The WomenLead Institute

Born from the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA), the WomenLead Institute (WLI) brings to Counterpart more than 40 years of expertise in strengthening women’s leadership, management, and technical competencies. WLI’s core mission is to enhance women’s confidence, capacity, and agency to fuel greater representation and impact of women in leadership positions across all sectors and institutions, in the United States and in countries around the world.

The poorest and most vulnerable populations across the globe are women. In many countries, they have limited or non-existent access to political influence, land ownership, credit, protections, or economic benefits. These and other gender inequalities hinder self-assurance and restrict opportunities.

However, with knowledge, conviction, and skills, women become leaders who contribute to more economically resilient families, thriving local institutions, and vibrant and prosperous communities. Achieving a brighter future for all requires investments in women as leaders, role models, and decision-makers.

In short, when women move forward, the world moves with them.

WLI’s distinguished women-centered leadership services specifically target women from domestic and international institutions with little access to these types of unique learning opportunities, but who demonstrate potential to influence the scope and scale of development projects in their communities and countries. The immense multiplier effect of these women, who work on the front lines of development, sets WLI programs apart.

Also working in the United States, WLI implements capacity development, leadership, and coaching programs for a diverse network of partner organizations, including associations and non-profits.