IWiN Youth Leadership Program

Initiatives For Women In Need (IWiN) has a Youth Leadership Program (YLP) for university students.
The program provides them with extensive work experience in various areas as well as an
opportunity to get Credit Points and an excellent opportunity to gain real life work experiences
through a semester long internship.
At the end of the program, a student has work experience and skills required by the job market
and through their mentor, also has support in applying for roles successfully.
IWiN's YLP trains/coaches youth advocates coming from all backgrounds representing Australia’s
various multicultural community groups, based on the philosophy that the active participation of
youth and the presence of young people's voice are vital in local, national, and global decision
making. It is also committed to helping youth be work ready.
The program is based on the basic idea that young people are provided with the information and
opportunities to get involved and contribute positively to their respective communities and grow to
their full potential. The program will provide a platform for Young Leaders to build and strengthen
their capacity and skills, while identifying local, national and global openings for them to share their
voices, talent and experience on social justice issues, through:
ï‚· One semester long internship: focusing on social justice policy issues, advocacy and
communications, project management and proposal development. Young Leaders will work
closely with experienced professionals, contribute to publications and community events
management, represent the organisation in public forums and get real life work experience to
advance their career. There will be opportunities for participants to network with other
experienced professionals and organisations.
ï‚· Through workshops, seminars and conference participation, IWiN will offer opportunities for
Young Leaders to advocate on a larger platform. IWiN will guide and support Young Leaders in
developing public speaking skills as well as interpersonal skills.
ï‚· IWiN will identify national and local opportunities for Young Leaders to participate actively in
public forums and will provide them with the necessary support to advocate for disadvantaged
women and children and community issues at high-level advocacy events and conferences.
ï‚· All Young Leaders will get the necessary training in event management and in writing policy
papers, project proposals and grants application.
ï‚· Young Leaders will be acknowledged and handed their certification in an annual public ceremony
Work experience offered are in the areas of marketing, community development, communications,
event management and strategic planning, among others. Every youth leader is associated with a
mentor, who has more than 15 + years of senior to middle management experience in the area of
expertise and guides the student for the duration of the internship.

What will YLP participants achieve?
ï‚· YLP Certificate
ï‚· Internship with work experience certificate
ï‚· Public Speaking, writing and interpersonal skills
ï‚· Event management and policy advocacy training
ï‚· Project management experience
ï‚· Opportunities to participate in high level local and national forums
ï‚· Exposure to current social policy issues

Queries on YLP may be sent using the form or emailing directly to the Chair of IWiN, Dr Madhumita Iyengar (madhucanberra@gmail.com)