Eva’s Tantley’s Journey with the Women Leadership Academy in Madagascar
Eva Tantley’s journey with the Women Leadership Academy program in Madagascar is a powerful testament to resilience and growth. From facing career to embracing transformative leadership, Eva’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring women leaders. Eva shares her experiences, triumphs and the profound impact the program has had on her personal and professional life.
Q: Can you tell us about your early career and what motivated you to seek out continuous learning opportunities?
Eva: “During my undergraduate studies, I was deeply involved in various associations and leadership roles. Those experiences shaped my professional aspirations by teaching me the value of initiative and collaboration. I was always driven by a desire to grow and learn, which led me to seek out training and learning opportunities throughout my career. I saw each new course or workshop as a step toward achieving my goals.”
Q: How did becoming a mother impact your professional life and confidence?
Eva: “Motherhood was a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it also brought significant challenges. After giving birth, I found myself unemployed, and job interviews became incredibly daunting. Recruiters would often question how I would manage work with a newborn. Despite my best efforts, I struggled with self-doubt and felt like I couldn’t fully convince them of my capabilities.”
In Madagascar, where only 30% of senior management roles are held by women and 76% of women work in the informal sector, these challenges are particularly pronounced (Afavi, 2023) [1]
Q: What made you decide to apply for the Women Leadership Academy (WLA) despite your initial self-doubt?
Eva: “I was hesitant at first, overwhelmed by the thought of balancing a demanding program with caring for my baby. But deep down, I knew I needed a change. I wanted to reignite my confidence and find a way to blend my roles as a mother and a professional. So, despite my doubts, I applied to WLA, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made.”
Closeout ceremony of the Aga Khan University Women Leadership Academy Madagascar Cohort 1 | ©Aga Khan University Photo
Q: How did the WLA program help you regain your confidence and reshape your professional outlook?
Eva: “The WLA program was transformative. It provided me with not only valuable skills but also a supportive community of women who were also balancing similar challenges. The mentoring sessions helped me clarify my career path and approach job opportunities with renewed confidence. I learned to manage setbacks and see them as part of the journey.”
Given that only 19% of Madagascar’s National Assembly seats are held by women, programs like WLA are crucial in fostering female leadership and empowerment. (Gaye, 2020) [2]
Q: Balancing motherhood with the WLA’s face-to-face course must have been challenging. How did you manage it?
Eva: “It was definitely a juggling act. I had to stay organized and rely on the flexibility of the program. The support from WLA was crucial, it made it possible for me to participate fully while managing my responsibilities at home. My advice to other women in similar situations is to seek support and stay focused on your goals.”
Q: What impact has the Women Leadership Academy program had on your personal and professional life?
Eva: “WLA has had a profound impact. It helped me regain my self-confidence and provided me with practical skills that I’ve been applying in my career. The program also emphasized the importance of building a network and leveraging peer support, which has been invaluable. This kind of support is especially important in Madagascar, where advancing women’s leadership is still a work in progress.”
Closeout ceremony of the Aga Khan University Women Leadership Academy Madagascar Cohort 1 | ©Aga Khan University Photo
Q: What are your future career goals now that you’ve completed the WLA program?
Eva: “I’m excited to explore new job opportunities with the confidence and skills I’ve gained. My goal is to continue growing professionally while maintaining a balance with my responsibilities as a mother. I plan to keep building on what I’ve learned and stay active in networks that support women’s advancement.”
Q: What advice would you give to other women who might be struggling with self-doubt after becoming mothers?
Eva: “My advice is to believe in yourself and seek out support networks or mentorship programs. Programs like WLA can provide the encouragement and tools needed to overcome doubts and achieve your goals. It’s important to remember that you can balance both your professional ambitions and your role as a mother with the right support and mindset. In Madagascar, where women still face many barriers, such programs are essential for driving progress and empowerment.”
Eva Tantley’s journey with the Women Leadership Academy exemplifies resilience and growth. As she joins alumni from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and Pakistan, Eva will continue to engage in peer learning and mentorship activities, building on her transformative leadership experiences.
[1] Afavi, G., Agossou, C., Benlamine, M., Rasoamanana, I., Razafinisoa, N., & Salins, V. (2023). Informality and Growth in Madagascar: Republic of Madagascar. Selected Issues Papers, 2023(036), A001. Retrieved Sep 24, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400244827.018.A001
[2] Gaye, D. (2020, January 24). Blogs.worldbank.org. Retrieved from Worldbank.org: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/nasikiliza/madagascar-womens-empowerment-gaining-ground