Women in discussion, leaders

Introduction to Leadership

The Introduction to Leadership (ITL) course provides women leaders in South and Southeast Asia with the foundational tools and confidence to embark on their leadership journey.

Through interactive modules and peer connection, ITL provides tools, reflection, and support to help you grow into a leadership identity that feels authentic and sustainable.

Join Cohort 35 from 27 Oct – 22 Dec 2025


Sliding-scale with scholarships available.

Applications for Cohort 35 are now closed. Thank you for your interest.

Thank you to everyone who applied and showed interest in joining our Introduction to Leadership (ITL) programme.

Over eight weeks, participants gain practical tools, fresh perspectives, and the support of a regional community to grow as leaders who create change in their own contexts.

If you are looking for another way to continue your leadership journey, our Income Sharing Agreement (ISA) programme is now open for applications. The ISA provides flexible, trust-based education funding for women who are ready to invest in their growth and future impact.

Learn more and apply for the ISA

Programme details

ELIGIBILITY

The Introduction to Leadership (ITL) course is open to women from South and Southeast Asia who are over 20 years old, proficient in English, and have leadership and change-making ambitions.

*At Wedu, we see gender as a matter of self-determination, and our definition of women includes cis women, trans women and everyone who identifies as a woman.

COURSE CONTENT

The ITL offers a practical and reflective journey into leadership concepts, personal development tools, and strategies for overcoming common challenges such as self-doubt, lack of clarity, and hesitation to act.

Across 8 weeks, participants engage in guided reflective exercises based on Wedu’s bespoke leadership model, while connecting with a supportive network of peers across South and Southeast Asia. By the end of the course, each participant will design at least two SMART goals to guide their leadership development.

The course includes eight modules: 

  1. Introduction to Leadership
  2. Ikigai (finding your “why”)
  3. Letter to Future Self
  4. Goal Setting
  5. Leadership Development Plan
  6. Self-Management
  7. Redefining Success
  8. Peer Review + Reflection

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Internet Connectivity

As ITL is fully online, participants should have regular and reliable Internet access. All key updates and communications will be sent via email and WhatsApp, so please check both regularly.

Course Duration

The ITL requires an estimated 16 hours of learning across 8 weeks. This includes reflective exercises, peer interactions, and completing your Leadership Development Plan. It’s self paced so you can can choose to complete it in your own time even before 8 weeks.

Completion Policy

To graduate and receive a certificate, participants must complete 100% of the required exercises within the allotted time. This ensures that every graduate has fully engaged with the programme and can apply the tools in practice.

What's new with ITL?

For many years, the Introduction to Leadership (ITL) has been offered free of charge, making leadership learning accessible to thousands of women across South and Southeast Asia.

Starting with Cohort 35, ITL is evolving to ensure its sustainability, quality, and long-term impact.

  • Sliding-scale contributions: Everyone receives the same course, certificate, and community.
  • Scholarships remain: Equity and Access tiers ensure money is never a barrier.
  • Pay-it-forward: Supporter tier funds seats for women who can’t pay.
  • Enhanced experience: Updated platform and better user experiences (well tested)

Your contribution sustains ITL for yourself and for future women leaders.

What makes our ITL special?

Accessible Leadership Pathway

An inclusive starting point for emerging women leaders, making leadership attainable early in their personal and professional lives.

Foundational Skill Building

Equips participants with essential leadership concepts, confidence, and tools to navigate early challenges.

Flexible Learning Format

Self-paced and fully virtual, ensuring access for women who may not have in-person leadership opportunities.

Values-Aligned and Purposeful Leadership

Focuses on action-oriented, community-based leadership, aligned with Wedu’s vision of closing the gender leadership gap.

Preparing Future Change-makers

Enables women to see themselves as capable leaders while fostering systemic shifts toward inclusive, gender-balanced leadership.

Fair Pricing for Every Leader

At Wedu, we believe leadership opportunities should never depend on how much you can pay.
That’s why we use a sliding scale membership fee, where each participant contributes according to their circumstances. Everyone receives the same access, support, and community. The difference is only in what you’re able to contribute.

This model makes ITL sustainable and fair, ensuring equity of opportunity for all.

How the Sliding Scale Works

Fees are scaled to your circumstances. Nobody is excluded because of financial barriers.
Fill out the form to determine your membership fee using Wedu’s equity-based algorithm.

Everyone receives the same ITL experience and community access, regardless of tier.



  • Full access to ITL modules, reflections, and tools
  • Certificate of completion
  • Entry to the Wedu Leadership Community & alumni events

Everything in Equity, plus: 

  • Your contribution helps sustain ITL and keep it accessible for others

Everything in Access, plus: 

  • Confidence you’re covering the true cost of ITL

Everything in Standard, plus:

  • Recognition as a Supporter in ITL communication
  • Pride of funding another woman’s Equity seat (1-for-1 model)

Sustainable and Accessible

No matter which tier you are placed in, your membership fee is more than a payment. It is an investment in your own leadership journey and an act of solidarity with other women leaders.

By paying your tiered fee, you help ensure that finances never stand in the way of someone else’s opportunity.



What Your Membership Unlocks Beyond ITL

Education and Career Advancement

  • Eligibility to apply for Wedu’s Income Sharing Agreement (ISA) for education funding.
  • If selected, access to mentorship opportunities with experienced leaders.

Community and Networking

  • Access to the Wedu Community Bulletin.
  • Invitations to exclusive community events and networking opportunities.

Visibility and Recognition

Personal branding opportunities such as the Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards, Impact Story features, and social media spotlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share ITL with a future leader

Do you know someone who’s ready to take the next step in their leadership journey?

Applications for ITL Cohort 35 are now closed, but there are still ways to support women on their path to leadership.

Nominate a friend, colleague, or community member who would thrive in Wedu’s programmes, including our Income Sharing Agreement (ISA) — a flexible education funding opportunity for women investing in their growth.

How it works:

  1. Think of a friend, colleague, or community member who would benefit from Wedu’s leadership and funding programmes.

  2. Share this page directly with them so they can explore opportunities like the ISA.

  3. By sharing, you’re helping another woman begin her journey to clarity, confidence, and community.

Share this a future leader

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