The two-day, highly interactive Women in Leadership programme focuses on why the inclusion of women’s leadership is critical for organisations and the economies and societies in which they operate and uncovers obstacles to increased inclusion. Prof. Banda and Dr. Cleton create a productive, positive, and inspiring atmosphere where you will share your experiences and build your network. By practicing evidence-led interventions, you will develop a solid strategy to take ownership of your career and lead others in your organization toward more gender-balanced leadership.
This course is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.
ECWO’s Women in Leadership programme addresses the issues encountered by women in business, particularly the challenges women face when climbing the corporate ladder. The programme’s aim is for you to discover more about yourself by interacting with other high-performing women in a challenging but pleasant environment. You will explore best practices, share insights, learn about the latest research on female leadership, compare experiences, and discuss your ideas and challenges. The programme is highly practical, so you can put what you have learned into action to empower yourself immediately.
RSM Executive Education’s women in business programmes are offered in partnership with the Erasmus Centre for Women and Organisations (ECWO). ECWO was founded in 2014 to empower women and to create a level playing field by building communities for organisational change. Read more about ECWO and its wider vision of a world of inclusive prosperity here.
“My journey with RSM's Women in Leadership programme was second to none. It provided unparalleled insights into women's career progression and challenges. Choosing RSM was easy due to their consistent excellence in teaching. Highlights included discussions on 'tropes' and confronting internalised concerns. Key learnings emphasised inclusivity, mutual support, and advocacy. Despite setbacks, perseverance led to impactful initiatives like a Coaching & Mentoring for Talent programme. Moving forward, I am committed to empowering women in the workplace and fostering harmony through collaboration between genders. RSM's programme has equipped me to effect positive change and champion women's voices in the workplace and beyond.”
“Participating in RSM's Women in Leadership programme was a transformative and motivational journey which has equipped me with the tools and inspiration to embrace leadership with purpose and conviction. Choosing RSM came naturally to me, given the school’s commitment to fostering mentorship and support among women. The programme went beyond addressing gender biases to explore diverse leadership styles, offering valuable insights for personal and professional growth. Key learnings emphasised the transition from expert to leader, highlighting the importance of delegation and trust within teams. Armed with newfound confidence and a supportive network, I’m well positioned to drive positive change in the workplace.”
''I chose for RSM again, since I already participated in a programme in 2017. The Women in Leadership course was not only very insightful for me, even though I do not hold a ‘formal’ leadership position, but it also empowered me thanks to closely working with 22 inspirational women and fellow participants, and due to the excellent lectures, knowledge sharing and practical exercises hosted by the wonderful Barbara and Hetty. I enjoyed how interactive the programme is, alternating theoretical lessons with group sessions and practical exercises, led in a safe environment. The networking aspect was also an eye-opener: I learned a lot about myself as a (potential) leader, as an employee and as a person. It will drive me to become even more empowering to other women in business and all others aspects of life, and also to view myself more as a valuable employee within my organisation. I recommend this programme for all women that want to learn about themselves as leaders and inspirators, and become even more empowered!''
"Apart from the personal gains, this programme highlighted numerous ways in which we can work together to empower other women and help advance gender equality. I just wish I could have participated in this extremely interesting workshop years ago! The programme provides a well-balanced combination of science-backed information and advice, self-reflective work, useful skills training, and all of that in an interactive and open environment."
''It was a lovely 2-days intensive programme, where I felt stimulated to actively contribute in the classroom. I chose RSM because heard within my network that people had good experiences with other RSM programmes, and during my own postdoc we also had some lectures at the university which I enjoyed a lot. I enjoyed the balance between theory and practice and that the programme thought about emotional intelligence. Also, the course was realistic about where women stand within a male dominated career navigation, still in 2024. I learned to show and tell more about my own impressive career path, be aware of bias and to decide for myself when it's worth leaning in. I am now more empowered to navigate and raise awareness on where we stand, and where progress is needed to normalize women in senior positions.''
"It’s not about being right, but about doing the right thing. This workshop is not only about empowering women but about inspiring, energising and really executing the things we have to do to maximise our potential as women."
During the Women in Leadership Programme you will learn from Dr Barbara Banda and Dr Natalie Cleton. Occasionally we may substitute other faculty members according to the content of the programme and their availability.
Dr Barbara Banda is a visiting professor in inclusive leadership and change in RSM’s Erasmus Centre for Women and Organisations. Barbara has designed and delivered several leadership programmes at RSM Executive Education. She has worked as a consultant and executive coach for more than 20 years and is passionate about connecting leadership education to the realities of daily life in organisations. She contributes to organisations that focus on women’s advancement and gender equality. Her current research is focused on interventions which promote inclusion. She has a DPhil from the University of Oxford and wrote The Model Black: How Black British Leaders Succeed in Organisations and Why it Matters, selected by the FT as a ‘business book must-read’.
Dr Natalie Cleton is adjunct faculty at the Erasmus Centre for Women and Organisations (ECWO) at RSM, and Team Leader in the Food Safety Research Department at Wageningen University. She is passionate about helping women recognise and develop their own leadership potential, and she develops and runs ECWO in-company workshops on networking and diversity, using her research into public health and extensive background in STEM subjects. Natalie has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a MA in Applied Ethics from Utrecht University. She earned her PhD in Virology, with a specialisation in Veterinary Microbiology, from Erasmus University Medical Centre.
25 - 26 September 2025
€1,950 (excl. 21% VAT) including course materials, lunches, and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.
15% discount for alumni from Erasmus University Rotterdam and RSM
All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking to learn new skills and gain more knowledge in business and management education.
Here’s why you should choose RSM:
This programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.
Most programmes start at 09:00. Finishing times are different for each programme. There’s also an approximate schedule in each programme’s brochure and on its webpages. When you register for a programme you will be given access to Canvas, our online learning system, and the full schedule is in Canvas. Your programme manager will hand out a detailed schedule on the first day of your programme.
Class sizes are usually between 12 to 24 people, but it does depend on the programme. We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities.
Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 15% discount.
RSM alumni are students who have completed either a bachelor of science, master of science, PhD or one executive education programme of more than 40 credit hours. Additionally, companies which sponsor several participants may also be offered a special price.
Participants of open programmes of less than 40 credit hours will not receive a discount.
Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, access to the RSM study facilities and dynamic learning environment. This also includes lunch and refreshments throughout the programme.
Hotel accommodation is not included, so please make individual arrangements for your stay in Rotterdam. See more information in the Transportation, directions and accommodation section below.
If you require hotel accommodation during your stay in Rotterdam, we recommend a few hotels:
Please contact the hotels directly to make and secure your own reservations.
Note: We recommend that you select the flexible booking option when reserving a room.
Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.
If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.
Programme Advisor
It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.