SISTERHOOD, SOLIDARITY, SERVICE
MENTORING AND POLITICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Applications for Cohort 15 will open on May 1 2026.
The application form will be posted here.
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ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The FWN Mentoring Programme was launched in 2011, on International Women’s Day. It was founded by Christine Megson MBE and senior Labour MP Seema Malhotra.
Now in its fifteenth year, the programme has supported more than 400 mentees and is built on a strong foundation of mutual respect, collaboration and shared commitment to women’s leadership. Four independent evaluations confirm its transformational impact, particularly for women who may lack access to influential networks, financial backing or decision-making spaces.
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Everyone selected has a mentor (a Labour politician or a leader in public life) and central support from our coordinators. Many mentees combine the programme with a full-time job, caring responsibilities or study.
Over ten months, each mentee invests around five days to the programme including these compulsory events:
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Induction half day in Westminster
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Three evenings of skills training
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Two-day residential at Northern College, Barnsley (learning debating, speech writing, public speaking and networking skills)
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Speed-networking evening
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Parliament Day
There is no charge for joining the programme, which is funded by donations. There are some travel costs, though mentees living outside of London who need financial assistance can apply for help with train fares.
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THE TEAM
THE MENTEES
We choose women who have helped others – whether through major action or the small, consistent acts of support that improve lives.
Our aim is to give our mentees the self-confidence, skills and network to go on to help hundreds more. We look for women thirsty to learn; motivated to make change; and in need of our network and mentoring to propel them forward.
The programme gives women the confidence and support to move forward whether that means seeking promotion, changing career direction or campaigning for the causes they believe in. It is especially valuable for those at a crossroads, providing the space and support to make confident, purposeful decisions about what comes next. Above all, it offers a non-judgemental environment where women can reflect, grow and realise their potential.
We encourage and celebrate achievements at every stage of a mentee’s journey.
Each mentee begins her journey in political or public life from a different starting point, so achievements naturally vary from person to person. What we have consistently seen, however, is that every woman makes meaningful progress. For some, the impact is immediate and life-changing; for others, it unfolds more gradually over time.
The Programme has already delivered some incredible results for its participants. Among the mentee alumnae there are six MPs, two members of the House of Lords, eighty local councillors and ten CEOs of charities.
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Devina Paul
This programme has been a transformative experience for me. I joined with a lot of ambition but near zero political acumen, and have now been selected for two public office roles by the party. I can honestly say this is based on the programme, what I have learned, the people I have met and the support I have received from some of the most amazing women.
Devina Paul (Cohort 12)
Kopiga Kugananthavel
I’ve put myself forward to become a union representative and spoken up to support a political mandate for the union. Old me would have tried to support the union and causes behind the scenes, like I’ve always done. I am now happy to take on the risks of being in the public eye to advocate for causes I care about.
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Clare McNeil
The courses, tasks and events have become so well-honed over successive cohorts of mentees that they will provide you with the right level of support and challenge. They are well timed to fit around work and home life. Over the year you will come to rely on the fantastic organisers and group of women in your cohort and will wonder how you ever managed without them!
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