Four years after her first visit to Uganda, Tania Austin returned to the African country in 2023 and was blown away to see the impact The Hunger Project’s Epicentre programs were having on the local communities she had come to know.
The founder and owner of women’s fashion retailer DECJUBA has taken part in The Hunger Project’s leadership immersion experiences multiple times. Austin says it’s an incredible way to connect, and see the impact of, her company’s partnership with the organisation.
“Without a doubt, these trips are a way to connect with the actual problem that you’re solving for in a really deep way,” Austin tells Women’s Agenda.
“It offers you a much greater insight into the work that’s been done, into the outcomes that have been achieved, and into the problems that are being faced.”
Whether it be empowering local women to build sustainable livelihoods, or improved access to clean water and healthcare, Austin says The Hunger Project has a profound impact on local communities. The immersion experiences provide unparalleled insight into this work.
“It creates incredible ‘aha!’ moments, where you have such a deeper understanding of what’s needed and how you can be a part of that,” Austin says.
“The work we’re doing, the work we’re supporting and investing in, is actually moving forward, shifting mindsets and creating change. It’s sustainable. It’s scalable. It’s working. And you get to see it, and it’s pretty profound.”
For Founder and CEO of Peeplcoach, Christine Khor, taking part in several of The Hunger Project’s immersion experiences has been game-changing for her personal leadership trajectory.
“It’s a time where people need to stand up as great leaders, particularly women”
“When I think about where the world is today, it’s quite a frightening place in many ways. It continues to be a frightening place for women—physically, emotionally… in the workplace, and with all the changes in politics and the world economy,” she tells Women’s Agenda.
“Fundamentally, why I have supported The Hunger Project since my first immersion trip is the single-minded focus on equality, equity and empowering all people through leadership.”
Khor first went on an immersion trip with The Hunger Project in 2012. At the time, she says she felt personally and professionally “under siege” and was looking for a way to reshape her outlook.
“On paper, I had nothing to complain about, but I was fundamentally dissatisfied. I was disengaged, I was constantly frustrated, and I was feeling discontent, but I actually had no reason to,” Khor says.
The trip changed her outlook and prompted her to return to Australia with a new approach to business and life. Nearing her 50s, she decided to ignore the naysayers and start a new tech business.
“It’s [about creating] a vision for your life or for your community, for your family, for your work—whatever it may be—create that vision, then commit that you are going to do something about it, and then start planning out those actions,” she said.
“That’s really the ethos of The Hunger Project, and it’s all about being a great leader. And for me, I carry that into every day of what I do in the sense of our mission at Peeplcoach is to empower all leaders, but specifically emerging, developing and women leaders to take control of their careers, to benefit themselves and benefit organisations.”
Khor says this same ethos can be applied to The Hunger Project, which has become one of the leading world hunger charity organisations, helping to empower women and children globally. The organisation’s immersion experiences are a unique fundraising and leadership development opportunity.
“It’s [about] empowering the men and women in Uganda and Malawi and India to take control and to make a difference, so that they don’t starve, so they can build a health centre or a micro lending bank, and so that their daughters aren’t being effectively sold into marriage at 13,’ Khor says.
So who should join an immersion experience?
The Hunger Project’s immersion experiences are open to anyone who is striving to become a purpose-driven leader and inspire positive action in others. If you’re seeking purpose and self-discovery and are willing to be pushed out of our comfort zone, it could be for you.
As Khor and Austin tell Women’s Agenda, the experience has the potential to shape how you show up as a leader.
“I would just say, it’s never too late for women or anyone to make a change and make an impact,” Khor says.
“Leadership is now fundamental for everybody, and at minimum, leading yourself to be the best you can be. In Uganda, I was filled with sadness and at times, horror, by what I saw, but I was equally inspired by the strength, resilience and power of individuals coming together to change their lives and lives of their families. When I feel overwhelmed, I still think back to some of these experiences for inspiration and courage.”
Austin says you cannot underestimate the impact an immersion experience can have.
“Standing side by side with these women and men, showing that solidarity and showing that you’re there, you’ve got no idea how much that means for them— that people are thinking about them and fighting their battle with them,” Austin says.
“The most value comes out of people who want to be actively a part of the process without a doubt. People need to be ready to meet that with an open mind and open heart.”
You can find out more about The Hunger Project’s upcoming immersion experience in Benin, Africa from October 25 to November 1, 2025 here.