ARLINGTON, Va., November 29, 2018 – Counterpart International is pleased to announce that the WomenLead Institute (WLI) is moving from Plan International USA to its new home as part of the Counterpart Network. In this move, WLI will join its talents, expertise, and networks with Counterpart to become the institutional center of excellence for the Counterpart Network’s work in social inclusion, gender equality, and strengthening emerging leaders.

WLI has more than 40 years of expertise in building women’s leadership and management skills, confidence, and networks in sectors such as health, economic empowerment, and peace and security.  Born from the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA), which was acquired by Plan International USA in 2012, WLI has transformed the lives of thousands of women leaders in more than 90 countries around the world, helping them become powerful change-makers in the development of their countries, their economies, and their communities.

“We are thrilled to have WLI join the Counterpart Network. Their work with women leaders is central to Counterpart’s mission, which is to ensure that local leaders, organizations, and networks around the world have the capacity to create sustainable solutions for their own communities and countries. Our success is based on social inclusion – ensuring that all voices are at the table – starting with women and extending to people of all marginalized groups,” said Dr. Joan Parker, President and CEO of Counterpart International.

“Counterpart believes women’s leadership is essential for a country’s journey to self-reliance. WLI is not only a powerful platform for strengthening emerging social and business leaders around the world, it also is a powerful global alumni network of thousands of women, many of whom are now mentoring other emerging leaders. We have enormous appreciation for WLI’s expertise, alumni network, and remarkable history of results,” said Dr. Parker.

At Counterpart, WLI will continue its long-standing leadership programs supported by corporate and foundation sponsors. WLI’s capacity development programs fuel greater representation of women in leadership positions across all sectors and institutions.

“The WLI team is delighted to join the Counterpart Network. We look forward to building on our long history of women-centered programming and expanding our network of more than 6,000 leaders around the globe. Counterpart’s leadership in promoting social inclusion, gender equality and sustainable development is in perfect alignment with WLI’s mission, and presents endless opportunities for WLI’s growth,” said Sue Richiedei, Senior Director of the WomenLead Institute.

About the Counterpart Network

The Counterpart Network consists of two entities: Counterpart International and the Social Sector Accelerator.

Counterpart International helps people build better lives and more durable futures, community by community. For more than 50 years and in more than 65 countries, Counterpart has ensured that local leaders are at the center of every development challenge, drawing on the knowledge that local leadership is a requirement for any effective and lasting solution.

The Social Sector Accelerator combines an entrepreneurial spirit with Counterpart International’s 50+ years as an innovator. Established in 2014, the Social Sector Accelerator works in the U.S. and around the world with foundations, corporations, and other non-governmental organizations, improving partnerships, increasing access to resources, and building stronger, more capable organizations.