Welcome to our first newsletter for 2026.
In our 2025 end-of-year update, we reported that Colmena Fund partners engaged 1,467 individuals across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Most significantly, over 100 women explicitly stepped forward to run for office.
Now, in this first quarter, we are moving from the statistics to the stories behind them: the narratives of movement-building and realized power.
Stories of Change
Thailand – From “Backstage Architect” to Frontline Leader
ND initially viewed herself as a behind-the-scenes supporter. After her peers recognized her deep grassroots insight, she took on a more visible leadership role. Today, she conducts policy training and leads community forums across Thailand’s Southern provinces.
South Africa – Overcoming the System
After being sidelined for a male candidate, Thandi nearly abandoned her political aspirations. Reinvigorated by the program, she is now grounded in her belief that she must lead and is confidently preparing to run for local government in 2026/27.
Uganda – Conquering the Digital Divide
Paralyzed by the fear of cyberbullying, Charity once refused to campaign online. After joining our digital support network, she realized she had a collective backing her up. She now publishes daily digital updates documenting her nomination journey on her social media platforms.
Kenya – From Supporter to Candidate
A young journalist named Cynthia initially joined the Futurelect program to help other candidates with their political communications. Believing she lacked the skills to run herself, a seminar on grassroots mobilizing changed her trajectory. Cynthia has now decided to run for elected office in 2027 and is currently leading community engagement projects in her ward.
Jordan – Transforming the Legal System
A law student named Maha attended intensive advocacy training that connected her academic studies to the lived realities of women facing gender-based violence. This realization completely changed how she views the legal system and her own role within it. Maha is now dedicating her career to reforming discriminatory laws and defending women against violence.
Tunisia – Finding Her Voice in Parliament
Sara, a first-term MP, was initially hindered by stage fright and a heavy reliance on prepared notes during plenary sessions. After attending a targeted communication workshop and rehearsing intensively, she regained the confidence to deliver her ideas effectively on the floor. She is currently participating in a peer-to-peer coaching program to refine her legislative delivery.
Our Strategic Path
Behind these stories, our efforts focus on two main goals:
- Expanding Representation: We stand with those who have been pushed to the sidelines -including Afro-descendant women, LGBTQIA+ people, Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and youth- as they break through barriers and claim their seats at the table.
- Building Support Systems: We are strengthening the infrastructure needed for leadership to last, from mental health and digital safety to legal aid and shared feminist tools across borders.
The power of this work is seen as diverse women harness their own agency. These stories prove that when marginalized women have the right skills and networks, they do more than just enter politics, they redefine them.
