On August 27th, the PMI-WILL Mentorship Guide Validation Webinar brought together inspiring women leaders, potential candidates, and stakeholders from Benin, Zambia, Cambodia, Ghana, and Sri Lanka. The focus of the event? Refining a powerful tool aimed at breaking down barriers and boosting women’s participation in local governance through mentorship.
The panel featured diverse voices—women who are on the frontline of political change—discussing the real challenges women face when stepping into leadership roles. From overcoming cultural norms to accessing opportunities, the need for structured support became crystal clear. Mentorship was presented as a game-changer, helping women not only gain confidence but also develop essential skills and build strong networks.
Potential candidates and elected women shared personal stories of how mentorship had shaped their paths and highlighted key elements they’d like to see in the guide to ensure future women leaders thrive. National Project Coordinators from Benin and Zambia also provided their perspectives on rolling out this guide on a national scale, stressing the need for resources and collaboration to make it effective.
The energy and insights from this webinar will directly influence the final version of the PMI-WILL Mentorship Guide. With contributions from across regions and experiences, this guide is set to become a vital resource for empowering women leaders to step up, lead confidently, and transform their communities.