We are thrilled to announce the first-ever graduation of the Girl-Centered Incubator (GCI), a pioneering fellowship designed to support young visionary female leaders in the Global South. Three years ago, six young women joined the program driven by a shared passion for change and a commitment to ensuring that girls in their communities are respected, educated, and heard.

The Girl-Centered Incubator is a three-year fellowship for young visionary female founders in the Global South who have launched a program in their community to secure rights and transform life outcomes for underserved girls.

These feminist leaders—Eliakunda, Awa, Vandana, Isha, Cynthia, and Aminata—are committed to changing the systems that hold girls back. The GCI alumni embrace feminist values when making difficult decisions about programming and organizational management.

Since joining the fellowship, these founders have increased enrollment in their programs by 74%. This growth is a testament to the fellows' dedication and the power of investing in young female leaders.

The world needs leaders like these fellows—passionate, resilient, and dedicated to building a brighter future. As they continue their work, we know they will break barriers, challenge systems, and inspire girls to continue to make change.

-Ceci Arriaza, Senior Programs Manager

Inaugural Girl-Centered Incubator Fellowship Impact at a Glance

• 2,162 Girls Reached

• 74% increase in girls reached

• 5 Countries Represented

• $156,000 in Grants Awarded

• 52 Training Hours Provided

• 100% of fellows improved methods for identifying girls' needs, resulting in stronger programs with higher attendance and completion rates.

• 100% of fellows strengthened their organizations through improved governance, financial systems, and policies.

Aminata S. Conteh •  Founder, Glowing Embers Network, Sierra Leone

My vision for girls worldwide is to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment, free from abuse and societal pressures. Empowered and self-confident, they will lead fearlessly, shaping a world where equality is inherent and justice prevails.

Arriving at the name was a collaborative process; desiring a name with "Glow," we added "Embers" to symbolize reviving the fire in girls. Glowing Embers Network has benefited around 8,000 Sierra Leonean girls through school and community outreach, workshops, partnerships, and media engagements, empowering them to thrive.

The funding and grant training empowered us to implement organizational improvements, significantly enhancing our work. We now plan our fundraising needs and properly allocate our resources. We have developed proper systems and structures for our programs, including documentation and program planning. We have also refined our vision and mission statements. We learned several program planning techniques, which we have implemented.

The funding support also covered one of our biggest events in December 2023 “She Christmas” where we trained about 80 girls on different skills including “Make-up, Bead-Making, and Ankara Items Wrapping.” 

Through the fellowship, Glowing Embers Network transformed from a passion project to a structured organization. This credibility led to partnerships and opportunities like collaborating with UNICEF on the "WE DESERVE BETTER" local consultation workshop, showcasing our growth and impact in empowering girls and women.

The girls we work with have benefited significantly from the improved structure in our organization, now participating in program design and providing feedback, enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of our mentorship and empowerment initiatives. We serve 70 girls directly through our Glow Circles which meets once a week for 1:1 sessions, skills training, and workshops. We have partnered with 7 institutions that provide internships for our girls after they complete school. We have partnered with 1 school where we conduct routine visits. We rehabilitated the school (Laura Dove Junior Secondary School) library on our 5th anniversary in 2022. We have recently introduced sports as a programming strategy.

Our mental health initiatives have enhanced the self-esteem and confidence of our girls. They have empowered the girls to believe in themselves and the magic in their abilities. One example was a recent engagement we had with one of our girls in the Lakka Village who is currently studying Mass Communication at the Fourah Bay College. She explained to our team member who supervises their circle how she has become bolder in class and how she has developed the courage to pursue her interest in writing due to their sessions on self-confidence.  

They have also improved their interpersonal skills which enable them to build and maintain healthier relationships with peers, family, and other social circles.

The power of collaboration in empowering young women leaders

Collaboration is the key asset to mobilize and amplify the role of young women leaders worldwide. By uniting our voices and efforts, we can overcome obstacles, strengthen our impact, and create lasting change in the fight for equality and empowerment.

Awa Gai •  Founder, She Awards Gambia

During my tenure as Head Girl at Charles Jow Memorial Academy from 2015 to 2016, I saw girls' challenges, sparking my passion for girls' rights. Volunteering with survivors fueled my advocacy. Inspired by their resilience, I founded She Awards Gambia to empower girls through role models and mentorship. I believe in championing girls' rights for societal equity and sustainable development, aiming to create a world where every girl thrives.

Empowering Dreams: The Birth of She Awards Gambia

Growing up in rural Gambia, I faced firsthand the gender-based barriers that hindered the dreams of many girls in my community. At 19, I founded She Awards Gambia to challenge this narrative by empowering girls to see their potential realized. Many girls globally face similar struggles, lacking role models and pathways to success. 

Through She Awards Gambia, I aim to inspire a new narrative where every girl dares to dream big and sees those dreams come true. As a changemaker, I break the cycle of discrimination, paving the way for future generations of women and girls to thrive.

We program for 50 girls annually and through our dedicated efforts, we have been able to reach and empower 200 girls through the She Awards annual event and the mentorship program, providing them with a unique platform to showcase their talents and receive invaluable guidance from inspiring women mentors.

On an organizational level, She Awards Gambia has benefited immensely from mentorship provided by seasoned professionals, who have guided us strategically and refined our approach. The fellowship's insights inspired us to develop a clear vision and mission for our annual event and mentorship program, enhancing our impact on women and girls.

The knowledge from the fellowship transformed She Awards Gambia, benefiting the girls we serve. By applying best practices, our programs are now more impactful and tailored. This led to increased engagement and improved outcomes. The girls now have better opportunities to be inspired and empowered.

After one of the fellowship sessions, we refined our vision and mission and created a theme for our annual She Awards event - inspiring girls through role models. Through the awards, we celebrate women in a way that inspires the girls to see in these women the possibilities of achieving the same things the women are achieving. 
Our mentorship program links the awarded women (from different sectors) with the girls in the program as mentors. We ensure diversity among the women so that the girls can shift their mindsets about women’s leadership and excellence. Through the awards, girls now have the drive to dream big and achieve great things, because they have seen, through She Awards Gambia, a physical manifestation of the things they were afraid to dream of.

Through the mentorship program, we also identify girls exemplifying leadership in various aspects. We showcase the work of these girls at the She Awards. For example, one of the girls was celebrated for establishing a pad-drive initiative in her community to support her fellow girls. This shed light on her work, and she got a lot of support after the awards.

The fellowship has impacted the work we do as an organization and how we design our programs with women, for girls which has ultimately created a consistent platform that continues to impact girls’ lives through the emergence of role models. This is grounded in our belief that girls are more likely to be successful when they see more women and girls who look like them that they can look up to.

Cynthia Muhonja • Founder, Life Lifters Kenya

My mother's loss left me adrift, longing for love and guidance. I was only 11. Neglected by indifferent grandparents, I navigated a harsh world, learning to trust my instincts and discern true intentions. Advocating for my brother and me, I discovered resilience, intuition, and self-reliance. By 15, intelligence became my shield, offering respect and protection in a world indifferent to our struggles. These trials taught me profound lessons in empathy, resilience, and the essence of leadership.

Empowering rural girls through education is my strategic imperative. Investing in their potential breaks cycles of poverty, fostering leaders who uplift communities. I strive for equal opportunities and quality education access. 

The resilience and successes of young women inspire me to advocate for change. Balancing triumphs with struggles fuels my determination to empower girls worldwide for a brighter future.

Empowering Rural Teenage Girls: Life Lifters Kenya’s Journey of Impact & Growth

In 2015, I founded Life Lifters Kenya to combat rape and teenage pregnancy in Kamimei. We started with 10 girls who met and discussed the problems they were facing and forged solutions that could be employed to address the issues. They discussed teenage pregnancy, menstrual health, relationships, etc.

Empowered by GCI Fellowship: A Transformative Journey

The GCI fellowship transformed Life Lifters Kenya and me, elevating our leadership and organizational growth. One-on-one coaching sessions were pivotal in shaping our foundation and strategies. 

The GCI fellowship has helped me in fostering growth and global engagement. Mentors like Tammy and Christen inspired me with their dedication. Thanks to the fellowship's support and guidance, I learned valuable leadership lessons and expanded Life Lifters Kenya from humble beginnings to impactful programs.

Through the GCI fellowship, Life Lifters Kenya has transformed, establishing crucial structures like forming a strong Board of Directors, who could support our fundraising goals and need for professionalized budgets and accounting. We also set up new systems and structures that will allow the organization to attract future funding, such as registered NGO status in Kenya, local bank accounts, a Strategic Plan, a Child Protection Policy, an Employee Manual, a Board Policy, and an Organizational Constitution. 

We also increased grants received through her fiscal sponsorship from STF, from $500 to $40,000 over the past three years. As a result, Life Lifters Kenya (she )has extended their reach and increased the number of girls served from 5 to over 100 across 4 counties in Kenya (Nandi, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, and Kakamega). We have successfully offered 20 merit and need-based scholarships to rural teenage girls. 8 of our scholars have successfully graduated from high school with qualifying grades for college. We currently have 2 scholars at the University with Joan, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Ghana.

We have exposed our girls to comprehensive mentorship and training. We have witnessed most of our girls venturing into leadership and taking up more responsibilities at school and home. So far 5 of our girls have been senior prefects in their schools.

Conferences and trainings such as the ‘Girls First Conference’ have also been very helpful to our staff. The training received in these events has helped our staff effectively and timely serve our girls. Toolkits such as ‘ the feminist mentorship’ have helped us build training materials for our mentors and the results have trickled down to our girls.

Empowering Young Women Leaders For Global Impact

To amplify young women leaders globally, we must offer support, guidance, and growth opportunities. Listening to their voices, fostering a nurturing environment, and investing in their ideas are key assets for empowering them to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

To empower young women leaders, we must integrate them into decision-making, value their insights, and invest in their education and growth. By involving them in shaping solutions to global challenges, we harness their creativity and passion to drive positive change locally and globally, creating a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Eliakunda Kaaya (Ellie) • Founder, Her Journey to School, Tanzania

In my community, girls grow up in the shadows of discrimination, devoid of mentors or role models. Witnessing my sister forced into marriage ignited my passion for empowering girls in a community plagued by discrimination and violence. 

I am driven by the unwavering belief that every girl deserves a chance at a better life, free from the chains of discrimination and inequality. Witnessing the transformation of over 950 school girls into empowered, educated young women fuels my passion to push for change. 

I envision a world where every girl is educated, empowered, and celebrated as a leader. This drive for change fuels my mission to break the cycle of oppression and poverty.

Today, 402 adolescent girls and 100 adolescent mothers have benefited from our programs, breaking free from societal constraints to pursue their dreams. Each girl we support represents a beacon of hope for a future where every girl can access education, health, and economic independence, shaping her own journey to success.

Transformative Impact of GCI Fellowship

The GCI Fellowship transformed my approach to program implementation. The 1:1 coaching, funding, and access to resources from She’s the First enabled the growth and strengthening of our transformative mentorship program, Ndoto ya Binti (Swahili for a Girl’s Dream), which empowers girls to discuss taboo topics. The grant enabled us to access speakers for Truth Talk Day, an event for girls to learn about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.

The girls now have increased confidence and a sense of agency. For example, some girls in our Ndoto ya Binti Program who initially felt powerless are now actively advocating for themselves and their communities.

Guidance on budgeting and fundraising training, including a pitch practice with fellow GCI Fellows, led to a $15,000 grant win for our Adolescent Mothers Program which serves 100 adolescent mothers between 11 and 18 years of age from the Maasai community. We used the power analysis to identify areas where the girls feel powerless or feel powerful. For the girls who do not want to return to school, we have provided safe spaces for them in their villages. Others have pursued education and are economically independent, breaking free from societal constraints with our teen mothers program.

At the organizational level, Her Journey to School has seen increased funding, a positive reputation, and the ability to conduct impactful programs with flexible funds. The fellowship has boosted my confidence as a leader, enabling me to lead my team effectively with the capacity building received.

With access to these assets, young women worldwide can amplify their voices, drive social change, and inspire future generations of leaders.

I believe that creating platforms like the Dada (Swahili for sister) Rise WhatsApp group for young female leaders to support each other and the Nendiwe Centre for Feminist Wellness and Mentorship is crucial in strengthening, sustaining, and amplifying the voices of women leaders. These spaces provide opportunities for collaboration, growth, and collective empowerment, fostering a strong network of support and advocacy for women's voices to be heard. 

(​​Nendiwe means “I have been given”. It is used to express gratitude and acknowledgment for receiving something from someone else.)

Isha Godara • Founder, JIVAM Foundation, India

As a young child, witnessing inequality sparked a desire within me to make a difference. Even before understanding leadership, I felt compelled to address inequality and was drawn to taking on responsibilities that could help others.

Visiting my ancestral village in India at 10, I befriended a talented girl unable to receive quality education due to financial constraints. This encounter motivated me to use my education for good. During COVID-19, I went back to my village and came face to face with the education inequity again. I saw that on the one hand, there were students like me who were tired of online classes and on the other hand, there were millions of students who were not learning at all. Tired of being a witness to this, I decided to do something about the problem and started the JIVAM Foundation (New Beginnings and Hope) to help students with their learning during COVID-19. In three years, it has transformed into a holistic learning program that is nurturing leaders of tomorrow.

As a young child, witnessing inequality sparked a desire within me to make a difference. Even before understanding leadership, I felt compelled to address inequality and was drawn to taking on responsibilities that could help others.

My grandfather and parents always inspire me to drive positive change. Despite living in a patriarchal community in rural India, they have been strong advocates of equality. Reflecting on my privileged upbringing and conversations with friends reinforces my moral duty to empower girls in my community with similar opportunities for a brighter future.

The birth of JIVAM: Empowering Girls For a Brighter Future

Establishing my organization stemmed from a desire to address inequality in education, inspired by encounters like meeting the talented girl in the village. COVID provided the opportunity to act, leading to the foundation's inception. 

Named JIVAM for its connotation of new beginnings and hope, it has directly benefited over 500 students, empowering them through education and opportunities for a brighter future.

GCI Fellowship: A Lifeline for NGO Founders

The GCI Fellowship has been a lifeline for me as an NGO founder, providing tailored support, impactful funding, and invaluable 1:1 coaching sessions with Ceci. The program's understanding of our needs and supportive ecosystem have made a profound impact on my journey.

Joining the fellowship has strengthened my perseverance with a supportive network. At the organizational level, we improved policies and communication materials for JIVAM through insights gained from STF workshops. Implementing sustainable feedback mechanisms like the Girl's Council has enhanced our commitment to equality and empowerment.

The funding support from STF helped us to employ 2 part-time teachers. The teachers teach basic literacy, maths, computers and science. Previously, their engagement was voluntary and largely inconsistent, as they understandably needed to prioritize their income. Now, there is consistency due to the stability provided by compensation. When they were volunteering, the turnover was high. This affected the girls. Now there’s trust and reliability. Teachers are aware of the family background of students and work closely with the parents to provide tailored solutions to each girl. 

The fellowship helped us establish our first Girls Advisory Council (GAC). Beforehand, there was no structured way of receiving girls’ feedback and elevating them into leadership positions. This Council now has representatives from each class who engage with the teachers on a dedicated day and time. One change the Girls Advisory Council made was the timing of mentorship sessions. The sessions used to end late in the day, and many girls stopped attending because it interfered with the time parents expected them at home to help with chores. Teachers changed the timing and attendance increased.

On the first day of JIVAM when I interacted with girls, they barely spoke with me even though I could talk in the regional dialect. With different interventions over a few months, girls have become so confident that they can now speak in front of hundreds of people. Our Founders’ Day is attended by more than 500 people from the village and the girls emcee on stage.  I love the way girls are becoming confident.

Two of our students Diksha and Neetu were top scorers in a state-level exam ‘Buniyad’. This qualifies them to receive free coaching for the most competitive pre-university engineering exam (IIT). Inspired by their achievement, several other girls also cleared the exam this year. 

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Rise Of Young Women Driving Social Change

There is a famous European folklore of Colibri where when a jungle catches fire all animals run away but a little bird Colibri takes water in its beak and tries to put off the fire. Seeing this, other birds make fun of Colibri and tell him this will not put off the fire. Smiling Colibri replies, at least I am doing what I can. 

Like the fire in the jungle working towards social change can be an emotionally draining process and it is hard to keep the motivation because change can be slow. But like Colibri, we need to focus on doing what we can diligently. It is rightly said, “We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

Vandana Asha •  Founder, Rang Kaarwaan, India

In my unexpected journey from a quiet observer to a leader, nurturing young girls from marginalized backgrounds ignited my embers of leadership.  Navigating obstacles and experimenting with my methods along the way, I discovered my calling in driving positive change through education and realizing the transformative power of theatre.

I discovered my passion for empowering marginalized girls through my lived experiences of overcoming poverty and lack of resources. Driven by a deep empathy, I aim to challenge societal norms and empower girls to become confident leaders who defy stereotypes and break barriers in creating a more inclusive society.

I envision a world where every girl thrives in nurturing environments, free to pursue dreams and impact the world positively. Fueled by their potential, I advocate for equality and empowerment, creating safe spaces for growth and authenticity. With empathy and determination, I aim to shape a more compassionate and understanding society through advocacy and action.

Foundation of Rang Kaarwan

My journey with performance arts led to the creation of Rang Karwan, where art transforms lives. Inspired by the power of theater and community collaboration, we empower youth through art while supporting artists' livelihoods. Our vision merges education, entrepreneurship, and social impact, shaping a holistic approach to artistic empowerment. 

Rang Kaarwaan, meaning "The Caravan of Theatre and Colors," symbolizes a journey of empowerment through theater across diverse communities in India. With a commitment to long-term engagement and short-term initiatives, Rang Kaarwaan has directly impacted the lives of at least 4000 girls, fostering skills, confidence, and empowerment through creative expression.

One of the most transformative ideas I embraced was the commitment to go to those who need it the most and truly give them a voice in shaping their solutions. This philosophy became a guiding light as I returned to my community. Implementing these insights into our programs and initiatives revolutionized our approach and magnified our impact.

The fellowship's impact extends to Rang Karwaan, elevating our credibility and opening doors for global collaborations that promise to amplify our transformative impact.

Before the fellowship, the organization did not have a mentorship program for girls. Through this fellowship, we matched 1,300 girls between 11 and 15 years with a trusted female mentor. As a result, girls exhibited increased confidence, improved communication, curiosity in critical thinking, and deeper empathy. 

The mentorship program created a safe space to introduce new (uncomfortable) topics, such as body shaming. In our culture, talking about the female body is taboo; girls are embarrassed about their periods, for example. I led a session where girls wrote thank-you letters to their bodies. This exercise helped them recognize how they were internalizing harmful cultural norms and to reframe them positively.

In 2022, Lata came in as a 21-year-old who had a bright smile on her face but lacked the confidence to introduce herself in front of people. Today she is not only a facilitator at Rang Kaarwaan, talking about profound topics such as emotional well-being and sexual & reproductive health in front of adolescent school children, but she expresses herself even better when presented with a canvas and a bucket of colors. 

Nirmala was a domestic violence victim who could barely make a living out of a part-time stitching job at a local shop. Today she is at the forefront of our Learning Centre for primary school children and also in charge of our local library. She also got the courage to leave her abusive marriage and live an independent life in the same neighborhood. She is financially independent and takes pride in her autonomy.

At Rang Kaarwaan, I have seen Lata, Nirmala, and 40 other fellows undergo a remarkable transformation from being under-confident and normalizing oppression to becoming leaders in their own capacities and influencing the lives of themselves and the other girls around them. 

Seeing the girls' agency built day by day was incredibly rewarding. They became more assertive, not just in our sessions but in their daily lives. This shift was more than just behavioral; it was a profound transformation in their self-perception and aspirations. They started to believe in their potential and took ownership of their futures.

The fellowship taught me that true mentorship goes beyond imparting knowledge—it’s about nurturing an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. This holistic approach to mentorship and community engagement has forever changed the way I view and conduct my work. The ripple effect of these changes is evident not only in the immediate improvements but also in the long-term empowerment of the girls and the broader community.

The role of young women leaders in creating social change

Empowering young women leaders requires a comprehensive approach. Quality education, leadership development, and mentorship are vital. We must challenge systemic barriers, promote inclusivity, and provide access to resources. 

Mentorship is crucial for guidance and support. Together, we can create a world where women's voices are heard and valued. To empower young women leaders, we must provide platforms for active participation, invest in tailored leadership development programs, and advocate for systemic change to promote gender equality and create a world where their voices and leadership can flourish.