The Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) awarded eight scholarships to industry women, allowing them to join the Network and gain opportunities for professional development, networking and skill diversification.

The 2021 scholarship winners include:

Jane Ndambiri, Junior Clerk, Taifa Sacco Society Ltd, Kenya
Gertrude Wambuga, Board Director, Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-Operative Ltd (KUSCCO), Kenya
Charo Jawadu, Business Development Manager, Mudi SACCO, Malawi
Patience Duduzile Sembereka, United Civil Servants SACCO, Malawi
Mary Rose Gob, Certified Cooperative Manager, National Confederation of Cooperatives, The Philippines
Elizabeth Kanyane Khumalo, People Empowerment Co-operative Financial Institution, South Africa
Rachel Chojnacki, Calcite Credit Union, USA
Dawn Lepore, Vantage West Credit Union, USA

The scholars will receive:

A complimentary registration to the 2021 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC).
A complimentary one-year membership to the Global Women’s Leadership Network.
A complimentary registration to the 2021 Virtual Executive Readiness Summit (October 27-29).

They are required to attend all GWLN forum sessions at WCUC on July 19, 2021 during the Worldwide Foundation Bridge the Gap series and provide updates to GWLN during the year, showcasing progress and growth in their credit unions. The 2021 scholars will also be joined by the four 2020 scholars representing Ghana, the Philippines, the U.S. and Uganda.

“The World Economic Forum recently reported that it estimates the gender gap will not be closed for another 135.6 years, pushing back the progress on gender equality for a generation,” said Lena Giakoumopoulos, program director for the Global Women’s Leadership Network. “GWLN is focused on actively being part of the solution toward closing gender gaps and investing in credit union women around the globe who find themselves at the core of solutions for their credit unions, communities and homes."

Since 2009, GWLN has awarded more than 70 scholarships to women representing 25 countries.

“Thanks to the increased donations received by our supporters this year, we’re able to increase the learning opportunities made available to our scholars and double the number of recipients,” said Giakoumopoulos. “We’re proud to offer credit union women the opportunities to learn from leaders in the credit union space, fortify their professional tool kits and establish connections through the network that often evolve into life-long friendships.”

Scholarships are made possible through funding from annual membership donations and sponsorships, including the generous support of CO-OP Financial Services, CUNA Mutual Group, PSCU and the Susan Adams Scholarship Fund supported by One AZ Credit Union.

The Global Women’s Leadership Network is an initiative of Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, the fundraising and engagement arm of World Council. Join us on a global journey to transform a billion lives worldwide using credit unions. Visit www.doglobalgood.org/btg to start your global journey and join the Bridge the Gap campaign.

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development platform for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

World Council has implemented 300+ technical assistance programs in 90 countries. Worldwide, 86,055 credit unions in 118 countries serve 291 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.