Introduction

In an increasingly complex world grappling with persistent inequalities, feminist leadership offers a transformative paradigm, challenging traditional power structures and advocating for inclusive, equitable, and just societies. This approach goes beyond individual achievement, emphasizing collective action, shared power, and intersectional solidarity to drive systemic change. For activists, leaders, and change-makers committed to social justice, understanding the principles of feminist leadership and the dynamics of movement building is crucial for fostering impactful initiatives, amplifying marginalized voices, and navigating resistance to progress. This essential training course focuses on Feminist Leadership and Movement Building, empowering participants to lead ethically and galvanize collective action.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with the theoretical grounding and practical skills necessary to embody feminist leadership and effectively contribute to movement building. Participants will explore the historical and theoretical underpinnings of feminist thought, learn to deconstruct power, privilege, and patriarchy, and develop strategies for fostering inclusive leadership environments. The course will delve into topics such as collective organizing, advocacy for social change, resource mobilization for movements, and nurturing resilience within activist communities. By mastering the principles and methodologies of feminist leadership and movement building, participants will be empowered to lead with purpose, build strong coalitions, and contribute to transformative social justice initiatives globally.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Women's Rights Activists and Advocates
• Community Organizers and Grassroots Leaders
• NGO and Civil Society Professionals focused on gender equality
• Social Justice Activists from diverse movements
• Researchers and Academics in Gender Studies
• Funders and Philanthropists supporting feminist initiatives
• Young leaders and aspiring change-makers
• Educators and Trainers in gender and development

Course Objectives

• Understand the core principles and values of feminist leadership.
• Analyze power dynamics, patriarchy, and their impact on social structures.
• Develop an intersectional lens to understand diverse experiences of oppression.
• Cultivate inclusive and collaborative leadership styles.
• Learn strategies for effective advocacy for gender justice and human rights.
• Acquire skills in mobilizing communities and building strong movements.
• Explore ethical fundraising and resource mobilization for feminist initiatives.
• Understand the importance of self-care and collective care in activism.
• Examine historical and contemporary feminist movements and their strategies.
• Develop skills for navigating resistance and backlash to social change.
• Create a personal action plan for applying feminist leadership in their context.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Feminist Leadership

• Defining feminist leadership: principles, values, and characteristics.
• Challenging traditional leadership paradigms.
• Power, privilege, and patriarchy: deconstructing oppressive systems.
• The role of intersectionality in feminist leadership.
• Self-awareness and personal journey in feminist leadership.

Module 2: Feminist Theories and Praxis

• Key feminist waves and their contributions.
• Understanding different feminist perspectives (liberal, radical, Black feminism, queer feminism).
• Linking theory to practice in social justice work.
• Feminist critiques of development and humanitarianism.
• Applying feminist analysis to contemporary global challenges.

Module 3: Collective Leadership and Power Sharing

• Moving from individual heroism to collective leadership.
• Practices of shared power, accountability, and decision-making.
• Fostering inclusive and democratic organizational cultures.
• Building consensus and managing dissent in groups.
• Case studies of successful collective feminist initiatives.

Module 4: Movement Building Strategies

• Understanding social movements: theories, cycles, and dynamics.
• Key elements of effective movement building: vision, strategy, tactics.
• Mobilizing and organizing communities for collective action.
• Building diverse coalitions and alliances across movements.
• Leveraging grassroots power for systemic change.

Module 5: Feminist Advocacy and Communication

• Developing compelling advocacy messages for feminist causes.
• Strategic communication for social change.
• Public speaking and media engagement from a feminist perspective.
• Digital activism and online organizing for movements.
• Navigating backlash and counter-movements.

Module 6: Resource Mobilization for Feminist Movements

• Ethical fundraising principles for feminist organizations.
• Diversifying funding sources: grants, individual donors, crowdfunding.
• Understanding donor priorities and reporting requirements.
• Advocacy for flexible and accessible funding for feminist groups.
• Financial sustainability for long-term movement building.

Module 7: Organizational Development and Resilience

• Building feminist organizations: structures, policies, and culture.
• Human resources management with a feminist lens.
• Conflict transformation and restorative justice in movements.
• Ensuring safety and security for activists and organizations.
• Developing institutional resilience in challenging environments.

Module 8: Self-Care and Collective Care in Activism

• Recognizing burnout and compassion fatigue in social justice work.
• Individual self-care strategies for activists.
• Building collective care practices within organizations and movements.
• Creating supportive and nurturing spaces.
• The importance of rest, reflection, and joy in sustaining activism.

Module 9: Future of Feminist Movements and Leadership

• Emerging trends and challenges for feminist movements (e.g., digital authoritarianism, rising fundamentalisms).
• Intergenerational leadership and knowledge transfer.
• Strengthening global feminist solidarity and cross-border collaborations.
• The role of youth in shaping future feminist leadership.
• Visioning a feminist future and developing a personal commitment to sustained action.

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 7 working days before commencement of the training