We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable women who participated in CDF Canada’s 2024 Women’s Mentorship Program (WMP)! This year’s cohort of 14 exceptional women from Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia has shown incredible dedication and growth. Watch the graduation video to see some of our favourite highlights.
The Women’s Mentorship Program: IMPACTFUL and ONE-OF-A-KIND
Since its inception in 2002, the Women’s Mentorship Program has been a beacon of empowerment for female credit union managers worldwide. The program leverages the expertise within the Canadian co-operative system to advance the professional and personal growth of women leaders globally.
Professional and Personal Growth The Women’s Mentorship Program stands out due to its comprehensive approach to development. Participants receive training specific to credit unions, coupled with management development and mentoring by professionals in their field. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience ensures that participants not only learn but also apply new skills in real-world settings.
Building Global Networks A significant aspect of WMP is the opportunity for knowledge-sharing and exchange. The program fosters a global network of cooperative professionals, enabling participants to build connections that last well beyond the program duration. These networks facilitate continuous learning and collaboration, enhancing the overall impact of the program.
Leadership Development WMP places a strong emphasis on developing leadership skills among participants. Through workshops, mentoring, and hands-on experiences, women are equipped with the tools they need to lead effectively within their organizations. Many past participants have gone on to assume higher-level positions, such as CEOs and CFOs, have gone on to pursue higher education such as MBAs and PhD programs and have started their own initiatives to support women in credit unions.
Supporting International Development Goals WMP aligns with international priorities, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: To achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. By building leadership capacity among women, the program contributes to broader efforts to promote gender equality and economic development globally.
Highlights of the 2024 Program
Program Duration: May 27th to July 20th, 2024
Participants: 14 women from Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia
Competitive Selection: Over 300 applicants
Classroom Sessions: Two weeks in Ottawa on savings mobilization, marketing, leadership skills, human resource management, and risk management
Placement: Ten-day placements at Credit Union hosts across Canada
Wide Range of Training Topics: Savings Mobilization, Delinquency Management, Marketing & Branding, Leadership Skills Development, Human Resource Recruitment and Policies, Governance, Cultural & Social Inclusion Challenges, Gender Dynamics and Risk Management are just some of the session topics offered this year.
Former Participants Facilitating: Three former WMP graduates returned to Canada to help facilitate the 2024 cohort!
Mentorship: A Key to Empowerment
Mentorship plays a crucial role in empowering women leaders within the credit union sector. Many past participants of the WMP have returned to their home countries to assume higher-level positions and start initiatives to support women in credit unions. This ripple effect underscores the transformative power of mentorship, fostering leadership development and promoting financial inclusion on a global scale.
Thank You to Our Hosts and Partners
The success of WMP would not be possible without the incredible support of our Canadian savings and credit union community. Host credit unions generously volunteer their time and resources, providing placements and hosting participants, even in their homes, to ensure a robust Canadian experience. This year, the following credit unions made our work possible:
Want to be part of this transformative program as a Credit Union host, home host or financial supporter? Our next Women’s Mentorship Program cohort will take place in Fall 2025. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of global women leaders in financial co-operatives.
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