Introduction

Achieving gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles are not just ethical imperatives but also strategic necessities for organizational success and societal progress in the 21st century. Despite significant strides, women continue to face systemic barriers, unconscious biases, and cultural norms that impede their ascent to positions of influence. True empowerment in leadership goes beyond representation; it involves fostering inclusive environments where diverse voices are heard, contributions are valued, and women can authentically lead, innovate, and drive transformative change. Investing in the development of women leaders and cultivating workplaces that champion gender equity is paramount for unlocking untapped potential, enhancing decision-making, and building resilient, forward-thinking organizations. This essential training course focuses on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Leadership, equipping participants to champion diversity and drive impactful change.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip both aspiring and current women leaders, as well as those who champion gender equality, with the knowledge and skills to accelerate progress in leadership. Participants will delve into the root causes of gender disparity in leadership, explore strategies for personal and professional empowerment, and learn how to build inclusive cultures that support women's advancement. The course will cover topics such as overcoming unconscious bias, strategic communication for influence, building powerful networks, and developing policies for equitable workplaces. By mastering the principles of gender equality and women's empowerment in leadership, participants will be empowered to lead with authenticity, break down barriers, and create pathways for a more equitable and impactful future.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Women aspiring to leadership roles
• Current women leaders and managers
• HR and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Professionals
• Male allies committed to gender equality
• Organizational development specialists
• Executives and senior managers
• Professionals in charge of talent management
• Consultants focused on leadership and gender equity

Course Objectives

• Understand the current landscape of gender equality in leadership and common barriers.
• Develop a strong sense of personal empowerment and leadership identity.
• Master strategies for overcoming unconscious bias and promoting equitable practices.
• Enhance strategic communication and influence skills for leadership roles.
• Learn to build and leverage powerful professional networks and alliances.
• Acquire skills in mentoring and sponsoring other women for career advancement.
• Comprehend the importance of workplace policies that support gender equality.
• Develop resilience and effective self-advocacy strategies.
• Explore global best practices and case studies of successful women in leadership.
• Design an action plan for fostering gender equality within their organization.
• Cultivate a proactive approach to driving systemic change for women's empowerment.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding the Landscape of Gender Equality in Leadership

• Global and national statistics on women in leadership.
• Identifying systemic barriers and cultural norms affecting women's advancement.
• Understanding the "glass ceiling," "sticky floor," and "maternal wall" concepts.
• The business case for gender diversity in leadership.
• Exploring intersectional challenges for women in leadership.

Module 2: Personal Empowerment and Leadership Identity

• Defining authentic leadership: leading with your unique strengths.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-confidence.
• Developing a growth mindset for continuous learning and adaptation.
• Harnessing personal power and agency.
• Cultivating resilience and navigating setbacks.

Module 3: Overcoming Unconscious Bias and Stereotypes

• What is unconscious bias and how does it manifest in the workplace?
• Common biases affecting women (e.g., performance bias, attribution bias).
• Strategies for recognizing and mitigating personal biases.
• Creating inclusive language and communication practices.
• Implementing bias-disrupting strategies in hiring, promotion, and evaluation.

Module 4: Strategic Communication for Influence

• Mastering executive presence and gravitas.
• Articulating vision and inspiring action.
• Persuasion and negotiation techniques for leadership impact.
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback effectively.
• Communicating with authority and clarity in high-stakes situations.

Module 5: Building and Leveraging Professional Networks

• The power of strategic networking for career advancement.
• Identifying mentors, sponsors, and allies.
• Strategies for building diverse and supportive professional relationships.
• Leveraging internal and external networks for opportunities.
• Effective networking etiquette and follow-up.

Module 6: Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Allyship

• Differentiating between mentorship and sponsorship.
• The critical role of sponsorship in women's career progression.
• How to find and cultivate effective mentoring relationships.
• Strategies for male allies to champion gender equality.
• Building a culture of mutual support and empowerment.

Module 7: Developing Inclusive Workplace Policies and Practices

• Best practices in flexible work arrangements and parental leave.
• Policies for equitable pay and benefits.
• Creating safe and respectful workplaces: addressing harassment and discrimination.
• Performance management and talent development with an equity lens.
• Measuring the impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Module 8: Self-Advocacy and Negotiation for Advancement

• Understanding your value proposition and articulating it effectively.
• Strategies for negotiating salary, promotions, and new opportunities.
• Assertive communication skills for difficult conversations.
• Advocating for resources and support for your initiatives.
• Building a track record of visible achievements.

Module 9: Driving Systemic Change and Future Leadership

• Leading organizational change towards gender equality.
• Developing gender-responsive leadership pipelines.
• Leveraging data to make a case for diversity and inclusion.
• Engaging men and boys as advocates for gender equality.
• Visioning a future of equitable leadership and outlining a personal leadership legacy.

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