needs of your team to allow them to thrive; using your head and heart for decision-making; and empowering the next generation of young women leaders --- these lessons will guide us forward even when the waters are rough and the path is not clearly seen. I am so thankful for this exciting and enriching experience.” — SANJANA BRAHMAWAR MOHAN, Director at Basic Healthcare Services
The application window has closed. Please check back in fall of 2023 for the next application cycle.
The Framework
Authentic Leadership
Discovered through a lifelong exploration of one’s self and purpose while building on awareness of and trust in one’s abilities. This exploration enhances the insight, energy, and resilience that is key to leading as the most true and impactful version of oneself.
Inclusive Leadership
Encourages an intentional exploration of power and privilege and how it manifests in interpersonal and institutional dynamics. It builds trusting, sustainable connections with colleagues and community by including and giving voice to individuals of diverse identities at all levels of decision-making.
Strategic Leadership
Rooted in an understanding of one’s influence and how to leverage it to capture collective energy and facilitate change within institutions and the global health community. Crucial to this is building an inclusive cultural dynamic that is based on trust and inspires action toward a better future.
Impactful Leadership
Inspires gender equality and leads to better health through a crystalized understanding of the power of one’s leadership and the critical importance of developing others for greater impact.
As a result of this Leadership Journey, participants will be effectively positioned and equipped to:
- Confidently rise up as a stronger leader and increase impact
- Collaborate with and leverage the collective power of peers, mentors, male allies, and other women leaders through diverse networks
- Raise awareness to drive conversations and strategies that promote gender equality in institutions around the world
- Internalize that global health is only truly global when those in positions of power make space to expand, diversify the circle of leadership and learn from the diverse populations they wish to serve
