“As young people and feminists, we are living in a global polycrisis where overlapping political, social, and environmental challenges threaten our collective resilience. Now more than ever, we need more spaces that support young women and girls in finding their voices during these times.”
– Jennifer Uchendu, Founder of SustyVibes
Introducing Lotus By SustyVibes
About Lotus
Lotus is a leadership training program that equips young women with the knowledge, skills, and community to own their voices and thrive. Through this training, we are redefining what it means to stand in power as an African feminist today. It is part of the African Feminism project of the Goethe-Institut, supported by the Federal Foreign Office.
About Lotus
Lotus is a leadership training program that equips young women with the knowledge, skills, and community to own their voices and thrive. Through this training, we are redefining what it means to stand in power as an African feminist today. It is part of the African Feminism project of the Goethe-Institut, supported by the Federal Foreign Office.
Cohort 1 applications are now closed.
Applications for Cohort 2 & 3 are still ongoing
How are we doing this?
Through a locally rooted, feminist, and inclusive approach, Lotus creates safe spaces for young women to learn, grow and lead from a place of rest.
Our project involves:
12-week training
Three cohorts of young women will participate in virtual and in-person training on rights, advocacy, and representation. They will also experience a holistic wellness session, build peer communities, and connect with feminist elders.
Virtual Party
An online party will bring all three cohorts together to connect, celebrate, and reflect on their journey. It will be a fun space for sharing experiences, building friendships, and deeper community bonding.
Public Event
A physical networking and discussion event on African feminism in the poly-crisis, creating space to amplify young feminists’ voices within the wider feminist movement.
Who are we looking for?
Lotus has been designed for passionate and action oriented young women between the ages of 18-30 years old, based in Lagos Nigeria. Participants must commit to attending virtual and in-person sessions in Lagos over a 12-week period.
Cohort 1 - Unapologetic feminists and equality enthusiasts.
This cohort will include young women boldly challenging gender inequality and advocating change, alongside those curious or passionate about gender justice.
Cohort 2 - Creatives
This cohort will consist of young women who use diverse forms of arts and creative expressions to champion women’s Rights
Cohort 3 - Eco-feminists and Environmentalists
This cohort will include young women passionate about women's and environmental rights, addressing the intersection of gender and environmental injustices.
Meet our Sages
We employed a participatory research process to shape our training curriculum, which entailed in-depth interviews with seven feminists, including young feminists, feminist elders, and feminist leaders. Learn more about them.
GOT A QUESTION?
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply?
This program is open to young women between the ages of 18-30, based in Lagos Nigeria, who are committed to attending both virtual and in-person sessions in Lagos over the 12-week training period.
2. Is this a paid training?
No, this is a free training program.
3. What’s the time commitment?
Participants are required to commit to attending both virtual and in-person sessions throughout the 12-week program. The schedule will be shared with successful applicants.
4. Can I apply to more than one cohort?
No, participants can only apply to one cohort. Each cohort targets different groups of young women, so please choose the one that best aligns with your interests and goals.
5. How do I know which cohort to apply for?
You can choose the cohort that best aligns with your passions and background.
Cohort 1 is for Unapologetic feminists and equality enthusiasts.
Cohort 2 is for Creatives who use arts to champion women’s rights.
Cohort 3 is for Eco-feminists and sustainability advocates.
6. Can I apply if I’m not based in Lagos?
Unfortunately, only applicants based in Lagos will be eligible for this program as it includes in-person sessions that require physical presence in Lagos.
7. Is there any accommodation provided for the in-person sessions?
Unfortunately, no accommodation will be provided for participants. You must be able to commute to the in-person sessions in Lagos.
8. Can I attend the sessions online if I can’t make it in person?
No, While virtual sessions are available for some parts of the training, the in-person sessions in Lagos are mandatory for those who are selected, so you must be able to attend them.
9. Can I still apply if I have no prior experience in feminism?
Yes! The training is designed to cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, whether you are new to feminist ideas or already an active advocate. We encourage anyone passionate about making a difference to apply.
10. I have more questions
Kindly send your inquiries to hannah@sustyvibes.org.
Follow Our Work
Lotus, is a part of the African Feminism project of the Goethe-Institut, supported by the Federal Foreign office. Through the House of African Feminisms (HoAF) project, the Goethe Institut supports feminist discourse, resources and enlightenment. The project aims at highlighting the works of various African feminist scholars, artists and thinkers around the world as well as providing a resource on African feminisms. Learn more
