Vital Voices Global Partnership, a nonprofit organization investing in women leaders through long-term capacity building, training programs, and networking opportunities, launched their first Inaugural Vital Voices Global Fellowship in 2024. The fellowship is modeled after Vital Voices’ signature leadership training strategies for supporting outstanding women changemakers, focusing on social entrepreneurship (VV Venture) and public leadership (VV Engage).
The first cohort of Vital Voices Global Fellowship appointed 52 women leaders from 39 countries, each bringing to their table their innovative impact on their respective communities. Among them was Agita Pasaribu, the founder and executive director of Bullyid App. Alongside other fellows, she took part in the ten-month intensive online and in-person training sessions that offered insights on enacting laws, communications, digital security, wellness, fundraising, and implementation strategies.
Halfway through the program, fellows were invited to an in-person week-long intensive convening session at the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership in Washington, DC. As shared in a press release, fellows took part in curated sessions focused on expanding their skills and knowledge and explored cross-sector collaboration. They also took part in Collective Action sessions aimed at providing fellows with the frameworks, knowledge, and tools needed to enhance the reach, depth, and systemic impact of their initiatives. The sessions emphasized collaboration, strategic scaling, and aligning solutions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In March 2025, the fellows celebrated their completion of the program through a graduation ceremony. Throughout their journey, they have built a supportive network, amplified their impact, and accelerated their leadership skills. Upon graduating from the program, the fellows would join the Vital Voices Global Network that has served 47,000 individuals in 188 countries.
“Being part of a community of women who are deeply committed to changing the world for the better is both humbling and empowering,” said Agita. “Throughout this journey, I had the privilege to speak up about an issue close to my heart: the growing threat of online gender-based violence.”
“It’s an issue that is impacting so many—women in politics, civil society leaders, activists—and one that needs urgent attention. I’m grateful to have had the space to raise this with my fellow changemakers, as we explored ways to address it and protect women’s voices worldwide.”
Further, because of this opportunity, we were able to cement our contribution in addressing online gender-based violence through more meaningful channels. Our support for victim-survivors did not end at just direct services, but also through impactful public policies that address systemic problems.
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