2025 Women's Developmental Leadership Program applications open until 17 November

Applications to the 2025 WLI Women's Developmental Leadership Program were open to current Pacific Australia Awards scholars who identify as women. The deadline to apply was 17 November 2024.

About the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program

Each year, up to 30 emerging Pacific leaders are invited to participate in the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program.  

Through a range of offerings, the program develops the skills, confidence and connections of leaders to exercise developmental leadership for positive change upon their return home to the Pacific.

Participants take part in:

• Bespoke coaching: one-on-one issues-based and collective ontological leadership coaching to work through barriers to reaching their leadership potential.
• Residential intensives: two week-long leadership ‘intensives’ to build connections, learn from prominent Pacific and Australian leaders, and test understandings and approaches to leadership.
• Professional development opportunities: selected participants and alumni are supported to design, seek and secure work placements and internships in the Australia-Pacific. ‍
• Addressing real developmental issues: in their own communities and contexts while testing and embedding leadership learning and skills. Opportunities to expand these efforts are available through the Leadership Fund.‍
• Confidential counselling: up to three hours of optional psychosocial counselling each month from Australia or the Pacific.  

Participants can also take part in WLI Learning & Networking events and join the six-month online LeadershipConnect program with men and women Australia Awards scholars from the Pacific.  

What happens after the program?

Alumni of the program continue to access support (including counselling), professional development opportunities (including access to workplace internships and the Leadership Fund) and alumni-only in-person events upon their return home to the Pacific.  

They also join the vast and global WLI network of men and women alumni, coaches, experts, and access live employment opportunities through the online WLI Leaders Hub.  

How can I make my application?

Before making your application, learn more about the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program and its participants and alumni, and read the application requirements and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Use the online application form to make your application before 11:59PM on Sunday 17 November 2024.