Black women’s leadership remains under-amplified, and in a digital, borderless world, that silence is costly. As a Change Strategist and Executive Coach, I have seen firsthand how intergenerational allyship bridges gaps and expands opportunities.
Mentorship is more than guidance; it is an act of allyship connecting experience with aspiration. For many Black women, mentorship is a lifeline—providing access to networks, sponsorship, and confidence to navigate systems historically designed to exclude them. Real impact requires intentional, structured femtorship programmes that address unique gendered challenges alongside professional development and deliberate efforts to create visible leadership pathways for emerging talent.
Intergenerational mentorship goes beyond knowledge transfer; it cultivates a culture of collective empowerment. When senior leaders actively sponsor younger women, they disrupt entrenched patriarchal mindsets and foster Ubuntu leadership rooted in community, collaboration, and shared success. This shifts leadership from a zero-sum game to a shared journey where diverse voices uplift each other.
Visibility is not vanity; it is a key lever for influence, resource allocation, and systemic change. Elevating Black women’s leadership through storytelling, public speaking, and strategic positioning enables them to claim their rightful space.
A practical example involves a female-led family business in recycling that I mentor at AfriLabs. Using Mentorloop, we identified operational bottlenecks streamlining logistics, improving hiring processes, and strengthening the value chain. By fostering client closeness, trust and efficiency in recycling collections improved. The outcome was expanded market reach, higher operational efficiency, and sustainable local employment. This shows how digital tools combined with hands-on mentorship create real transformation and build resilient, opportunity-rich environments.
Today’s digital landscape offers powerful platforms like LinkedIn, podcasts, short videos—for consistent, authentic storytelling. Leaders at every level can leverage these to shape narratives around Black women’s leadership, boosting visibility and impact.
Blending Global Tools with Ubuntu
As co-chair of the Global Women in Leadership Summit (US edition), I have observed significant differences in mentorship, femtorship, and sponsorship models between continents. The US often uses structured mentorship supported by sophisticated digital platforms and formal sponsorships. Meanwhile, Africa’s approach is deeply relational and community-driven, grounded in Ubuntu philosophy, emphasizing collective responsibility and social upliftment.
The challenge and opportunity lie in blending these worlds, harnessing global digital tools while honouring indigenous values of connectedness and shared growth. The summit underscored that despite progress, systemic barriers persist. Women’s leadership is a social movement demanding courageous conversations and innovation. Minister Chikunga’s 2025 Women’s Month theme, “Building Resilient Economies for ALL,” captures this imperative.
Economic resilience requires gender equity and women’s full participation. For Black women, this means access to leadership opportunities, financial resources, and digital skills, not just to navigate change but to lead it.
In the digital age, particularly with AI advances, readiness is essential. Black women leaders must be prepared to embrace AI as an enabler, not a disruptor. This demands focused upskilling incorporated into every mentorship and sponsorship programme to future-proof leadership and entrepreneurship.
The Ubuntu Allyship Challenge: Three Actions for Leaders at Every Level
- For the Seasoned Leader: The Sponsorship Pass
This month, identify one emerging Black woman leader in your network and actively sponsor her. Nominate her for projects, recommend her for promotion, or connect her to key decision-makers. Don’t just mentor—open doors. - For the Emerging Leader: The 15-Minute Insight
Arrange a 15-minute “insight chat” with a senior leader you admire. Bring one focused question about their career or a challenge they overcame. This isn’t a mentorship request but an opportunity for learning and connection. - For Everyone: The Amplification Post
Use social media platforms (LinkedIn, X, etc.) to highlight a Black woman’s achievement. Tag her, share her work, or celebrate her success. Small acts of amplification create powerful visibility.
As I often share on my podcast, “Leadership knows no borders—our stories, struggles, and successes must traverse continents to build a legacy that uplifts all Black women.” This Women’s Month, take these three actions; sponsor a woman, seek an insight chat, and amplify another’s success—so allyship becomes the norm, not the exception. Together, we can build resilient, inclusive economies where everyone thrives.
About the Author
Lindiwe Msiza is a leadership consultant, challenger4change, and co-chair of the Global Women in Leadership Summit (US edition). She facilitates transformational leadership and mentorship programmes and advocates for innovative approaches to gender equity and digital readiness.
Lindiwe is dedicated to amplifying voices that drive inclusion, empowerment, and systemic change.
