The Bush Institute’s Women’s Initiative Fellowship is the signature program of the Women’s Initiative. The Fellowship is designed to enhance the leadership skills of women around the world with an initial focus on women in the Middle East and North Africa.

The purpose of the Fellowship is to empower and equip women to become effective leaders. Fellows develop leadership skills, exchange expertise, learn to advocate for social stability, and build civil society.

About the Women's Initiative Fellowship

Research shows that with a strong professional network, a woman is better able to prosper in her field and expand her influence. Recognizing the significance of networks, each Fellowship class is composed of 14-20 women from a single country. The Fellows represent six powerful sectors of society: education, health, business, politics, law, and media. Fellows build leadership skills during the program that they can share with their colleagues and friends, thereby broadening the women’s network.

A critical component of the Fellowship is mentoring. Prominent American women are paired with Fellows who share their same profession. Mentors commit to at least a one-year relationship, providing guidance, advice, and support.

The combination of coursework, hands-on skill development, sharing of best-practice models, mentor support, and network-building ensures that Fellows return home prepared to create significant and lasting changes in their countries.

The inaugural class of Fellows, convened in 2012, was made up of 13 Egyptian women. The second Fellowship began in March 2013 and comprised of 19 Egyptian women.  The 2014 Fellowship began in March 2014 and consists of 17 Tunisian women.