Event

Leadership is something that many of us strive to achieve, yet for those working within small organisations and non-profits, professional training can feel out of reach – or out of budget. Working within international development, in a landscape where funding pots are closing and budgets are being squeezed, self-development can easily fall to the bottom of the pile. Together, we’re changing that.

The South West International Development Network (SWIDN) Women’s Leadership Circle aims to provide a supportive, engaging and ambitious space where those either in leadership positions, or those aspiring to be, can grow together through shared learning.

This peer-led development circle will focus on long-term growth, grounded in self-reflection and practical action. Tailored specifically for women, it is designed to tackle the unique challenges that women face in their careers.

Looking more closely at the charity sector, women account for more than two-thirds (68%) of the UK charity sector’s workforce, yet men continue to dominate the most influential decision-making positions – fewer than a third of the top 100 UK charities by income are led by women (PBE, 2023). Often described as ‘a sector of women, led by men’, this gap is precisely what the Leadership Circle was built to address.

We are excited to create a space where women can share openly about their experiences and use these as tools for growth – building confidence, strengthening leadership, and fostering powerful collaboration. Over a six-month period, the circle will cover one of the following topics each month:

• Identity & Sector Context
• Resilience & Confidence
• Strategic Thinking
• People & Culture
• Influence & Power
• Integration & Ambition

Each month, a member of the circle will facilitate a session drawing on discussion, frameworks, tools, reflection and accountability – making this a truly collective and evolving learning experience.

If this sounds like something for you, we would love for you to join us at our information evening on Wednesday 6th May at 18:30. We’ll be sharing more about the circle and welcoming any questions.