The Coady Institute (St. Francis Xavier University, Canada) and the International Media and Information Literacy Institute at the National Open University of Nigeria are running the Katherine Fleming Women’s Leadership Course for African Women Leaders. This six-day, in-person course takes place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 17 to 22 May 2027. Accepted participants receive a full bursary covering tuition, accommodation and most meals.
Applications close on 15 January 2027.
At a Glance
| Organisers | Coady Institute and the International Media and Information Literacy Institute, National Open University of Nigeria |
| Who it’s for | African women leaders, especially emerging leaders in civil society organisations |
| Dates | 17–22 May 2027 (arrive 16 May, leave 23 May) |
| Location | Abuja, Nigeria (in person) |
| Bursary | Full bursary: tuition, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and a graduation dinner |
| Not covered | Travel to Abuja, evening meals, visa fees and insurance |
| Deadline | 15 January 2027 |
About the Course
The course brings together experienced and emerging African women leaders to learn practical leadership tools and frameworks that build economic agency, justice and inclusion. It focuses on community-led approaches to social change and on building a supportive network of women leaders from across Africa.
It’s facilitated by Saliwe Mutetwa-Zakariya and Kate Ibeanusi, and co-hosted by Dr. Sharon Adetutu Omotosa (International Media and Information Literacy Institute) and Dr. Martha Fanjoy (Coady Institute).
What you’ll be able to do by the end
- Apply leadership frameworks and tools to the challenges women leaders face
- Identify community practices and values that support women’s leadership and development
- Reflect on your own leadership experience and identify your strengths
- Design and present a leadership action plan for your own context
Benefits
- A full bursary covering course tuition
- Accommodation in Abuja for the course
- Breakfast and lunch each day, plus the graduation celebration dinner
- Practical leadership training from experienced African facilitators
- A network of women leaders from across Africa
Costs to plan for: you pay for travel to and from Abuja, evening meals, visa fees, cancellation insurance and personal expenses. Coady strongly recommends emergency medical insurance. No travel bursaries are available for this course.
Eligibility
The course is for African women leaders who are:
- Emerging leaders in mid-level civil society organisations working on co-operatives, economic empowerment, child protection, education, asset-building, health and/or gender equality, and
- Looking to build the skills women need to gain economic agency and sustainable livelihoods.
You must be able to attend in person in Abuja for the full course, from 16 to 23 May 2027.
How to Apply
- Read the full course description on the Coady Institute’s official page (link below).
- Click Apply for this course and complete the online application form.
- Submit before 15 January 2027.
- If you’re accepted, plan and budget for your travel to Abuja, since it isn’t covered.
Official course page · Official application form
Tips
- Show your community impact. Give concrete examples of how you’ve led change for women or your community.
- Link your work to economic agency. The course focuses on livelihoods, inclusion and justice, so connect your goals to those themes.
- Budget early. If you live outside Abuja or outside Nigeria, ask your organisation about covering travel.
