Beyond Graduation: Celebrating Leadership, Growth and Lasting Impact Across the Commonwealth
Eleven women. Eleven leadership journeys. One Commonwealth community.
In early October, we came together to celebrate the graduation of an extraordinary group of women from the Commonwealth Women's Leadership Programme (CWLP) 2025–26.
It was a moment to recognise their achievements, reflect on their experiences and celebrate just how far they have travelled.
But perhaps the most powerful message from our graduation was that this was not simply an ending. It was also a beginning.
Over the past year, these women have challenged their thinking, strengthened their leadership capabilities and translated their learning into meaningful action within their sports, organisations and communities.
Their stories remind us that leadership development is not simply about what we learn. It is about who we become, what we do differently and the opportunities we create for others.
Finding Their Voices, Growing as Leaders
Each woman began the programme with different experiences, ambitions and challenges. Through leadership development, mentoring, reflection and shared learning, they explored not only how they lead, but who they want to become as leaders.
For some, the greatest shift has been in confidence and self-belief. For others, it has been finding the courage to step forward, embrace new responsibilities or challenge established practices.
Lisa Martin captured this transformation beautifully:
"I am most proud of the growth in my confidence through CWLP, moving from questioning whether my voice belonged in the room to confidently sharing my experience, challenging ideas and putting myself forward for leadership opportunities."
And what has been particularly inspiring is seeing that personal growth extend far beyond the women themselves.
From Personal Growth to Community Impact
Across the Commonwealth, participants have translated their leadership development into initiatives that are creating opportunities, building capability and challenging barriers for others.
Their achievements take many forms.
Namibia — Creating opportunities for girls
Thandi Boois established Her Game Within, an initiative that has trained 30 aspiring female basketball officials. She is also coaching within a girls' basketball club with 60 participants, helping young women see new possibilities for their futures in sport.
Botswana — Strengthening leadership and safeguarding
Marea Modutlwa progressed from Vice President to President of the Botswana Bowling Association. Supported by her mentor, she established an empowerment initiative reaching more than 50 members of the bowling community and introduced safeguarding officers at major championships.
Sierra Leone — Influencing coaching practice
Aminata Turay contributed to gender-sensitivity training through the TAFISA Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway, reaching more than 200 coaches across five locations and helping strengthen opportunities for women and girls in sport.
Papua New Guinea — Building a lasting legacy
Hylane Tamarua's community engagement work with women and girls in rural Enga Province has evolved into an ambitious ten-year legacy initiative through HerLight Inc., designed to create sustainable opportunities through sport, education and leadership.
These are just four examples from a cohort whose achievements span sport, education, organisational leadership, advocacy and community development.
As Marea reflected:
"I am most proud of the opportunities I have created for others during this journey of personal growth."
The Power of Mentoring and Connection
None of these journeys has happened in isolation.
At the heart of CWLP have been the relationships between participants and their mentors, who have offeredencouragement, challenge, perspective and belief.
Equally powerful has been the community created among the women themselves. Across different countries, cultures and sports, they have shared experiences, celebrated successes and supported one another through challenges.
These relationships are among the programme's most valuable legacies.
Celebrating Endings and Beginnings
Our graduation provided an opportunity to hear the women's reflections in their own voices and celebrate the journeys they have shared.
We were delighted to welcome Katie Sadleir, CEO of Commonwealth Sport, whose thoughtful keynote reinforced many of their experiences, particularly the importance of values, authenticity, self-belief and the courage to lead.
Her two memorable leadership tools — a contact book and some "big girl pants" — brought both wisdom and humour to the occasion!
As we celebrated the conclusion of the programme, we also looked ahead.
Some women are stepping into new leadership positions. Others are developing initiatives, strengthening partnerships and creating opportunities for the next generation of women and girls.
To the women of CWLP 2025–26, thank you for your honesty, generosity, courage and commitment to growth.
To our remarkable mentors, thank you for walking alongside them, offering encouragement, challenge and belief.
And to Commonwealth Sport, thank you for continuing to invest in women's leadership and recognising the potential of women to create meaningful change through sport.
Graduation may mark the end of a programme, but leadership development does not end with a certificate.
It continues through the choices we make, the people we support, the opportunities we create and the difference we make.
Celebrate how far you have come. Stay connected. Keep leading forward.
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