WomenLift Health, in partnership with the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 West Africa Midwifery Leadership Journey, a fully funded, 12-month leadership development experience for mid- to senior-career women advancing midwifery and maternal and newborn health (MNH) across Burkina Faso, Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria.
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
Program Duration: May 2026 – April 2027
Format: Hybrid (virtual + in-person)
Cost: Free — all program, travel, and lodging expenses covered
About the Midwifery Leadership Journey
This 12-month Journey brings together women leaders from clinical care, education, research, regulation, policy, and innovation to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and drive positive change for respectful, high-quality maternal and newborn care.
Participants benefit from:
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Two in-person residencies — Leadership Immersion (July 27–30, 2026) and Leadership Lift-Off (May 4–5, 2027)
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Virtual learning sessions, workshops, and peer dialogue
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1:1 executive coaching
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Mentorship from senior leaders
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A supportive cross-country network
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A self-directed Midwifery Leadership Project, developed throughout the Journey with guidance from mentors, coaches, and global health experts
Upon completion, participants join WomenLift Health’s global network of Global Fellows, collaborating and supporting one another long after the program ends.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Identify as a woman
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Have 10–25 years of professional experience (mid- to senior-career)
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Live and work in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, or Burkina Faso
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Work in a role that advances midwifery or MNH (clinical, education, policy, research, management, NGO/INGO, private sector, innovation, etc.)
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Demonstrate strong written and verbal English communication skills
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Be committed to attending all mandatory virtual and in-person sessions
Non-midwife applicants are welcome if their role materially elevates midwifery practice.
Commitment & Expectations
Participants should expect to commit 4–8 hours per month to program activities, in addition to travel for the two in-person residencies. This is a leadership program and does not include clinical skills training.
Applicants must also propose a Midwifery Leadership Project, a core component of the Journey focused on advancing respectful, rights-based MNH through innovation, research, education, systems strengthening, or policy change.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by 31 January 2026 (11:59 PM WAT).
All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status in April 2026.
Apply Now
Read the Application FAQs
Contact the Application E-Hotline
For questions, email: MidwiferyJourney@womenlifthealth.org
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