Global Ismaili Innovators’ Post

Congratulations to Marcia Ashong-Sam, MCIArb on being named one of the 100 most influential Africans! I really enjoyed this write-up of Marcia Ashong-Sam, MCIArb and The Boardroom Africa. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Marcia as we've both been @B-WEL Fellows this year. (I've also joined TBrA as a member.) Marcia truly combines vison and strategy with grace and strength. Study after study shows the positive impact diversity on boards has on corporations. Yet, we still do not see a great deal of diversity on corporate boards. Marcia and the team at The Boardroom Africa are working to change that by providing training, developing relationships, and sourcing qualified female candidates for board seats. In her words: “I saw how systems were guiding women away from being part of the decision making. I saw how difficult it was to keep going at the rate I was without being pushed down by the patriarchal setting. There was a constant need to always have allies, to work harder than everybody else...When I see a gap in the social fabric, I want to do something about it. But I wanted to come from a business-case perspective… to being a really practical solution for business, merging the traditional advocacy approach with the need for business to maximise profits. Add to that the importance of creating access to opportunity and how we continue to give women the resources they need to build their leadership capacity. It was important that TBrA took a multi-pronged approach.” https://lnkd.in/erH5yx3U #Leadership #Strategy #Africa #Boards #CorporateBoards

Did you know? There are over 1.2 million employer businesses in Canada. Of these 97.8% are small businesses! We employ over 5.7 million individuals in Canada, that's about 46% of the total private labour force 😮 The number of women-owned businesses is growing slowly, but still just shy of 19%. We need to break down the barriers women face in accessing the financing, and create more opportunities for mentorship and networks so they can start and grow a business. 💫  I'm proud to be a Coralus Activator, a community of change makers working on initiatives, projects and businesses making transformational impact. 💜 #smallbusinessweek #womenentrepreneurship #leadership

So looking forward to tonight’s Futurelect webinar - Her Story: Women Leading Change.

It's my honor to be the host of YIELD Hub Action Learning Corner!🌟 Imagine being a HOST to share A LOT of USEFUL Practical Guides and Resources around Youth Partnership in #SRHR in a very youth-friendly video format 😉 ! This special one is our second practical guide with the topic around FINDING, ENGAGING, AND SUSTAINING NEW GENERATIONS OF YOUTH LEADERS! Whether you are part of a grassroots movement, a philanthropic foundation, a nonprofit organisation, or a youth-led initiative, this guide is tailor-made for you.🌟 What can you find and expect from this document? 🔍 The 'Themes for Exploration' section will highlight challenges organisations encounter in engaging diverse youth, prioritising underserved populations, and creating sustainable support systems. 🌍 Check the 'Organisational Levels of Development' with our detailed checklist – Foundational, Proficient, Advanced. 🚀 'Recommendations & Sample Actions' section will provide actionable strategies for improvement. 🛠️ 'Next Steps' section will guide you in applying insights and maintaining momentum in your youth partnership journey.  🔥 Engaging and Sustaining Youth Leaders Quiz to find out your organisation's level and tailor your path to success! 1️⃣ Watch the full video of me explaining how to navigate this practical guide here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ezVWA4FZ 2️⃣ Download the practical guide here 👉 https://lnkd.in/em_Fyxv6 3️⃣ Take the Quiz here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eAma5sFD #PracticalGuide #YouthPartnership #EngagingYouthLeaders #YouthLeaders #YouthEngagement #Changemakers #PracticalGuide #Resource

On this #WomensEntrepreneurshipDay CIPE is recognizing our partners and efforts worldwide to help thousands of innovative and determined women start and grow their businesses Three CIPE leaders explain how we do it: Barbara Langley, IOM heads our Center for Women’s Economic Empowerment, which leverages our organization’s four decades of experience promoting women’s leadership and improving their economic conditions through private sector engagement, advocacy, and partnerships. CIPE AFRICA Director Lars Benson shares details about key programs in Africa, which can serve as models for others focused on inclusive economic growth. Martin Friedl, Director of CIPE programs in Latin America and the Caribbean highlights impactful programs that include a very active Women’s Business Resource Center in Guatemala. #EntrepreneurshipIsForEveryone #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek #GEW2024 CIPE América Latina y el Caribe

Ethics 1st is a game changer for businesses in Africa Chipo Mabota is a shining example of how ethical leadership can help build and grow a brand.

Leadership for Change: Lessons from Great Women Leaders in Africa Hello Leaders and Changemakers, 😃, The #GenZ protest in Kenya has highlighted a significant voice in the movement: the current Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Madam Faith Odhiambo. She has been instrumental in the fight, assisting in the release of some unlawfully detained protesters. During her tenure, many of us have come to appreciate the invaluable work of the LSK for the common citizen. When we think about leadership, it's crucial to recognize the incredible contributions of women leaders in Africa. Their resilience, vision, and dedication provide powerful lessons for anyone looking to lead change effectively. Here are some key takeaways from these inspiring figures: 1. Embrace Resilience Women like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia, show us the power of resilience. Leading a nation through post-war recovery, she demonstrated that overcoming adversity is essential for transformative leadership. 2. Prioritize Education Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria's former Finance Minister and the first woman to lead the World Trade Organization, emphasizes the importance of education. Her journey underscores how knowledge and continuous learning can drive impactful change. 3. Foster Community and Collaboration Graça Machel, a renowned humanitarian and former first lady of both Mozambique and South Africa, teaches us the value of building strong communities. Her advocacy work highlights the importance of collaboration and collective effort in achieving sustainable progress. 4. Lead with Empathy Our very own, Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, led with profound empathy for both people and the environment. Her Green Belt Movement, which focused on environmental conservation and women's rights, reminds us that empathetic leadership can create lasting impact. 5. Innovate and Adapt Ashish J. Thakkar, although not a woman, has been influenced by African women leaders in his entrepreneurial journey. His ability to innovate and adapt, inspired by the dynamic leadership around him, shows that learning from diverse leaders can enrich our own leadership styles. These women leaders inspire us to lead with resilience, prioritize education, foster community, lead with empathy, and continuously innovate. Let's celebrate their achievements and reflect on how we can incorporate these lessons into our own leadership journeys. What lessons have you learned from great women leaders? Share your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #ChangeMakers #AfricanLeaders #Inspiration #LeadershipLessons

Over the past few months, we’ve been on an incredible journey, exploring potential new countries for Christel House’s expansion. Each experience has offered invaluable insights and inspiration. One country we’re particularly excited about is #Bangladesh— a nation brimming with potential, a vibrant nonprofit ecosystem, and a thriving grassroots movement for change. We’ve received overwhelming response from #Bangladesh, just as we have from other countries, and we are excited to begin reviewing these further. As we approach the final deadline for the Global Pathbuilders Fellowship, we’re calling on passionate and experienced leaders to join this transformative journey. We’re looking for individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset, a strong background in fundraising, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives. This #Fellowship provides comprehensive support, resources, and mentorship to help leaders create meaningful change. If you or someone you know has the drive to make a profound difference in children’s lives and communities while embarking on a personal journey of growth, this is the opportunity to step forward. Apply now or nominate someone today: https://lnkd.in/dWyx_5_M   Teach For All| Teach For Bangladesh| Teach For India| BRAC| Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC)| Mosaico Laboratorio Social| UNICEF Bangladesh|Global School Leaders |Global Schools Forum Raina Mansukhani| Paul Montgomery| Vignesh Krishnan| rabia gupta| David Harris| Caitlin Teague| Ana Paula B.| Morty Ballen| Revathi Ramanan| Kavita Rajagopalan| Ajay Pinjani| Rafi Himel| Hasibur Rahman Sohan| Munia Islam Mozumder| Afsana Sadiq Atuly #globalpathbuildersfellowship #educationforall #transform #transformation #transformingeducation #leadership #applynow #changemakers #globalimpact #futureleaders #futureisnow #opportunity #fromclassroomstolife

Growing up in an environment where women have leadership roles in work and society helps to see diversity and equity as standards. With this base, Marcia Ashong-Sam, MCIArb has built a solid reputation as Africa’s most impactful advocates for women in leadership roles. “I’m Fante, which is a matrilineal tribe,” Marcia says. Matrilineality, she explains, means tracing one’s kingship through the female line and not the male. “I grew up surrounded by incredibly powerful women.” One of those women was her grandmother, whom she describes as a huge presence: “Unlike many women of her time, she was a businesswoman and travelled the world trading. I had a first-hand view of this, and of my grandfather being in a supportive role.” It’s an interesting backdrop for the founder of TheBoardroom Africa (TBrA), a business launched in 2016, dedicated to promoting diverse leadership talent to board and executive positions across Africa and the globe, and which is now, in its own words, “a continent-wide movement for change”. Today, TBrA’s membership comes from both the African continent and its diaspora. The organisation is focused on “building better boardrooms and more inclusive leadership spaces, enhancing and amplifying the potential of Africa's exceptional leaders”. TBrA does this in two ways: connecting businesses with talent and working with leaders, especially women, and equipping them with the resources they need as they navigate their leadership journeys. The idea for TBrA was fuelled by Marcia’s own experience. “I saw how systems were guiding women away from being part of the decision making. I saw how difficult it was to keep going at the rate I was without being pushed down by the patriarchal setting. There was a constant need to always have allies, to work harder than everybody else.” Eight years on and TBrA has more than 3,000 members and has helped to place more than 100 women on boards. Thank you for all your work so far, Marcia. We appreciate you! #Boards #Governance #Pioneer #Africa https://lnkd.in/eW2dnmxY

Excited to share an insightful interview with BRAC's Executive Director, Asif Saleh Bhai, featured in The Business Standard! Learn about BRAC's history, vision, and diverse work from the perspective of our esteemed leader. Check out the article for a deeper dive into our organization's impactful journey! #BRACsJourney #NotJustAnyJob