Leadership is often framed as a journey of triumphs, but for many young African women, it begins with obstacles — ones that test resilience, redefine ambition and demand personal transformation. For the fellows of the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme, breaking barriers is not just about personal success; it’s about shifting narratives, challenging perceptions and paving the way for those who will follow.

Across continents and duty stations, six remarkable young women from the AfYWL third cohort share their stories of navigating adversity, proving their worth and reshaping leadership in their own terms.

For Khawla Benyahya (from Morocco, deployed in Senegal), leadership has never been about fitting a mould. “The toughest barrier? The unspoken rule that leadership for women must look a certain way — soft, apologetic, almost invisible. I reject that,” she says. Walking into leadership as a young woman often means being questioned before being heard. Instead of proving her worth, she has focused on reshaping leadership itself, demanding respect for what she brings to the table, not just tolerance for breaking convention. “The fellowship didn’t just equip me; it validated what I already knew — I belong in the spaces I step into.”

Similarly, Najwa Younes, originally from Tunisia and deployed in Ethiopia, has battled societal biases that framed her confidence as a flaw rather than an asset. “I was made to believe that my assertiveness and directness — traits essential for leadership — were undesirable for a woman. Over time, I realized this mindset was limiting my potential.” The fellowship provided a supportive environment where she could embrace her leadership style unapologetically. “It encouraged me to own my voice without fear of being judged.”

For these fellows, breaking barriers has been a process of unlearning, relearning and stepping forward with conviction. Francine Afouda (from Benin, deployed in Côte d’Ivoire), describes that the challenge wasn’t just external — it was understanding her own power. 

“Before this fellowship, I didn’t truly grasp what leadership meant. I was actively working in development, but I never connected my role to leadership,” she says. Lack of access to mentors, networks and strategic career growth opportunities left her navigating leadership without a roadmap. The fellowship changed that. “I realized I wasn’t alone. I had a community of women facing the same challenges, pushing through and having each other’s backs.”

Manyika Banda is originally from Malawi and deployed in Germany. She knows firsthand the barriers imposed not just by gender, but by global perceptions of Africa itself. “I have had to justify my Africanness repeatedly, from visa restrictions to the narrative that Africa is only a place of need. I refuse to accept this reduction.” The fellowship gave her the tools to counter these narratives, not with defensiveness, but with clarity and confidence, proving through her work that Africa is a space of innovation, strength and leadership. 

The barriers were deeply structural for Dina Ismail (from Sudan, deployed in Thailand). Growing up in a low-income country with limited access to opportunities, she later had to navigate the devastating realities of the Sudanese war. “The instability made personal and professional development nearly impossible.” The fellowship, for her, was an opportunity to rewrite her story, offering a platform where she could access knowledge, networks and skills that weren’t readily available in her home country. “It showed me that my background does not define my future.”

Their stories are not just personal victories; they are a testament to the power of young African women leading change — not just within their organizations, but in the very definitions of leadership itself.

Sometimes, the most profound barriers are internal. Bignon Priscille Bijou Dossou (from Benin, deployed in the USA) struggled with imposter syndrome, perfectionism and fear of public speaking. “I used to feel intimidated in high-level meetings, hesitate to speak up and constantly second-guess myself.” Being placed in a position where she supports a Regional Director across 46 countries forced her to step out of her comfort zone. “Interacting with senior leaders, attending inter-agency events and speaking at global conferences helped me build confidence. The more I engaged, the more I realized I belonged in these spaces.”

The AfYWL Fellowship has not only equipped these fellows with the skills to overcome challenges, but has also provided a community where they can thrive and uplift others. As Khawla puts it, “The barriers you face are proof that you’re in uncharted territory. That’s where history shifts. Be relentless, be visionary and let them say you’re ‘too much.’ It means you’re doing it right.”

Lessons in resilience: advice for future leaders

Each of these women has learned hard-won lessons about resilience, courage and leadership. Their advice to young women facing similar challenges is unanimous in its message of self-belief and persistence:

“Do not shrink to fit expectations; expand to set new ones.” – Khawla Benyahya

“Your potential is not limited by your circumstances; it is amplified by them.” – Manyika Banda

“Surround yourself with strong, supportive people and don’t be afraid to step into new spaces.” – Dina Ismail

“Find mentors, push past your comfort zone and trust in your ability to grow.” – Bignon Priscille Bijou Dossou

“You are capable of much more than you think. Get out of your head and take action.” – Francine Afouda

“Be unapologetically yourself. Leadership is not about conforming—it’s about impact.” – Najwa Younes