Explore the heart of our commitment for female empowerment
Lead with Her is a structured, high-level mentorship programme designed to empower young women across Europe to grow as leaders in activism, policy, civil society, and public life.
Despite increased attention to gender equality, many young women still face structural and informal barriers when accessing leadership opportunities, professional networks, and spaces of influence. Mentorship can play a decisive role in navigating these challenges, when it is intentional, transparent, and grounded in mutual commitment.
Lead with Her was created in response to this need. The programme offers a shared-ownership mentorship model, where 9 mentors and 18 mentees enter the relationship with clarity, purpose, and equal responsibility. Mentorship is approached as a collaborative process built on dialogue, trust, and active engagement from both sides.
Aligned with feminist values of solidarity, accountability, and community-building, Lead with Her is designed as a thoughtful and ambitious space in which young women can grow (as professionals, as activists and as individuals) while contributing to a wider network of women supporting one another.
How does it work?
The programme aims to:
- Support young women in strengthening leadership skills, confidence, and agency
- Facilitate meaningful and reciprocal mentor–mentee relationships
- Build lasting intergenerational networks of women leaders
- Promote values-based, inclusive leadership across professional sectors
- Develop a sustainable and replicable mentorship model
Through these objectives, LeadWithHer contributes to the long-term empowerment of women in public life, civil society, and professional leadership. The programme pairs 18 selected young women (mentees) aged 18–29 with 9 experienced women professionals (mentors) from diverse sectors including EU policy, advocacy, communications, governance, and international organisations, companies. Each mentor works with two mentees, ensuring both personalised guidance and peer exchange within small, trusted circles.
The programme combines structured learning, personalised mentorship, and community building through a carefully balanced hybrid format
Activities
The programme combines structured learning, personalised mentorship, and community building through a carefully balanced hybrid format. Through this integrated structure, LeadWithHer combines high-level mentorship, practical learning, and strong community building to create a transformative leadership experience for young women across Europe.
Events
Three flagship in-person events will take place at The Nine, offering participants the opportunity to connect in a feminist, women-led, welcoming, inspiring, and professionally enriching environment.
Welcome event 26th May 2026 from 19.00 to 22.00
Summer gathering 15th July 2026 from 18.00
Closing event 17th November 2026 from 18.30
Two online collective events are organised for all mentors and mentees.
One-to-One Mentorship Sessions
Personalised mentorship lies at the heart of the programme. Mentors and mentees engage in regular one-to-one sessions (minimum 3), creating a dedicated space for reflection, guidance, and strategic growth. The format, frequency, and focus of these meetings are jointly defined by each pair, ensuring a tailored approach that responds to evolving personal and professional priorities. Sessions can take place in-person or online, but presence is highly encouraged.
To further enrich the experience, The Nine offers exclusive benefits to mentees, including: access to the clubhouse as guests (5 mins from European Commission), special meal deals, 10% discount at The Nine restaurant. These benefits complement the mentoring process by facilitating networking and professional exposure in high-quality settings.
Community
A dedicated LinkedIn group brings together all mentors and mentees, as space for informal exchanges, peer support, and collaboration. Mentors and mentees can use the group for sharing of opportunities, resources, and relevant events.
This digital community strengthens relationships and fosters solidarity throughout the programme.
Apply now as a mentee!
Are you a young woman* ready to strengthen your leadership skills, expand your professional horizons, and become part of a powerful European network of women leaders? EDUXO and The Nine are proud to launch the Call for Mentees for the LeadWithHer Mentorship Programme 2026.
- Launch of the Call: 25 March 2026
- Application Period: 25 March – 25 April 2026
- Selection Results: By the end of April 2026
- Programme Duration: May – November 2026
Who Can Apply?
We are selecting 18 motivated young women (aged 18–29 who are committed to personal growth, leadership development, and active engagement in European civic, professional, and policy spaces. We are looking for applicants who are:
- Curious, ambitious, and values-driven
- Interested in leadership, advocacy, civil society, policy, or related fields
- Willing to engage actively throughout the programme
- Open to learning, reflection, and community building
Application Process
Applicants will be invited to complete an online application form including:
- Motivation-based questions
- A reflection on personal and professional goals
- Expectations from the mentorship programme
- Learning objectives and areas for development
The selection process prioritises commitment, alignment with programme values, and growth potential. The mentees will be required to pay the EDUXO – European Network for Democracy and Equality membership fee (50€) which will open access also to all other opportunities. More info here. Members of the EDUXO community will be given priority consideration during the selection process for the programme.
What You Will Gain
As a mentee, you will benefit from:
- Personalised guidance from women leaders
- Access to high-level European networks
- Leadership and confidence-building tools
- Professional development opportunities
- A strong, supportive peer community
- Participation in exclusive in-person and online events
The Mentors
At the heart of the LeadWithHer Mentorship Programme are the outstanding women mentors recruited and engaged by The Nine. These mentors are accomplished professionals, leaders, and changemakers who bring extensive experience, insight, and commitment to supporting the next generation of women leaders.
Names and bios will be disclosed soon. Stay tuned!
Role of the mentors
Mentors play a central role in shaping the quality and impact of the programme. They are actively involved in providing personalised guidance and strategic advice, supporting mentees in defining and achieving their goals, encouraging confidence and ethical leadership, opening access to professional networks and opportunities, acting as role-models. Each mentor works closely with two mentees, allowing for meaningful, long-term relationships built on trust.
Selection and quality standards
All mentors are carefully selected by The Nine through a rigorous recruitment and engagement process, ensuring proven leadership experience, strong alignment with programme values, high ethical and professional standards, commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practices.
Who are the mentors?
The LeadWithHer mentors are nine women professionals selected for their expertise, leadership track record, and dedication to women’s empowerment. They come from diverse sectors, including: EU institutions, international organisations, civil society and NGO, media, business and social innovation, diplomacy. This diversity ensures that mentees are exposed to multiple career pathways.
Organisers and Contacts
EDUXO.EU – European Network for Democracy and Equality ASBL (non profit organisation) and The Nine are partners in the organisation of this programme.
For any questions related to the programme, please contact us exclusively at leadwithher@eduxo.eu.
Kindly refrain from using other official email addresses you may find online, as inquiries sent elsewhere may not be processed.
