Why Global Women Connect?
Global Women Connect is a new initiative for those working in the humanitarian, development, aid and social impact sectors. Applications for our first mentoring cohort are open now until 16th October 2026. Here’s what it’s all about.
The women doing some of the most critical work are often the least supported. Women make up 43% of the workforce but hold just 30% of leadership roles, and progress has stalled since 2022. For women working in the Global South, Global Majority or in organisations with no budget for development, the gap is wider still.
Global Women Connect is created by women, for women in all their diversity. It’s for women in purpose-driven work who’ve been shut out of the traditional routes into leadership, and we give priority to women in the Global South, Global Majority.
Where do we come from?
Coach Mentoring Ltd. has worked in Coaching, Mentoring and Leadership since 2004, and spent the past ten years building mentoring programmes and communities for people working across the humanitarian and development sectors. Everything we’ve learned in that time has led to Global Connect, the Social Impact arm of Coach Mentoring Ltd.
Global Women Connect is part of the Global Connect family, along with Global Mentor Connect and other projects being planned and dreamed about.
What does membership look like?
Membership is free, online and open to women anywhere in the world. At the moment it includes:
- A mentoring programme, with briefing webinars, including development support for our mentors.
- An active LinkedIn community that’s growing every week, with real members sharing their resources, support and stories.
We’ve got bigger and bolder ideas for what comes next, so watch this space!
The Mentoring programme
Mentoring sits at the heart of Global Women Connect. Each pairing is a two-way learning relationship that runs for 9 to 12 months, with a session every four to six weeks, all online.
We match partners on shared development areas but from different countries and employers, so each of you gets a perspective you won’t find in your own team. Mentees build confidence and leadership capability. Mentors grow their reflective and coaching skills, and in my experience (having been a mentor for many years myself), they get just as much out of it. Everyone who completes the programme receives a certificate.
In their words….
“It’s a life-changing mentoring experience, and a very safe space to share, learn, unlearn and thrive.”
Mentee
“One of the most rewarding feelings has been realising that even small guidance, encouragement or sharing a perspective can make a real difference in someone’s life.”
Mentor
“Everyone should work with a mentor at least once in your lifetime. Even if it doesn’t change the course of your life, the mentor will listen closely to you and offer you an insight and a point of view that your colleagues or family simply can’t see.”
Mentee
How to get involved
Applications for our first cohort are open now to women who’d like to be a mentor or a mentee. Applications close on 16th October 2026, and matching starts in November 2026.
Find out more and apply for Global Women Connect.
Not for you right now? Please pass this on to a colleague, friend or family member who it could help.
We’d also love to hear from you. What would make you want to join, and what would you like to see more of? Contact us.