Young Women Leaders Academy

NDI’s Young Women Leaders Academy (YWLA) empowers young women from the Middle East to improve their communities through political or civic activism. Through a year-long program that involves an intensive academy, practicum and advanced leadership retreat, the program provides emerging women leaders with the skills to realize their potential. Building upon the intensive academic and training component of the program, participants utilize their newly-acquired political, advocacy and leadership skills implementing independent projects that aim to increase young women’s local political participation.  Thirty-two women from across the Middle East and North Africa have already graduated from the Academy and form a strong network for political activism in the Arab world.

Program Participants

Using a competitive application process, NDI selects young women, ages 20 to 28, on the basis of a track record in political activism and a demonstrated interest in a career in politics, government or civil society. Eligible countries include Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Training Academy

The intensive training academy focuses on: 1) establishing the intellectual foundation of women’s political leadership and addressing relevant policy issues in academic seminars; and 2) providing practical, skills-based training for leadership and politics. The program is led by experienced academics and practitioners from around the world, and incorporates interactive and practical learning and training techniques and models. The Academy is conducted in English and participants must have advanced English proficiency.

Internship or Project

A central component of the program is to provide participants with a hands-on opportunity to use their newly acquired skills and gain on the job experience in their home country. Following the summer training academy, participants return to their countries to either: 1) complete an internship with parliament, a political party or civil society organization; or 2) design and implement a project that promotes young women’s political participation. Participants have a six-month period to complete their internships or projects.

Leadership Retreat

Following the completion of the internships or projects, participants come back together for a three-day leadership retreat. At the retreat, the young women present their experiences, share and discuss lessons learned and recommendations for future programs, participate in advanced skills trainings, and create tailored plans for their leadership and career development.

NDI covers all major expenses, including airfare, room and board, educational supplies, and provides a small stipend during the internship or project portion of the program.

Why YWLA?

When women are empowered as political leaders, they can have a positive and democratic impact on communities, legislatures and the lives of citizens. However, male-dominated political parties and government institutions, restrictive social norms, a lack of support networks and discrimination are significant obstacles for Arab women who seek to enter the political arena. The challenges for young women are even greater. Those with political leadership potential confront an environment that lacks powerful women role models, reinforcing a culture of women’s political exclusion.