ABOUTOUR STORY
From a Nigerian initiativeto global impact.
BMGA began with a conviction that education alone does not always equip young women with the knowledge, skills, confidence and relationships needed to succeed in work and life. What started as a programme for young women in Nigeria grew into an international community of Fellows, mentors and partners, united by a commitment to developing human potential. Today, BMGA Foundation is building on that foundation through three programmes designed to strengthen the capabilities, opportunities and leadership of women and girls at different stages of their development.
2020
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Building the foundations for success.
BMGA launched the Fellows Program in Nigeria in 2020 with 24 young women.
The programme was designed for women in their final year of university or within two years of graduation, recognising the importance of the transition from education to professional life.
From the beginning, the ambition extended beyond academic achievement or securing employment. The programme sought to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, critical thinking and professional relationships that would enable participants to navigate challenges, make informed decisions and pursue their ambitions.
Through mentorship, experiential learning and leadership development, BMGA created opportunities for young women to learn from accomplished professionals and university mentors.
The inaugural programme included mentorship support from students at the University of Cambridge and a partnership with ACU.
HIGHLIGHT
24 inaugural Fellows · Nigeria
The inaugural 2020 cohort of the BMGA Fellows Program. 2021
EXPANDING ACROSS AFRICA
Growing beyond borders.
Following the inaugural programme, growing interest from young women beyond Nigeria led BMGA to expand the Fellows Program across Africa.
This expansion reflected the relevance of the programme’s founding philosophy beyond any single country: young women across different backgrounds and circumstances could benefit from access to mentorship, practical knowledge, professional networks and opportunities for personal development.
As the programme grew, so did its network of mentors, partners and supporters.
The inaugural Fellows also began progressing into new opportunities, with some returning to contribute to BMGA through internships and other roles.
These early developments demonstrated that BMGA was building more than a programme. It was nurturing a community of young women who could continue learning, growing and supporting one another.
HIGHLIGHT
Expansion across Africa
GOING GLOBAL 2021
BMGA presented a poster at the British Council’s Going Global conference for leaders in international education, 15–17 June 2021.
2022
EXPANDING GLOBALLY
Building a global community.
BMGA’s reach continued to grow beyond Africa, connecting young women from different countries through a shared commitment to personal and professional development.
The programme also strengthened its international mentorship network, drawing on students from leading universities in the United Kingdom and United States, alongside experienced professionals from different industries.
As successive cohorts completed the programme, the BMGA Alumni Community became an increasingly important part of its development.
Fellows began pursuing opportunities across different sectors and geographies, including postgraduate education at leading universities and careers with international organisations.
Their journeys reflected the programme’s original ambition: to equip young women with capabilities, relationships and perspectives that would continue to serve them beyond their participation in BMGA.
HIGHLIGHTS
Global expansion · Growing alumni and mentorship networks
BMGA Fellows Today
THE EVOLUTION OF BMGA FOUNDATION
One foundation. Three programmes. A broader ambition.
BMGA Foundation is building on the experience, relationships and lessons developed through the Fellows Program to advance a broader commitment to women and girls.
Our philosophy remains rooted in the belief that investing in human potential is fundamental to individual success and societal progress.
Today, that philosophy is expressed through three programmes:
GIRLS & ADOLESCENT GIRLS
BMGA Sport Lab
Developing confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership capabilities among girls and adolescent girls through sport.
EARLY-CAREER WOMEN
BMGA Fellows Program
Equipping young women with the knowledge, skills, mentorship and networks to navigate the transition from education to work and succeed in life.
MID-CAREER WOMEN & WOMEN LEADERS
BMGA Leadership Institute
Strengthening the judgment, confidence, capabilities and influence of women navigating greater leadership responsibilities.
While each programme serves a different audience, all three share a commitment to developing capabilities, expanding opportunities and strengthening the agency of women and girls.
Our ambition is not simply to support individual achievement, but to contribute to stronger communities, institutions and societies through sustained investment in women and girls.
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