Stepping Up to Leadership Program
Are you stepping into your first leadership role and ready to move from managing tasks to leading people with confidence?
Stepping Up to Leadership (SheLeads) Program is designed just for you
As a new manager or founder, the shift from doing the work yourself to leading others can feel overwhelming. You are expected to motivate teams, manage performance, make sound decisions, and think more strategically, often without having received any formal leadership or management training.
You need the right Competence , Confidence and Connections to become a great leader
Stepping Up to Leadership Program is designed to close the gap many women face when stepping into people leadership roles. It equips you with the competence, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively, make sound decisions, and progress with clarity.
The program:
Applications for the 2026 cohort opens Mar 2, 2026
A personalised leadership and management development plan that supports your transition into management, grounded in self-awareness, people leadership, and core management responsibilities.
Practical people leadership, strategy, and decision-making frameworks to lead teams, manage performance, prioritise work, and make sound decisions in complex and fast-paced environments.
A clear understanding of your leadership style, strengths, and growth areas, with the ability to apply structured frameworks to adapt your approach across different people, situations, and organisational contexts.
Access to a Pan-African peer network of emerging managers and leaders, creating ongoing opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth, alongside a globally recognised certificate.
Two-hour live sessions every Saturday led by experienced executives and industry experts.
Apply leadership strategies in practical scenarios.
Weekly peer-to-peer and collaborative activities with fellow participants to deepen learning.
Access to seasoned leaders who provide tailored guidance, perspective, and practical insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Stepping Up to Leadership Program is a leadership foundations program featuring weekly masterclasses, applied learning activities, peer engagement, and guided mentoring. It is designed to equip participants with practical people leadership skills, core strategy and decision-making frameworks, and the confidence to lead teams effectively.
The program is delivered virtually, enabling participation from women leaders across Africa.
Participants should plan to dedicate approximately 3–5 hours per week. This includes a weekly two-hour live masterclass and additional time for practical assignments, peer learning, and reflection activities during the week.
Stepping Up to Leadership Program is not free. Program fees and any available early application offers will be communicated during the application period.
Upon completion, you will become part of the PAWEN leadership alumni network, gaining access to continued learning opportunities, peer connections, and resources to support your ongoing leadership and career progression.
Some leadership or people management experience is recommended. However, the program is designed for new and first-time managers and founders who may not have had access to structured leadership training. Applications are reviewed based on readiness and leadership potential.
No. The program is open to African women of all ages who meet the eligibility and leadership readiness criteria.
Applications for the 2026 cohort opens Mar 2, 2026
