Introduction

Despite significant contributions, women in the development sector often face unique challenges and systemic barriers that impede their advancement into leadership roles. Leadership for Women in Development is not merely about equipping individual women with skills; it's a strategic imperative for the entire sector, recognizing that diverse leadership leads to more inclusive, effective, and sustainable development outcomes. Empowering women to lead means fostering environments where their voices are heard, their perspectives are valued, and their full potential is realized, ultimately enhancing the relevance and impact of development initiatives globally. Without targeted interventions and a dedicated focus on Leadership for Women in Development, organizations risk perpetuating gender inequalities, missing out on critical insights, and failing to achieve the transformative change required to address complex global challenges. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Leadership for Women in Development.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower aspiring and current women leaders, development professionals, NGO staff, and advocates for gender equality with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical tools necessary to navigate leadership challenges and thrive in the development landscape. Participants will gain a deep understanding of effective leadership styles, explore strategies for building confidence and assertiveness, learn about strategic communication and negotiation, and acquire skills in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving organizational change. The course will delve into topics such as overcoming unconscious bias, building powerful networks, achieving work-life integration, mentorship and sponsorship, and leading with authenticity. By mastering the principles and practical application of Leadership for Women in Development, participants will be prepared to step into leadership roles with greater confidence, contribute to more equitable and effective development programming, and inspire future generations of women leaders.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Women in mid-to-senior level roles within development organizations.
• Aspiring women leaders in NGOs, CSOs, and international agencies.
• Program Managers and Coordinators.
• Team Leaders and Project Managers.
• Human Resources and Organizational Development Professionals.
• Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Advocates.
• Women entrepreneurs in social enterprises.
• Mentors and Coaches supporting women in leadership.
• Anyone committed to advancing gender equality in leadership.
• Professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities in the development context.

Objectives

• Understand various leadership theories and styles relevant to the development sector.
• Learn strategies for enhancing personal confidence, self-awareness, and executive presence.
• Acquire skills in effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Comprehend techniques for building and leading high-performing, inclusive teams.
• Explore methods for strategic thinking, decision-making, and driving organizational change.
• Understand the importance of networking, mentorship, and sponsorship for career advancement.
• Gain insights into managing work-life integration and preventing burnout.
• Develop a practical understanding of advocating for gender equality within organizations and beyond.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Women's Leadership in Development

• Examining the current landscape of women in leadership within the development sector.
• Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities for women leaders.
• Exploring different leadership theories and their application (e.g., transformational, servant leadership).
• Identifying core competencies for effective women's leadership.
• The importance of authentic leadership and leading with purpose.

Module 2: Building Personal Confidence and Presence

• Developing self-awareness and understanding personal strengths.
• Overcoming impostor syndrome and self-doubt.
• Strategies for building assertiveness and commanding respect.
• Cultivating executive presence and gravitas.
• Managing personal brand and professional image.

Module 3: Strategic Communication and Influence

• Mastering persuasive communication techniques for diverse audiences.
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills.
• The art of active listening and empathetic communication.
• Negotiation strategies for achieving desired outcomes.
• Influencing without formal authority and building consensus.

Module 4: Leading and Empowering Teams

• Principles of effective team leadership and motivation.
• Fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe team environment.
• Delegating effectively and empowering team members.
• Managing conflict and difficult conversations constructively.
• Performance management and feedback for growth.

Module 5: Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making

• Developing a strategic mindset for organizational impact.
• Frameworks for effective problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
• Risk assessment and management from a leadership perspective.
• Foresight and planning for future challenges and opportunities.
• Translating vision into actionable plans.

Module 6: Networking, Mentorship, and Sponsorship

• Building a powerful professional network within and beyond the development sector.
• Identifying and cultivating mentor relationships.
• Understanding the role of sponsorship in career advancement.
• Strategies for being an effective mentor and sponsor for others.
• Leveraging professional associations and communities of practice.

Module 7: Work-Life Integration and Self-Care

• Balancing professional demands with personal well-being.
• Strategies for time management and prioritization to avoid burnout.
• Practicing self-care and resilience in demanding environments.
• Setting boundaries and managing expectations.
• Creating a sustainable leadership journey.

Module 8: Championing Gender Equality and Systemic Change

• Identifying and addressing unconscious bias and systemic barriers in organizations.
• Advocating for gender-inclusive policies and practices.
• Empowering other women and fostering a supportive community.
• The role of women leaders in driving organizational culture change.
• Contributing to broader movements for gender equality in development.

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 5 working days before commencement of the training.