Applications are now open for the WomenLift Health x Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN) Nigeria Leadership Journey 2026. The programme is a fully funded, 12-month leadership development initiative designed for mid-career women working in public and global health across Nigeria.

This leadership journey provides a safe and supportive space for women to reflect on their leadership identity, strengthen confidence, and sharpen their ability to lead with purpose and clarity. Participants learn alongside peers, mentors, and professional coaches who offer practical guidance and long-term support.

About the Leadership Journey

The WomenLift Health Leadership Journey brings together women from diverse areas within the health sector. Participants may come from policy development, research, healthcare service delivery, programme management, or related fields.

The programme focuses on equipping women leaders with the tools they need to respond effectively to complex health challenges while building inclusive and resilient health systems.

How the Programme Is Structured

The Leadership Journey combines in-person learning, virtual engagement, and personal leadership development throughout the year.

Learning Activities and Support

Participants will take part in:

• Two in-person learning residencies known as Immersion and Lift-Off
  
• Regular online learning sessions
  
• Virtual group mentoring sessions
  
• One-on-one executive coaching
  
• A self-directed health leadership project
  

Upon successful completion, participants become WomenLift Health Global Fellows. Fellows gain access to a long-term network that provides peer support at local, regional, and global levels.

Programme Cost and Funding

The programme is completely free for selected participants.

WomenLift Health covers:

• Programme fees
  
• Travel costs
  
• Accommodation for in-person sessions
  

No financial contribution is required from participants.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Identify as a woman
  
• Work in public health policy, practice, or research
  
• Have 10 to 20 years of professional experience in public health
  
• Live and work in Nigeria
  
• Be a Nigerian citizen
  
• Be confident using spoken and written English in reflective and group discussions
  
• Be available within West Africa Standard Time (WAT) for at least 75% of the programme duration
  

WomenLift Health encourages applications from women working across various sectors, including:

• Government
  
• Private sector
  
• Academia
  
• Non-profit organisations
  
• Philanthropy
  
• Research institutions
  

Programme Timeline

The Nigeria Leadership Journey 2026 will run from May 2026 to April 2027.

Key In-Person Sessions

• Immersion: 20–22 July 2026
  
• Lift-Off: 20–21 April 2027
  

Attendance at all scheduled programme sessions is mandatory. However, JourneyPLUS events are optional.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online via the official WomenLift Health Nigeria application portal:

https://www.womenlifthealth.org/are-you-eligible-nigeria-application

For full details about the programme, eligibility, and expectations, visit:

https://www.womenlifthealth.org/nigeria-signature-leadership-journey

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted on or before 31 December 2025.

Final Note

The WomenLift Health x WILAN Nigeria Leadership Journey 2026 offers a rare opportunity for experienced women in public health to grow as leaders, connect with peers, and influence meaningful change within Nigeria’s health sector. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply early and prepare thoughtful applications.