Open only to women working at mid-management level and above in the marketing and communications sector, the programme aims to develop confident, values-driven leaders equipped to create meaningful impact in their organisations and the wider industry, says the ACA.

Now entering its sixth year, the ACA WIL Programme aims to build on growing momentum — with over 100 women having completed the journey to date. The 2026 cohort will again be delivered online across six one-day modules, combining rigorous learning with practical peer engagement, with participants expected to attend all six one-day sessions, adds the ACA.

The programme takes a holistic approach to personal and professional growth, combining contextual strategy and personal mastery with coaching groups led by professional coaches. This structure aims to encouragee participants to pause, reflect and reset — building the foundations required to unlock their full leadership potential and translate learning into action at work, says the ACA.

2026 Online Module Dates:

  • Module 1: Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
  • Module 2: Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
  • Module 3: Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
  • Module 4: Wednesday, 10 June 2026.
  • Module 5: Wednesday, 8 July 2026.
  • Module 6: Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Curated and led by Shireen Chengadu — an academic and practitioner in women's leadership, gender studies and building inclusive organisations — the programme aims to blend contextual strategy, personal mastery and professional coaching to turn learning into leadership action, says the ACA.

"This programme reflects the ACA's ongoing commitment to recognise, support and advance the impact of women in our sector. Each cohort strengthens the pool of capable, confident leaders in South Africa — adding value to agencies and brands today, and shaping a more effective, representative industry for tomorrow," says Gillian Rightford, Executive Director of the ACA.

How to Apply:

Applications close on Fridayn 27 February 2026. To apply, prospective candidates must download and complete the application form, and send their completed application via email to sne@acasa.co.za by no later than 17:00 on Friday, 27 February 2026. By submitting their applications, candidates confirm their availability to attend all six scheduled sessions as indicated on the application form, says the ACA.

Successful applicants will receive notifications confirming their acceptance into the Programme by Friday, 6 March 2026, concludes the ACA.

For more information, visit www.acasa.co.za. You can also follow the ACA on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor