Introduction

Despite their significant contributions to cooperative growth and financial inclusion, women often remain underrepresented in leadership and senior financial roles within Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs). Addressing this imbalance is not just a matter of equity; it's a strategic imperative. Evidence increasingly shows that gender-diverse leadership teams lead to better decision-making, enhanced risk management, improved financial performance, and a deeper understanding of diverse member needs. Empowering women in SACCO Leadership and Finance leverages a vast, often untapped, pool of talent, bringing unique perspectives, collaborative approaches, and a strong commitment to community development. By fostering an environment where women can thrive in leadership, SACCOs can better achieve their social mission, drive innovation, and build stronger, more resilient cooperative movements that truly reflect and serve their diverse membership. Without intentionally investing in Women in SACCO Leadership and Finance, these vital institutions risk limiting their potential, missing out on strategic advantages, and failing to fully embody the cooperative principles of equality and democratic member control, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

This comprehensive 5-day training course is meticulously designed to empower aspiring and current women leaders, board members, senior management, finance professionals, and supervisory committee members within SACCOs with the theoretical understanding, practical skills, and confidence necessary to excel in SACCO Leadership and Finance. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of effective leadership styles, learn about strategic financial management, explore methodologies for overcoming common gender-specific challenges, and acquire hands-on experience in negotiation, mentorship, and building influential networks. The course will delve into topics such as governance best practices, financial literacy and oversight, strategic decision-making, effective communication, conflict resolution, personal branding, work-life integration, and the crucial aspects of advocating for gender-inclusive policies within their organizations. By mastering the principles and practical application of Women in SACCO Leadership and Finance, participants will be prepared to assume greater leadership responsibilities, drive financial excellence, inspire positive change, and contribute significantly to the sustainable growth and impactful future of their cooperative.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Aspiring Women Leaders in SACCOs
• Current Women in Middle and Senior Management Roles
• Female Board Members and Committee Members (e.g., Supervisory, Audit, Credit)
• Women Finance Officers and Accountants
• Human Resources Professionals in SACCOs
• Mentors and Sponsors supporting women's advancement
• General Managers and CEOs keen on promoting gender diversity
• SACCO Regulators and Policy Makers
• Training and Development Specialists in Cooperative Sector
• All individuals committed to fostering gender equity in cooperative finance

Objectives

• Understand the importance and benefits of women's leadership in SACCOs.
• Learn about effective leadership styles and strategic decision-making for cooperative settings.
• Acquire skills in financial oversight, budgeting, and performance analysis.
• Comprehend techniques for effective communication, negotiation, and influence.
• Explore strategies for overcoming common challenges faced by women in leadership.
• Understand the importance of mentorship, networking, and sponsorship.
• Gain insights into governance best practices and ethical leadership.
• Develop a practical understanding of advocating for gender-inclusive policies and cultures within SACCOs.

Course Content

Module 1: The Strategic Case for Women in SACCO Leadership

• The cooperative identity and principles: aligning with gender equality.
• Benefits of gender diversity in leadership: improved performance, risk management, innovation.
• Global and local statistics on women's representation in financial cooperatives.
• Socio-economic impact of women's leadership on SACCO members and communities.
• Identifying the unique strengths and perspectives women bring to finance.

Module 2: Effective Leadership and Governance in SACCOs

• Core leadership competencies for cooperative environments.
• Transformational vs. transactional leadership: applying the right approach.
• Strategic planning and execution from a leadership perspective.
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of SACCO board members and management.
• Ethical leadership, integrity, and fostering a culture of trust.

Module 3: Financial Acumen and Oversight for Leaders

• Key financial statements analysis: balance sheet, income statement, cash flow.
• Understanding SACCO financial health indicators and ratios.
• Budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation from a strategic viewpoint.
• Oversight of internal controls and risk management.
• Interpreting financial reports for informed decision-making.

Module 4: Strategic Decision-Making and Problem Solving

• Frameworks for systematic decision-making in complex situations.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills for leaders.
• Problem identification, analysis, and solution generation.
• Data-driven decision-making in SACCO operations.
• Case studies and practical exercises in strategic choices.

Module 5: Communication, Negotiation, and Influence

• Mastering effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Public speaking and presenting with impact.
• Negotiation strategies for achieving desired outcomes.
• Building influence and persuasion within the organization and with stakeholders.
• Conflict resolution and managing difficult conversations.

Module 6: Building Your Leadership Brand and Professional Development

• Personal branding for female leaders: defining your unique value proposition.
• Networking strategies: building alliances and professional relationships.
• The role of mentorship and sponsorship in career advancement.
• Continuous learning and professional development pathways.
• Managing work-life integration and well-being.

Module 7: Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Resilience

• Identifying common barriers for women in leadership (e.g., unconscious bias, glass ceiling, imposter syndrome).
• Strategies for self-advocacy and navigating workplace politics.
• Building resilience and mental toughness in demanding roles.
• Embracing failure as a learning opportunity.
• Creating a supportive peer network.

Module 8: Advocating for Gender-Inclusive Policies and Culture

• Understanding gender mainstreaming in cooperative policies.
• Developing strategies for promoting gender equality within SACCOs.
• Implementing policies for equal opportunity, flexible work arrangements, and parental leave.
• Driving cultural change towards inclusivity and diversity.
• The role of women leaders as role models and champions for future generations.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.