Why is collaboration so important to us at Citizen Leader Lab?
Why is collaboration so important to us at Citizen Leader Lab? From the desk of Komala Pillay, CEO of Citizen Leader Lab This year, we celebrate 15 years of working in public education and supporting school leaders to become agents of change. We have worked with over 2,100 school leaders across all nine provinces, and our time on the ground in public schools has enabled us to understand the complexities and challenges that school leaders must navigate to transform their schools into centres of quality teaching and learning. School leaders working in low-income communities must contend with not only the typical administrative challenges of running a school but also with the socio-economic realities of the communities they serve. Issues such as poverty, crime, gangsterism and limited access to health care all negatively impact a child’s ability to learn and create additional hurdles for educators to overcome. Solving these challenges requires diverse expertise and support, and this is where collaboration becomes key to accelerate change. Collaboration is built into our DNA with our Leaders for Education programme enabling a deep and meaningful partnership between business leaders and school principals. Our School Leadership Forum has had us partnering with academic organisations and other NGOs since 2014 to bring additional tools and knowledge to our school principal alumni. We are proud of these collaborations, and we are currently building upon them with even deeper collaboration activities. In January I shared a new literacy collaboration project with Khanyisa Inanda Seminary Community Projects (KICP) and the FEM Education Foundation. This multi-year school literacy improvement project combines leadership development with foundation-phase teacher training and learner support. It is a school support model where we see significant potential: Leadership development + teacher training + learner remediation and acceleration = expedited school improvement We are already in conversations with other partners to apply this model to areas such as STEM improvement and youth employability. A critical principle that underpins our approach is that everything we do must be sustainable and contribute to systemic change. For this reason, our main partner and collaborator remains the Department of Basic Education. Collaboration is not without challenges, and so we approach each opportunity with care. It is however the only way to accelerate transformation and give South Africa a chance to achieve the ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plan.
Leadership in Action: Our Q1 Highlights for 2025
Leadership in Action: Our Q1 Highlights for 2025 Launches in Q1 A new year brings exciting growth ̶ we rolled out multiple cohorts of our various leadership programmes across five provinces Leaders for Education New cohort in Tshwane New cohort in Johannesburg New cohort in Lephalale, Limpopo New cohort in Motheo, Free State New cohort in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape Leaders for Literacy We launched our Leaders for Literacy pilot in March this year, welcoming 10 schools, 10 alumni school principals and 20 School Management Team members onto the two-year programme. This pilot is taking place in the greater Durban area with collaboration partners, KICP. The simultaneous capacity building of SMT members, principals (Citizen Leader Lab) and foundation phase teachers (KICP) aims to empower the school’s leadership team to effectively ensure that the required literacy foundations are put in place. The end of a journey; the beginning of lasting impact We are proud to celebrate successful programme completion by several cohorts Leaders for Education Inaugural cohort in Randfontein, West Rand 57th cohort in Johannesburg 21st cohort in Tshwane School Management Team Leadership Development Programme (SMTP) First cohort in Johannesburg First cohort in Tshwane Leaders for Municipality Completion of our pilot in the City of Cape Town Spotlight on purpose-driven leadership Our CEO, Komala Pillay, successfully completed the prestigious NGO Whisperer Fellowship. Through expert-led masterclasses, mentorship, and global networking opportunities, the six-month initiative is designed to empower exceptional social sector leaders like Komala with the skills, networks, resources, and practical strategies needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. These achievements reflect the commitment of our team and partners to building strong, conscious, resilient leadership across sectors. Stay with us on this journey! There is more transformation on the horizon!
More Than a Seat at the Table: Dr Sharon Munyaka on Courage, Collaboration and Change
More Than a Seat at the Table: Dr Sharon Munyaka on Courage, Collaboration and Change What happens when a leader who has spent her career guiding others through transformation takes on a new challenge of her own? In March, Dr Sharon Munyaka, a seasoned industrial psychologist, stepped into her role as the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab’s Board. With decades of experience in co-creating leadership strategies and facilitating workplace transformation, she is no stranger to navigating change — only now, she is leading from a new vantage point, which enables her to influence leadership transformation across multiple sectors. Her appointment is also a timely reminder of women’s capacity to nurture leadership, drive transformation and break glass ceilings in every sector. In this conversation, she reflects on what it truly means to lead with courage, shares hard-won leadership lessons and reveals her bold vision for Citizen Leader Lab’s future. As the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab, what is your vision for the organisation? My vision is to support Citizen Leader Lab in its mission to develop resilient and capable leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities. Leadership, to me is about making a real difference, especially in communities that often get overlooked. I believe in empowering leaders who lead with empathy, who roll up their sleeves to solve problems and who know that real, lasting change happens when people come together. It’s about creating a ripple effect, one leader inspiring and uplifting others, so we can all move forward, together. Lastly, for me, leadership is beyond how people experience you, but more on how people experience themselves because they have been led by you. What does leadership mean to you, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on leading with impact? Service, accountability and the ability to inspire others toward a common goal. It is about leading with integrity and ensuring that our actions create long-term positive impact. My journey has taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating spaces where others feel empowered to contribute, innovate and grow. Facing challenges, navigating setbacks and learning from different leadership styles have all strengthened my resolve to be a leader who listens, adapts and acts. What are some of the biggest challenges that women leaders face today, and how can they be addressed? I’ve found that women leaders still often deal with outdated stereotypes, like the assumption that they’re less capable than their male counterparts, or the pressure to “have it all” while juggling work and family life. On top of that, opportunities for growth and leadership roles aren’t always handed out equally, and breaking into decision-making spaces can feel like an uphill battle. So, how do we fix this? It starts with real, intentional action. Companies and organisations can step up by creating mentorship programmes to guide and empower women, implementing policies that actually support work-life balance (think flexible hours & hybrid work models or parental leave) and making sure women have a seat at the table when big decisions are being made. But it’s not just about policies, it’s about culture, too. Women supporting women is huge. Building strong networks where we can share experiences, advice and encouragement can make all the difference. At the end of the day, it’s about levelling the playing field so that women leaders can thrive without having to constantly prove themselves. Can you share a personal experience where you had to break barriers as a woman in leadership? As a woman working across industries, the challenge was usually with the perception of being a young woman with limited knowledge. Another incident I can recall is having to justify my decision to breastfeed because I was required to travel as part of my role. Thankfully speaking up helped because I continued to breastfeed my child. How can public-private partnerships contribute to developing women leaders, especially in underprivileged communities? Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to create real impact by pooling resources, knowledge and expertise. Businesses can provide funding and mentorship programmes, while government institutions can ensure policy support and access to opportunities. By working together, these sectors can create leadership development programmes, scholarship opportunities and entrepreneurship initiatives tailored to the unique challenges that women in underprivileged communities face. These partnerships must also prioritise mentorship, access to capital and capacity-building to ensure long-term success. What strategies can organisations like Citizen Leader Lab adopt to create transformative leadership for women? Citizen Leader Lab can play a pivotal role by creating leadership incubators specifically designed for women, ensuring they have access to mentors, training and networking opportunities. We must also integrate gender-sensitive leadership models into our programmes, ensuring that leadership development addresses the real challenges women face. Encouraging male allies to actively support women’s leadership and advocating for policy changes that promote inclusivity in the workplace are also essential strategies. What message would you like to share with young women aspiring to lead in their communities and industries? Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Never let doubt, whether internal or external, dim your potential. Leadership is not about waiting for permission, it is about stepping forward, even when it feels uncomfortable. Seek mentorship, build strong networks and always uplift other women as you climb. Remember, leadership is not about titles – it’s about impact. So, take action, take up space and keep pushing forward. The world needs your leadership.
Connecting Resources to Impact: The Work of Our Business Development Team
Connecting Resources to Impact: The Work of Our Business Development Team The powerhouse fuelling our Business Development success Our Business Development team is a passionate force dedicated to raising funds that strengthen leadership in public schools and municipalities. Leading the team is Shane Perrier, our Business Development Lead, who drives fundraising efforts and innovative public-private partnerships to secure long-term support for our programmes. Working alongside him, Nontuli Moalusi leverages her expertise in strategic marketing, stakeholder engagement and fundraising to expand our leadership programmes nationwide. Completing the team, Damein Manilall focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with funders, ensuring the sustainability and growth of our initiatives. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in fundraising, strategic collaboration, marketing, and brand development, all working towards a common goal: securing the resources needed to empower leaders, uplift communities and create #TheFutureWeWant. MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet swipe and support: Make every purchase count! Did you know you can support Citizen Leader Lab while doing your everyday shopping — at no extra cost to you? By selecting Citizen Leader Lab as your beneficiary on the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme, every time you swipe your MySchool card at Woolworths and other partner stores, a portion of your spend goes directly towards empowering school leaders and driving meaningful change in education. It’s simple, free and impactful, in 3 easy steps: Sign up for a MySchool card (or update your beneficiary) Select Citizen Leader Lab as your chosen cause Swipe your card every time you shop at Woolworths and partner stores Every swipe makes a difference! Get started here: https://www.myschool.co.za/portal/register A note of support from our newest partner We’re excited to welcome Rand Mutual to our community of supporters. Their partnership will play a vital role in advancing our work in developing strong leaders for South Africa’s schools. Here’s what Lebohang Lerumo from Rand Mutual has to say: “We want to acknowledge the impactful work being done by Citizen Leader Lab in developing transformational leaders within our schools across South Africa. We’re looking forward to working together in 2025 and beyond to support this crucial effort in shaping the future of our nation.” — Lebohang Lerumo, Rand Mutual Thank you to our partners and funders At Citizen Leader Lab, we believe that transformational leadership has the power to change lives, schools and communities. But none of this would be possible without the generosity, trust and unwavering support of our incredible partners and funders. Your commitment to developing strong, values-driven leaders in South Africa’s education sector fuels our mission. With your support, we are equipping school principals, educators and community leaders with the skills and confidence to drive change — one leader at a time. Because of your support, schools are becoming thriving centers of excellence. Leadership is being redefined as a force for impact and transformation, and young South Africans are being empowered with hope, opportunity and a brighter future. From the entire Citizen Leader Lab team — THANK YOU! Your investment is an investment in our country’s leadership and education. We are honoured to walk this journey with you. Let’s continue to build a legacy of leadership, together. Individual Donors: Do you want to get involved but don’t know how? If you are a business leader or a supporter of education and want to back Citizen Leader Lab, we’ve made giving simple and flexible so you can contribute in a way that works best for you! Ways to Donate Once-off or Monthly Giving: Donate a lump sum or spread your contribution over 10 months Scheduled Donations: Set up a recurring donation directly from your bank account, choosing the amount and duration that fits your giving goals Why Donate? BBBEE & SED benefits: Businesses can allocate funds under Socio-Economic Development (SED) as 75%+ of our beneficiaries are black South Africans Tax deductible: All contributions are Section 18A tax deductible Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation: We are a registered NPO (#072-323) and PBO (#930029675), ensuring your donation directly supports transformative leadership in education. Make an impact today! Donate now: https://citizenleaderlab.org/donate/
Matric Success: How Leadership Development Improved 2024 Pass Rates
Matric Success: How Leadership Development Improved 2024 Pass Rates The 2024 National Senior Certificate results, released earlier this year, highlighted the success of secondary schools where Citizen Leader Lab played a role in improving matric pass rates While South Africa’s national matric pass rate for 2024 stood at its highest ever at 87.3%, a number of schools supported by our Leaders for Education programme achieved pass rates surpassing the national average. This underscores the ongoing critical need for leadership-centred programmes to address some of the systemic challenges in education. The Leaders for Education programme pairs public school principals with business leaders from the private sector in a year-long, immersive leadership development experience. The programme focuses on developing robust school leadership, which research shows is vital for school success. Effective principals play a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting teachers, boosting morale and inspiring motivation and innovation. This creates an environment that is conducive to quality teaching and learning and generates positive changes within the education system. Success stories on the ground In Johannesburg, Sandringham High achieved a 93.8% pass rate, reflecting a significant increase of 30,4% from 2023’s pass rate of 63.4%. The school’s principal, Pascal Rikhotso, is currently a participant on the Leaders for Education programme. He believes his own development as a leader has contributed to this vast improvement. “This journey has allowed me to build a school that values teamwork and encourages inclusivity with the teachers, parents and the community. By improving my leadership through Citizen Leader Lab, I’ve been able to create an atmosphere where teachers feel holistically supported. As a former science and technology HOD, I know that teacher motivation and morale are the main catalysts for learner success. All this resulted in the teachers, with the help of parents, coming together to provide holiday classes for the matrics. I can already sense the excitement among learners, parents and teachers about what we can achieve together in 2025.” Lungisa Secondary in Gqeberha achieved an impressive 99.1% pass rate, far exceeding the national average. Just three years ago, the school’s pass rate stood at a dismal 21%. Echoing the sentiments of Principal Rikhotso, Principal Thabo Mapena expressed how growing as a leader has helped turn his school around “I inherited Lungisa when it was unfortunately a non-performing school. But being part of this programme completely changed my perspective on leadership and management, and it has reshaped the entire school. The biggest change was my willingness to collaborate with educators instead of taking a top-down approach. As soon as I started embracing this approach, I could see the difference. Slowly but surely, I gained the buy-in and support of the teachers. I believe this is what led to our success: The educators feel supported and heard, so they are willing to go above and beyond for our learners. For example, they organised after-school programmes for the matrics, even though they aren’t paid for it. They are also punctual and enthusiastic to give back.” Notable improvements in pass rates were also observed at Citizen Leader Lab schools in Lephalale, Limpopo. These include Majadibodu Secondary, which increased its pass rate from 69.2% in 2023 to 92.3%, while Radinong High improved from 66.7% in 2023 to 87.8%. Meanwhile, Dysselsdorp Secondary, located in the Eden and Central Karoo District, achieved a 94.1% pass rate. This district was the top performer in the Western Cape. CEO of Citizen Leader Lab, Komala Pillay, said: ‘’These achievements have showcased the dedication, leadership and vision of our school principals. It demonstrates that when school principals are equipped with the right tools and support to lead, we do start to see promising results. Improved matric results don’t just open doors to education and employment for our youth — they uplift entire communities. As we enter the second quarter of 2025, Citizen Leader Lab is looking to business leaders and funders to be part of replicating these successes across South Africa.’’
Active or Retired? Parys Business Leaders, Bring Your Expertise to Local Schools
Active or Retired? Parys Business Leaders, Bring Your Expertise to Local Schools Aha Setjhaba Primary is in the heart of the action, where Citizen Leader Lab’s current Parys cohort is leading change through business-education partnerships Citizen Leader Lab is calling on experienced business leaders in Parys, whether still active or recently retired, to step into a bold new role Through the launch of its Leaders for Education programme in Parys this May, Citizen Leader Lab is inviting business leaders to partner with local school principals in a high-impact leadership development programme designed to strengthen public education and revitalise communities. Citizen Leader Lab has already launched two cohorts in Parys, with one currently underway. These partnerships are already making an impact — and there is room for more business leaders to get involved. Backed by more than a decade of measurable success across South Africa, Leaders for Education equips school principals with leadership and management skills, while offering business leaders an opportunity to develop their own leadership through collaboration, reflection and real-world problem-solving. Parys, like many towns in South Africa, faces ongoing socio-economic challenges. By connecting school principals with business leaders, the programme aims to not only uplift schools but also inspire community-wide resilience and progress. “This programme is about more than skills development. It’s about active citizenship. It’s about South Africans showing up for each other, using their leadership experience to strengthen our education system and contribute to society,’’ says Selwyn Page, Citizen Leader Lab’s Regional Manager for the Free State. Through this innovative programme, business leaders and school principals are paired in partnerships that span a full year. Participants engage in world-class leadership workshops and professional coaching and peer learning. Where leadership meets impact: Parys’ current Leaders for Education cohort in motion ‘’We’ve seen participating business leaders discover renewed purpose, sharpen their leadership skills and gain fresh perspective as they navigate the realities of South African public schools. Many describe the experience as eye-opening and life changing. School principals, in turn, receive support, access to social capital and a network of allies they might not otherwise have, enabling them to lead with greater confidence. Together, these partnerships contribute to better managed schools and more conducive learning environments for our youth,’’ Page adds. Building on this cross-sector approach, Citizen Leader Lab has also begun working with local municipalities. By equipping both school and municipal leaders with similar leadership frameworks and tools, the organisation is creating a culture of collaboration and a more unified approach to community development. Who should apply? Citizen Leader Lab is seeking applicants in or near Parys who meet the following profile: Current or former business owners, managers or executives Retired professionals who have led teams or departments Entrepreneurs or SMME leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility Individuals with a vested interest in local community development To apply or find out more, contact Citizen Leader Lab facilitator, Philippa Swart Email: philippa@citizenleaderlab.org
The Impact Continues: 15 Years, 2,124 Business-Education Partnerships and Counting
In a celebration of leadership and partnership, Citizen Leader Lab honoured the achievements of its latest Leaders for Education cohort in Johannesburg on 15 March at IQ Business Park, Rivonia. The event showcased how collaboration between schools and businesses is transforming education and communities. For 12 months, school principals and business leaders learned, collaborated and grew as conscious leaders. With the guidance of an accredited coach, they attended top-tier leadership workshops, received professional coaching and accessed valuable learning resources. Drawing on their diverse expertise, they tackled school leadership challenges and developed solutions to support learners, teachers and communities. Since 2010, Citizen Leader Lab has been at the forefront of strengthening leadership in both the public and private sectors. Through 2,124 business-education partnerships, the organisation has equipped principals with the skills, confidence and social capital to lead change in their schools, while giving business leaders the opportunity to actively contribute to South Africa’s future. As this cohort reflected on their journey, their stories spoke of resilience, growth and a collective commitment to steering social change. Kay Moodley, an Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and Professional Management Business Coach, facilitated this cohort, helping participants navigate their leadership journey “A year ago, we weren’t familiar with each other, but we came together to learn, joined by a common purpose to be active citizens. This journey has not been linear, but despite your own personal challenges, each and every one of you showed up and were present. Congratulations — you have played a part in creating the future we want!” Rehana Jardine, Principal of UJ Academy ‘’My business leader partner taught me to be brave and to not stop myself. We committed to supporting each other, and sometimes that support was not necessarily tangible. At school level, I have implemented ‘circle meetings’, embraced community building principles and transformed our parents’ meetings. I have learned to speak to people rather than at them, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.” Kopano Cowen, CEO of Connect TV and COO of Baza Creative Media “My year has been characterised by so many paradigm shifts, and I have gained a whole new network from different industries. It has been particularly rewarding to walk a mile in the shoes of the principals I’ve worked with. I am especially proud of the work done with my principal partner to embrace social media at the UJ academy, and I am excited to see how I can further inject creativity into the school.” Annah Thobejane, Principal of Thutopele Secondary ‘’As a newly appointed principal, what was important for my school and my team was creating a serious, committed school culture based on teamwork. I noticed a shift in energy and mindset within my team since I began this programme. We now actively involve teachers and staff, encouraging them to learn from each other.” Mike Wood, Management Consultant at The Growth Collective “My principal partner, Annah, deeply cares and is highly committed to a school of over 1,700 learners. This journey gave me a new lens into the education system and the immense challenges principals navigate daily. Being a principal is more than a job — it’s a calling. This programme reinforced the value of partnership and how powerful it is to share both the good and the difficult moments.” Jonas Mashele, Financial Accountant at SPAR South Rand ‘’It has been an honour to go back to school through this programme. I realised that I have a passion for education. This journey allowed me to take a step back and think about how I can lend a hand and what legacy I will leave behind for our children.” Marista Fey, Lecturer at the Wits Business School ‘’This journey has been one of learning and growth. The workshops provided me with valuable tools and skills that I will continue to use. There was a strong emphasis on relationships and their practical application in the real world. I’ve also come to deeply respect the gravitas that most principals carry. Throughout this experience, we’ve learned to be brave, to be vulnerable and to lean into the unknown.” Michelle Batchelor, Principal of Futura Special School ‘’With her pharmaceutical background, my partner, Beverly Schleiss, arranged a session with the Head of Psychiatry at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to speak with our parents. This was especially impactful for our special needs school, as it highlighted the importance of medication adherence for learners and the crucial role parents play in the process.” Baldwin Malebana, Principal of Phumulani Secondary “It’s easy to get buried in negativity in township schools because of the myriad social challenges, but this programme taught me that there are countless possibilities. Because of this partnership, I was able to engage with the Department of Social Development for the benefit of my school.” Andrew Barret, OLICO Maths NPC Co-Founder and Director “The Leaders for Education journey has been revealing. Even though I work in the education space, I have gained a renewed respect for principals. My partner has made a measurable impact at his school, connecting with alumni who are now giving back.” Pascal Rikhotso, Principal of Sandringham High “Andrew and I wanted to improve learner performance by involving school alumni. This is a work in progress, but the journey has sharpened my mind to what is possible when we work together. “I am particularly proud that Sandringham High was named the most improved school in the district, increasing our matric pass rate from 63.4% in 2023 to 93.8% in 2024.” About Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab is a leadership development and support Public Benefit Organisation, committed to creating resilient leaders in both public and private sectors. Our vision is Leadership that builds a better future for all. Through our programmes and workshops, we empower individuals to become effective leaders and change agents in their communities. With 15 years of experience, Citizen Leader Lab promotes cross-sector collaboration, active citizenship and social cohesion, with a growing presence in the education sector.
More Than a Seat at the Table: Dr Sharon Munyaka on Courage, Collaboration and Change
More Than a Seat at the Table: Dr Sharon Munyaka on Courage, Collaboration and Change What happens when a leader who has spent her career guiding others through transformation takes on a challenge of her own? In March, Dr Sharon Munyaka, a seasoned industrial psychologist, stepped into her role as the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab’s Board. With decades of experience in co-creating leadership strategies and facilitating workplace transformation, she is no stranger to navigating change — only now, she is leading from a new vantage point. As we approach International Women’s Day on 8 March, her appointment is a timely reminder of the impact women have in nurturing leadership, driving transformation and breaking glass ceilings in every sector. In this conversation, she reflects on what it truly means to lead with courage, shares hard-won leadership lessons and reveals her bold vision for Citizen Leader Lab’s future. As the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab, what is your vision for the organisation? My vision is to support Citizen Leader Lab in its mission to develop resilient and capable leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities. Leadership, to me is about making a real difference, especially in communities that often get overlooked. I believe in empowering leaders who lead with empathy, who roll up their sleeves to solve problem, and who know that real, lasting change happens when people come together. It’s about creating a ripple effect, one leader inspiring and uplifting others, so we can all move forward, together. Lastly, for me leadership is beyond how people experience you but more on how people experience themselves because they have been led by you. What does leadership mean to you, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on leading with impact? Service, accountability and the ability to inspire others toward a common goal. It is about leading with integrity and ensuring that our actions create long-term positive impact. My journey has taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating spaces where others feel empowered to contribute, innovate and grow. Facing challenges, navigating setbacks and learning from different leadership styles have all strengthened my resolve to be a leader who listens, adapts and acts. What are some of the biggest challenges that women leaders face today, and how can they be addressed? I’ve found that women leaders still often deal with outdated stereotypes, like the assumption that they’re less capable than their male counterparts, or the pressure to “have it all” while juggling work and family life. On top of that, opportunities for growth and leadership roles aren’t always handed out equally, and breaking into decision-making spaces can feel like an uphill battle. So, how do we fix this? It starts with real, intentional action. Companies and organisations can step up by creating mentorship programmes to guide and empower women, implementing policies that actually support work-life balance (think flexible hours & hybrid work models or parental leave) and making sure women have a seat at the table when big decisions are being made. But it’s not just about policies, it’s about culture, too. Women supporting women is huge. Building strong networks where we can share experiences, advice and encouragement can make all the difference. At the end of the day, it’s about levelling the playing field so that women leaders can thrive without having to constantly prove themselves. Can you share a personal experience where you had to break barriers as a woman in leadership? As a woman working across industries, the challenge was usually with the perception of being a young woman with limited knowledge. Another incident I can recall is having to justify my decision to breastfeed because I was required to travel as part of my role. Thankfully speaking up helped because I continued to breastfeed my child. How can public-private partnerships contribute to developing women leaders, especially in underprivileged communities? Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to create real impact by pooling resources, knowledge and expertise. Businesses can provide funding and mentorship programmes, while government institutions can ensure policy support and access to opportunities. By working together, these sectors can create leadership development programmes, scholarship opportunities and entrepreneurship initiatives tailored to the unique challenges that women in underprivileged communities face. These partnerships must also prioritise mentorship, access to capital and capacity-building to ensure long-term success. What strategies can organisations like Citizen Leader Lab adapt to create transformative leadership for women? Citizen Leader Lab can play a pivotal role by creating leadership incubators specifically designed for women, ensuring they have access to mentors, training and networking opportunities. We must also integrate gender-sensitive leadership models into our programmes, ensuring that leadership development addresses the real challenges women face. Encouraging male allies to actively support women’s leadership and advocating for policy changes that promote inclusivity in the workplace are also essential strategies. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘’Accelerate Action’’. How does this resonate with you? Accelerating action means moving beyond conversations and into implementation. It means holding institutions accountable for gender equality, ensuring policies are enacted and breaking down barriers that slow down progress. To me, it is a call to be intentional in our leadership and to push for systemic changes that create equal opportunities for women, not tomorrow, but today. What message would you like to share with young women aspiring to lead in their communities and industries? Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Never let doubt, whether internal or external, dim your potential. Leadership is not about waiting for permission, it is about stepping forward, even when it feels uncomfortable. Seek mentorship, build strong networks and always uplift other women as you climb. Remember, leadership is not about titles – it’s about impact. So, take action, take up space and keep pushing forward. The world needs your leadership. About Citizen Leader Lab Founded in 2010, Citizen Leader Lab is dedicated to creating resilient leaders in the public and private sectors. Through leadership development programmes
