NOTE: The next program will run September 9 to October 6, 2017

CANADAID’s Women’s Mentorship Program is an annual training program that provides women credit union managers of overseas financial co-operatives with a unique opportunity for professional development; it is also a mutual learning opportunity for Canadians and international co-operators.

The participants are matched up with a credit union in Canada for 10 days. In those 10 days the woman becomes immersed in the credit union and community, receiving general leadership training and learning the ins-and-outs of day to day operations. Canadian credit union managers volunteer their time, training materials, transportation and accommodation for the overseas participants.

Few women hold leadership positions in the world’s financial sector. Even in community-owned co-operatives and credit unions, there are often less women in management positions. Since 2002, the Women’s Mentorship Program has offered a rare opportunity for these women to gain professional skills through internships and mentoring. Through these experiences the women learn best practices and gain confidence, which allow them to build strong careers back in their home country.

A resounding success since it began in 2002, CANADAID’s Women’s Mentorship Program has trained 217 women from 19 countries with over 200 Canadian credit unions hosting and sharing their knowledge.

Learn more about CANADAID’s Women’s Mentorship Program.