‘Empowered women make an impact’: GCU student reflects on GAL programme
A GCU student is encouraging others not just to go through university – but to let university go through you.
Miebaka Nyanabo, also known as Maya, is a MSc Social Innovation student at Glasgow Caledonian University and has recently completed the Grow Aspire Lead (GAL) programme.
The Careers service offer all women studying within GCU the opportunity to participate in Grow Aspire Lead (GAL), a five-week Career Development programme which aims to address the gender pay gap, boost students’ confidence and help them to plan their career with the help of experts from academia, industry and the GCU Careers service.
This programme has had a lasting impact on Miebaka, who describes her experience as ‘empowering'.
Despite having classes from 9am to 5pm on Tuesdays, Miebaka attended every session and for her, the effort was 'completely worth it'.
Miebaka summarised her GAL experience using an acronym called COLORS:
C – Courage
The courage to step forward, even when you feel uncertain.
O – Ownership
Owning your ideas, your voice, and the value you bring.
L – Leadership
Recognising that leadership is influence and service, not position.
O - Opportunity
Understanding that opportunities often appear as simple responsibilities.
R – Resilience
Continuing to rise even when doubt tries to silence you.
S – Sisterhood
Don't do life alone
We spoke to her about her experience of Grow Aspire Lead (GAL):
What inspired you to take part in GAL even with your busy schedule?
“Two things: When I saw the GAL programme, I looked it up and I was excited that it was for females. I looked at the course content and saw that it was about helping women find their voice, understand leadership, build confidence and hold their own. Those are things that I’m very passionate about, so that really intrigued me.
“Secondly, it also focused on employability and finding your place in the world of work. As an international student coming into Scotland and having to look for work within a few months, I was thinking about how to position myself professionally.
“GAL came as an answer to the questions I already had in my mind. That inspired me to sign up and commit to it despite my busy schedule.”
Why is it so important for women to find their voice in leadership today?
“I strongly believe that some things can only truly be understood by people who have experienced them.
“In that sense, women are best placed to speak for women because they understand the realities they face.
“When women find their voices, they can advocate not only for themselves but also for others - they can build stronger careers and push for systemic change.
“An empowered woman who knows who she is and is confident in her voice can live her life more fully and make an impact in society.
“It can change workplace culture, family dynamics and wider communities. When women step forward with confidence, the benefits are enormous.”
What inspired you to speak at the GAL closing ceremony?
“I had experienced a real measure of growth during the programme and wanted to share that experience. I realised it wasn’t just me either - throughout the sessions I saw other women opening up and sharing personal stories.
“We had also been encouraged throughout the programme to speak up. Volunteering to speak felt like an opportunity to practise exactly what we had been taught.
“I felt that if something is done well, it deserves recognition. The facilitators were fantastic and each week brought valuable industry insight.
“I wanted to highlight not just my own growth but also the transformation I saw in others. It was a space where people felt comfortable opening up, and that was really powerful.”
Was there a moment during the five-week programme that stood out to you?
“Two moments stood out to me!
“The first was the atmosphere in the room as every week it felt like a safe and supportive environment where people could open up and share their experiences.
“Often in professional settings people listen quietly and leave without speaking, but here participants felt encouraged to talk and connect with each other.
“The second moment was the discussion around negotiation, particularly negotiating pay in the workplace - many women are often taught to accept what they are offered without question. But during the programme we learned that we do have the right to speak up.
“If you understand the value you bring to the table, you should feel confident saying, “This is my experience, this is what I contribute, and I believe I deserve better.” That was a real light-bulb moment for me.
“Another important discussion focused on recognising workplace issues such as subtle harassment or inappropriate behaviour.
The programme emphasised that women should feel confident speaking up in those situations.”
What impact do you hope the Grow Aspire Lead programme has on the women who take part?
“My hope is that every participant leaves the programme recognising that opportunities exist and feeling confident enough to pursue them. I hope they feel empowered to speak up when necessary and fully embrace their potential.
“The impact of the programme shouldn’t stop in the room - participants should go out into the world and apply what they’ve learned in their careers and lives.”
What advice would you give to students who want to build confidence and develop their leadership skills at university?
“There are many opportunities available on campus, but students need to keep their eyes open. Universities regularly send information about programmes like GAL via email, but many students miss those messages.
“My advice would be don’t just go through university — let university go through you.
“Be involved in what’s happening around you. Take advantage of programmes, events and services designed to help students grow.
“Secondly, volunteer whenever possible. I volunteered to speak at the closing ceremony without knowing who would be attending. Later I found out that the university principal would be there to hear the testimonial.
“That experience showed me that opportunities often come disguised as responsibilities. If you step forward and volunteer, you never know what doors might open.
“Finally, don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Speak up, take on challenges and don’t wait until you feel perfect before trying something new.
“Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.”
By Lucy Rodgers
Got a story you’d like to share with me? Email me at lucy.rodgers@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.