Do you believe in an alternative framework of leadership which is not based on power and its retention – the kind of leadership that will dismantle all forms of patriarchal injustice and oppression? Look no further than the African Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI)!
Across the world, a number of legislation and policies that are passed in traditional decision making spaces appear progressive but actually stall progress in the realization of women’s rights as the agenda is usually watered down in favour of diplomacy. Feminists have identified gaps in key agendas including the Sustainable Development Goals where SDG5 looks to end gender inequality but does not address unequal power relations, essentially negating the very thing that leads to gender inequality which deters the realization of women’s rights.
This status quo demands a rethinking about how women and feminist activists can engage in decision making spaces to push the envelope and ensure that the principles of the indivisibility, inalienability and inclusivity of rights are upheld. Akina Mama wa Afrika through her flagship programme, the African Women’s Leadership Institute has created an opportunity for African women to be informed enough and angry enough to challenge the existing state of affairs and demand a better world for women and girls.
With support from the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), applications are invited from African women changemakers for the 2020 Regional Feminist and Transformational Leadership Development Programme to be held under the Sub-Regional African Women’s Leadership Institute on Influencing Global Women’s Rights Frameworks programme. This institute is inspired by the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and seeks to develop a strong cadre of feminist leaders from a variety of backgrounds with the practical skills, tools, confidence and agency to effectively engage and influence global women’s rights frameworks like the Beijing Platform for Action. The programme includes a 5 day residential institute in Accra, Ghana from the 17th – 21st February 2020 and a one year peer mentorship programme. Applicants are also required to prepare a paper on the state of women’s rights in Africa as part of the application process.
The Institute offers a feminist analysis of leadership that aims to challenge and transform accepted paradigms of leadership which keep women from being in control of their own destinies and which thrives on their exploitation and exclusion. By doing this, participants are awakened to the crucial role they play in the liberation of women and girls and are inspired to transform their lives and communities, grounded in the principles of social justice, good governance and accountability.
Slots will be awarded to 25 women leaders, who have exemplified leadership in their organisations, communities and or have stood for elective office. Eligible candidates are African women between the ages of 25 – 40 based in West Africa. The institute will be conducted in English. We encourage applications from ALL backgrounds in terms of ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, origin, and religion.
Do it now: Apply here to join the African Women’s Leadership Institute
To preview the application form, click here!
Application deadline is 4th December 2019
