Apply to the Advancing Grassroots Leadership for Credible, Positive, and Sustainable Outcomes

Advancing Grassroots Leadership for Credible, Positive, and Sustainable Outcomes Application Deadline: 20 May 2026
Eligibility: Women aged 18–45 from all parts of Nigeria

Programme Duration: Six months
Organized by: Aid for African Women & Girls (A2WG)

About the Programme
Aid for African Women & Girls (A2WG) is pleased to invite applications for Women Leading the Change (WLC) – Cohort 2, a six-month leadership and civic engagement programme designed to support women across Nigeria to grow in leadership, strengthen their voice in governance, and contribute meaningfully to democratic development at the grassroots.

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 General Elections, the need for informed, courageous, and community-rooted women leaders has become even more urgent. Across the country, women continue to play important roles in mobilizing communities, shaping conversations, and sustaining local systems, yet they remain underrepresented in political participation, public leadership, and electoral decision- making spaces.

WLC – Cohort 2 is designed to help close that gap.

This year’s cohort will focus on preparing women to become stronger civic actors, trusted grassroots leaders, and positive forces for credible, peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable electoral outcomes in their communities and beyond.

Background
Nigeria’s democratic future depends not only on institutions and systems, but also on the quality of leadership and participation at the grassroots. As the 2027 General Elections approach, there is a growing need for women who can engage thoughtfully in civic processes, promote peaceful participation, support voter awareness, challenge exclusion, and help build trust in democratic outcomes.

At the same time, many women, particularly at community level, still face barriers to effective participation. These include low access to leadership development opportunities, weak mentorship support, limited civic literacy, exclusion from governance spaces, and insufficient platforms for public engagement.

Through WLC – Cohort 2, A2WG seeks to respond to this reality by nurturing a new generation of women leaders who are informed, connected, and ready to contribute to positive change before, during, and beyond the 2027 elections.

Overall Goal
To strengthen women’s grassroots leadership, civic participation, and democratic agency in ways that contribute to credible, peaceful, positive, and sustainable outcomes in the lead-up to Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections and beyond.

Specific Objectives
The programme aims to:

Build the leadership capacity of women across Nigeria to engage more confidently and effectively in civic, political, and governance processes.
2. Increase women’s understanding of democratic participation, elections, and accountable
governance in preparation for the 2027 General Elections.

Promote women-led grassroots action that supports voter awareness, peaceful participation, inclusion, and community ownership of electoral processes.
Strengthen women’s voice, confidence, and public influence through mentorship, peer learning, and leadership development.
Encourage community-level change initiatives led by women on issues related to democratic participation, social accountability, and inclusive governance.
Create a national network of women changemakers who can learn from one another, collaborate across contexts, and sustain impact beyond the programme cycle.
Expected Outcomes

By the end of the programme, A2WG expects that:

1. Participants will demonstrate stronger confidence, leadership presence, and civic awareness.
2. Participants will show improved understanding of elections, governance, accountability, and
women’s role in shaping democratic outcomes.

3. Women in the cohort will be better equipped to lead or support grassroots efforts around peaceful engagement, civic education, and community mobilization.
4. Participants will emerge with stronger networks, peer support, and mentorship connections across Nigeria.
The programme will contribute to a growing pool of women leaders prepared to influence positive and sustainable democratic change in their communities.
Programme Focus Areas
WLC – Cohort 2 will engage participants around the following thematic areas:

1. Women’s leadership and self-development.
2. Civic education and democratic participation.
3. Women’s inclusion in governance and decision-making.
4. Electoral integrity and responsible citizenship.
5. Grassroots advocacy and community engagement.
6. Peaceful participation and social cohesion.
7. Mentorship, peer learning, and collaborative leadership.
8. Community-based influence for sustainable democratic outcomes.
Programme Approach

The programme will be delivered through a combination of:

Structured learning sessions.
Leadership development engagements.
Mentorship opportunities.
Peer learning and cohort exchange.
Guided reflection and practical assignments.
Community-rooted action and influence tasks.
Recognition of participant growth, resilience, and commitment.
The programme is designed to be practical, reflective, and action-oriented, giving participants not only knowledge, but also the confidence and support needed to apply what they learn in real-life settings.

Who Should Apply
Applications are open to women aged 18 to 45 from all parts of Nigeria who are passionate about leadership, civic engagement, community transformation, governance, and women’s participation in shaping the country’s future.

This call is especially relevant for:

Emerging women leaders
Community organizers
Grassroots advocates
Students and recent graduates
Women in civil society or community-based organizations
Young professionals interested in public leadership
Women working in peacebuilding, education, media, health, development, or social impact
Women interested in governance, public service, political participation, or social accountability
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:

· Be a woman between the ages of 18 and 45
Be resident in Nigeria
Show a clear interest in leadership, civic engagement, governance, advocacy, peacebuilding, or community development
Be willing to participate fully throughout the duration of the programme
Demonstrate commitment to learning, collaboration, and respectful participation
Be interested in using the knowledge and skills gained to contribute to positive change in her community or sphere of influence
Have access to a phone, computer, or digital device for participation where required
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:

Passion for leadership and social impact
Interest in democratic participation and community change
Clarity of motivation for applying
Demonstrated commitment to growth and learning
Potential to influence positive change at community or broader level
Readiness to participate actively throughout the programme
Diversity in geography, lived experience, background, and perspective
A2WG is committed to selecting a cohort that reflects the richness, diversity, and strength of women across Nigeria.

What Selected Participants Will Gain
Participants selected for WLC – Cohort 2 will benefit from:

Leadership development opportunities
Exposure to civic and governance learning
Access to mentorship and peer support
A national network of women changemakers
Practical learning and reflection opportunities
A stronger platform for confidence, voice, and influence
Recognition upon successful completion of the programme
Certificates will be issued to participants who meet the programme’s requirements for attendance,

engagement, and successful completion.

Participant Commitments
Selected participants will be expected to:

Attend scheduled sessions and programme activities

Participate actively in discussions, mentorship, and peer learning Complete assignments or reflective tasks where required Maintain respectful, professional, and inclusive conduct

Demonstrate commitment to the values of integrity, accountability, and positive leadership Apply programme learning in meaningful ways within their communities or spaces of influence

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
A2WG is committed to providing a fair, safe, and inclusive learning environment. Women from all geopolitical zones, states, and communities in Nigeria are encouraged to apply.

We welcome applications from women with diverse identities, experiences, and pathways, including those working at grassroots and community levels.

Safeguarding and Ethical Participation

A2WG is committed to promoting dignity, respect, inclusion, and safety throughout the programme. All selected participants will be expected to uphold ethical conduct and contribute to a respectful and supportive learning environment.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official application form and submit all required information before the application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to provide honest, thoughtful, and clear responses that reflect their motivation, experience, and vision for change.

Deadline for applications: 20 May 2026

Late applications will NOT be considered.

Please note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the need for informed, courageous, and community- rooted women leaders has never been greater. Through WLC – Cohort 2, A2WG seeks to nurture women who are ready to lead change, shape conversations, influence systems, and contribute to a more credible, peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable democratic future.

If you are a woman with the passion to lead, the courage to grow, and the desire to create impact in your community and beyond, we encourage you to apply.

Apply now and be part of a generation of women leading the change.