Our Programmes

Our work is informed by our experience working together over the past 10 years to design and implement women’s leadership programmes and, most recently, an 18-month self-funded pilot in Myanmar. The Groundbreakers leadership programme will run for the first time in Myanmar in 2026, with a planned pilot in Nepal later in 2026. Building on our work to date, activities are tailored to the needs of the women we work with, with input from local and international experts. Our aim is to develop a cohort of confident women leaders with the leadership skills, knowledge and experience to address issues in their communities, and drive change with compassion, resilience and hope.

Groundbreakers Programme

Through the Groundbreakers Programme, we provide:

  • Tailored capacity-building which combines leadership skills with training on thematic issues, such as gender-based violence, youth engagement, climate change and economic empowerment

  • Small grants to enable women to build their sense of agency, practice their skills and address the needs of their local community

  • Networking to bring women together to share ideas and provide peer-to-peer support

  • Mentoring by each Groundbreaker participant of future women leaders

  • Resilience building to help women respond to the challenges they face

Disaster and Crisis Response

Groundswell’s women leaders are able to quickly assess and respond to community needs during disasters and crisis situations. Through their networks and local knowledge, they ensure support reaches those most affected.

  • Support for women and children including essential supplies for new mothers

  • Disability inclusive support including medical supplies and basic needs

  • Basic emergency needs including sleep matts, mosquito nets, educational information