Welcome to WOLA!

I’m beyond excited to share the creation of the Women Leaders of Afrika Society at the University of Nottingham, where I have the honour of serving as Founder and President!

Afrika is a continent overflowing with talent, ambition, and resilience. Yet, every year, over 60,000 skilled professionals leave in search of better opportunities abroad, leaving behind a void that stifles the growth and progress of our nations. Brain drain is not just a statistic—it’s a crisis that robs our communities of essential expertise in healthcare, engineering, education, and other critical sectors. The consequences are deep and far-reaching, perpetuating cycles of underdevelopment and inequality that hold our continent back.

But this issue runs even deeper when we consider the experiences of Afrikan women who migrate in search of better prospects. These women often face overwhelming mental health challenges as they navigate new environments while confronting systemic discrimination. The International Organization for Migration reports that many of these women suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression as they struggle to integrate into unfamiliar cultures without losing their roots. The isolation, loss of identity, and diminished confidence they experience can be devastating, leaving them feeling alienated and disconnected from both their new surroundings and the homes they left behind.

The Women Leaders of Afrika Society was birthed out of my own journey as a young Afrikan woman navigating these challenges. I’ve experienced firsthand the tension between pursuing opportunities abroad and staying connected to my roots, and I’ve seen the toll this can take on one’s sense of identity and self-worth. This society is my answer to that struggle. I wanted to create a space where Afrikan women could find community, support, and purpose—where we could come together not just as members, but as sisters.

Our society was founded with a powerful vision: to uplift and empower Afrikan women to become the leaders our continent needs—both at home and abroad. Through leadership training, skill development, and a strong support network, our mission is clear: reverse brain drain, build self-confidence, and inspire Afrikan women to lead transformative change.

Our mission is twofold:

1. Empowering Afrikan Women Locally: We aim to nurture homegrown talent by equipping women with the leadership skills and project management training needed to drive change in their communities. Each member is encouraged to lead projects aligned with their career goals, turning brain drain into brain gain. By fostering this talent at home, we aim to ensure that Afrika’s brightest minds stay and thrive on the continent.

2. Supporting Afrikan Women in the Diaspora: For those who have ventured abroad, we provide a nurturing sisterhood that offers mental health support, cultural integration workshops, and safe spaces for honest dialogue. Our goal is to help Afrikan women navigate new environments while staying rooted in their heritage, restoring their sense of self-worth, confidence, and identity.

This movement is more than just a university society—it’s a call to action for all Afrikan women. Starting with Nottingham and expanding across the UK, we are building a network of Women Leaders of Afrika societies that will reach every corner of the globe. Through strategic collaborations with local and international organizations, access to funding, mentorship from seasoned experts, and partnerships that open doors to internships and real-world projects, we’re laying the groundwork for sustainable development and social impact across Afrika and beyond.

What began as a personal vision has grown into a collective dream. Together, we are not just building a society—we are creating a global sisterhood that will stand the test of time.

Join us on this journey. Together, we can transform the narrative and shape a brighter future for Afrika.

~Alinda Mutabazi, Founder & President of 24/25 Committee