ABSTRACT
The Young Women in Leadership programme (YOUWiL) is the brainchild of Dr Sarah Leberman, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Massey University, New Zealand. Benefits of the YOUWiL programme extend to the participants, mentors and Massey University. Since the time YOUWiL was first rolled out, the Massey team continues to reflect upon the programme, learn from experience and continuously improve. The objectives of the programme are to both inspire and educate young women about leadership. The programme is targeted at young women with leadership potential and explores how leadership styles and characteristics relate to them. The role of a mentor is to participate in and sometimes initiate exploration of possible projects; and support the team with project planning, implementation and presentation. The mentors also provide a layer of general guidance and leadership advice besides specific project guidance. The mentors, too, have reflected upon learning to manage the mentoring relationship with a strong age/power imbalance.
