Why Lean In Girls Matters
Lean In Girls is a leadership and self belief programme for girls aged 11 to 15.
The programme creates safe, structured spaces where girls can build confidence, strengthen their voice and develop leadership skills at a defining stage in their lives.
Through facilitated conversations, practical activities and peer connection, girls learn that leadership starts with believing in themselves and having the courage to participate, contribute and lead.
A programme designed for girls at a defining age
The ages of 11 to 15 are often when confidence is tested and identity begins to take shape.
Lean In Girls helps girls develop the self belief, resilience and sense of belonging needed to navigate these important years with confidence.
What the programme creates
Lean In Girls in Africa supports girls to build:
- Confidence in their voice and ideas
- A stronger sense of self belief
- Resilience and emotional awareness
- A sense of belonging and connection
- Leadership skills that start early
- The courage to participate, contribute and lead
These foundations can influence how girls show up in school, their communities and their future careers.
The Africa chapter
Lean In Girls in Africa is supported by Business Engage as part of a broader commitment to leadership development and gender mainstreaming across the continent.
Inspired by the Global Lean In Network and adapted for the African context, the programme is creating meaningful spaces where girls can learn, grow and lead.
Africa is not only participating in the global conversation on gender equality. Africa is helping shape it.
Partner with us
Lean In Girls in Africa grows through partnership.
We invite corporates, schools, community organisations, funders, mentors and facilitators to help expand access for more girls across Africa.
Together, we can create opportunities that build confidence, leadership and long-term impact.
For schools and community organisations
Lean In Girls can be introduced into spaces where girls already learn, connect and grow.
The programme is designed to create safe, structured engagement that supports girls in building confidence, connection, emotional awareness and leadership skills in a practical and relatable way.
Through facilitated conversations, activities and peer connection, girls are encouraged to participate more confidently, strengthen their sense of belonging and begin recognising their own leadership potential.
If your school, organisation or community would like to explore bringing Lean In Girls to your girls, we would love to connect and explore how we can work together.
For corporates
For companies committed to gender mainstreaming, social impact and future leadership development, Lean In Girls offers a meaningful opportunity to extend impact beyond the workplace.
Supporting girls early helps strengthen the future leadership pipeline while also demonstrating a practical commitment to inclusion, opportunity and long-term transformation.
The programme also creates opportunities for employee involvement through mentorship, facilitation, volunteering and community engagement, helping strengthen the connection between corporate purpose and measurable impact.
This is not charity alone. It is a long-term investment in human potential, leadership development and the future strength of Africa’s talent pipeline.
Register your interest
Whether you are a corporate partner, school, facilitator, mentor, funder or community organisation, there is a place for you in this work.
Join us in helping girls across Africa build the confidence, leadership and belief that they belong in the opportunities that will shape the future.
What you will get
Association with a credible Africa wide leadership initiative
Meaningful and measurable social impact
Support for future leadership development
Opportunities for employee and community engagement
A practical investment in Africa's future talent pipeline
Contact us