A course for young feminist advocates in NGOs, the public and private sectors
Organised by: The Institute of peace, Leadership and Goverance (IPLG) at Africa University and The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).
Venue: Mutare, Zimbabwe, 16 - 28 August, 2010.
Deadline for receipt of application is Friday, 09 July 2010.
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM FOR COURSE (100KB)
Course Description
This training course on feminism and public policy provides a broad conceptual and practical understanding of feminism by locating it within in a pan-African discourse. Engaging in discursive debates and interactive analyses, it is envisioned that participants will be able to redefine the idea of feminism to symbolise young women coming together to share knowledge, skills and good practice, so that they may lead fulfilling lives with self-assurance and passion. By understanding the dynamics of gender inequality and crafting advocacy strategies aimed at promoting women's rights, interests and issues it is hoped that the targeted advocates will embrace the vitality of being female and championing their cause through robust network connections to future generations.
Why is this course necessary?
Quite often women as radicals or reformers or as objects of reform have always differed over ideology and strategy. Feminists have also always vigorously contested the effects and policies aimed at ameliorating women's oppression. This course therefore provides a forum to critically examine some of these differences by looking at the historical tenets of feminism and its evolutionary progression, feminist perspectives to politics, power and power relations, patriarchy, gender-based violence, sexuality, women's rights and justice. The course further analyses the claim that public policy is gendered, implying that public policies affect men and women differently and that men and women participate differently in public policy making processes. The course takes public policy as both an important component in the construction of gender differences and as a site where gender is critiqued, resisted and renegotiated. Thus, the training course explores these claims through a feminist lens and engaging in the analyses of the impact of public policy on women's issues.
Participants will examine feminist activism, a grass-roots movement approach that seeks to cross boundaries based on social class, race, culture and religion. Locating these issues in historical contexts will also help in de-mystifying the negative connotations attached to feminism and feminist advocates with a view of helping women claim their identity as feminists. Also by placing these issues in contexts of feminist theory and discourse, the course offers an analysis of women and public policy as contested and complex domain rather than offering simple recipes or formulas for the feminist policy makers and advocates.
Course aim and objectives
This innovative course is designed for young women who are motivated to play a critical role in promoting women's issues through advocacy and lobbying. Using examples and experiences from their own lives, it is hoped that participants will gain a deeper understanding of a feminist analysis of issues affecting women in the SADC region. The aim of the course therefore, is to provide participants with knowledge and practical skills to engage with feminist discourses and feminist approaches for effective lobbying and advocacy on gender and women's rights. The objectives of the training course are to:
• Familiarise participants with key tenets of feminism and the most influential works in the evolution of feminist theories and ideologies.
• Give the participants a sound grasp of a fundamental and central body of feminist philosophical thinking.
• Engage with young women who are working with gender focused organisations and are at the forefront of best practice in the field.
• Situate and examine the gender question in relation to emerging disciplines.
• Help participants use feminist approaches to analyse, critique and participate in contemporary public policy debates on women issues.
• Facilitate the development of feminist research skills to carry our policy oriented research on issues that impact on women's lives.
Course Content
The training course consists of 12 modules, to be delivered by different facilitators over a 12-day period, and will use a variety of teaching styles, tools and methods, especially participatory and experiential learning models. The following thematic areas will provide a starting point for the discussions:
• Feminist the ory and history
• Schools of thought and feminist ideologies
• The politics of feminism and gender
• 4. Women, law and policy
• Feminist public policy discourse and engagement
• Feminist knowledge production and management
• Feminist research and epistemology
• Feminist youth empowerment models
• Feminist leadership in practice
• Civil society and feminist movement-building
• Sexuality and sexual reproductive health rights
• Governance and citizenship
In addition, there will be evening and side sessions, focused on coaching on key competencies such as self awareness, confidence-building, public speaking among many others.
Course Dates and Duration
The course will be offered over a 12-day period in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The training course will be hosted by OSISA and the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance at Africa University in Mutare beginning 16 August and ending on 28 August, 2010. Travel dates will be 15 and 29 August 2010.
Certificate of Competence
Participants who successfully complete the course and fulfil the requirements which include attendance and active participation will receive a certificate of competence from Africa University and OSISA.
Cost and Sponsorship
OSISA will be fully sponsoring this training course. Sponsorship will cover tuition, course materials, airfare/transport, accommodation, teas, lunches and dinners during the course. Participants are however, advised to take out personal and health insurance as the organisers cannot take liabilities in this regard.
Admission Requirements
Prospective participants are expected to meet the following criteria:
• Possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
• Must be a young woman of between 18 and 30 years of age.
• At least 1 year work experience in civil society and /or gender and women's rights related area.
• Currently employed, or working in an area where feminist or gender policy advocacy and lobbying is important.
• English proficiency (as the course will be delivered in English).
• Commitment to participate for the duration of the full course.
• Be from any of the following SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Application Procedures
Young women who wish to apply for the training course are required to submit the following:
• Completed application form.
• No more than one page motivation letter stating. How your participation will add value to the course and how you envision using the training in your work, community and/or personal life.
• Commitment form completed by employer (attached at the end of this document).
Please submit the completed application form, motivation letter and endorsement letter electronically or by fax, to both OSISA and IPLG at the following addresses:
Ms Tsitsi Mukamba
Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA)
Email: Tsitsim@osisa.org
Tel: +27 (0) 11 587 5000
Fax: +27 (0) 11 587 5099
And
Mrs Susan Musiyiwa
Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance (IPLG)
Africa University
Tel: +263 20 66788
Email: iplgsec@africau.ac.zw
Cc:susanvongayi22@yahoo.com
NB: Those who participated in the 2009 course need not apply.
Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, 09 July 201
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
CYPAC Orientation Memoir: Ben Duntoye Regional Scandal. Clean up the mess?
DAY 2.
16/05/2010
After leaving my hotel to spend the night with my friend at her place a noticed some very clear differences in the way things are done in Zambia as compared to Nigeria and some similarities
For instance, it’s not shocking to find out that the central area of town looked very polished while five5mins drive away from the central the roads are in bad condition…kudos to African government
As against building blocks being made out of sand and cement, in Zambia the building blocks is made out of cement and tiny stones…the sizes are smaller and the blocks looks finer. There are no air conditioners in most of the houses…, they use ventilators which means a tiny part of the building at the topmost level is opened for ventilation to come in….I initially thought it was the central AC that made my room so cold and that the air was so natural until I found out that it was actually the fresh air I was getting. Really cool shei!
On my way back to the university I saw children or better still teenagers in gutters smoking petrol…yes! I mean the same petrol that is used to fuel cars…you can imagine the surprised look on my face...I wished I had my camera with me
Finally I kick started my day with a visit to the National Youth Development Council of Zambia visit to The National Youth Development Centre. It was such an eye opener to what things should really be…, they are having problems but they can thank God that theirs is not a case of fighting and throwing legal punches as we have in Nigeria.
Can you believe that Ben Duntoye is still presenting himself as the National Youth council president of Nigeria at the Pan African Youth Union? My shock exactly when the officials of the Zambian National Youth Development Council said that to me. I was informed of how an office has now been built in Sudan and Ben’s frequent visit to the office…, it is said that it houses an elegant office for him. Gosh! They strongly believe that youth development work and claims in Nigeria is not regulated so anyone claims anything and the likelihood of Nigeria’s capability to win regional trust will be hard after this. My answer is that we are all not the same. Is that the solution? I can confidently say NO! I keep wondering if this is the kind of leadership that our generation subscribes to…, its ok to criticize the older generation and easily point out the faults they committed…, meanwhile we are currently repeating the same thing.
I met with Molako a onetime Zambian Representative to the Commonwealth Youth Caucus, during her time she was Chair for African Region and then the Pan Chair for the whole Commonwealth Youth Caucus. I was too inspired by her deliveries which were present after all her years of service. If I wanted to know that ladies could do a lot.., I saw it clearly today…, and she was so unassuming to say the least…an activist on youth development…she currently works as the program officer for the youth development council. God! I pray I can make an impact during my two years of service and leave lasting impact the way she did.
After lunch it was time to meet the Nigerian Ambassador in Zambia.., however due to schedule it wil wait till tomorrow BUT I had a feel of the Nigerian run away behavior again at the embassy where a Nigerian out stayed his visa period and is claiming right with lots of attitude and curses to whoever. I can’t describe how I felt when I looked at the guy as he was talking to his friend and then they went ahead to say Nigerian ladies do not have respect for men since we cannot kneel when talking to a man. God! Are these guys real!
To end my day was a brief introduction to CYPAC staff members, a short meeting with Nellie, a nice dinner and a nightcap with a nice looking gentleman (wink :=)).
Could I have planned it better? I guess not
‘Ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini’
‘So the morning and the evening were the second day’
Muah!
16/05/2010
After leaving my hotel to spend the night with my friend at her place a noticed some very clear differences in the way things are done in Zambia as compared to Nigeria and some similarities
For instance, it’s not shocking to find out that the central area of town looked very polished while five5mins drive away from the central the roads are in bad condition…kudos to African government
As against building blocks being made out of sand and cement, in Zambia the building blocks is made out of cement and tiny stones…the sizes are smaller and the blocks looks finer. There are no air conditioners in most of the houses…, they use ventilators which means a tiny part of the building at the topmost level is opened for ventilation to come in….I initially thought it was the central AC that made my room so cold and that the air was so natural until I found out that it was actually the fresh air I was getting. Really cool shei!
On my way back to the university I saw children or better still teenagers in gutters smoking petrol…yes! I mean the same petrol that is used to fuel cars…you can imagine the surprised look on my face...I wished I had my camera with me
Finally I kick started my day with a visit to the National Youth Development Council of Zambia visit to The National Youth Development Centre. It was such an eye opener to what things should really be…, they are having problems but they can thank God that theirs is not a case of fighting and throwing legal punches as we have in Nigeria.
Can you believe that Ben Duntoye is still presenting himself as the National Youth council president of Nigeria at the Pan African Youth Union? My shock exactly when the officials of the Zambian National Youth Development Council said that to me. I was informed of how an office has now been built in Sudan and Ben’s frequent visit to the office…, it is said that it houses an elegant office for him. Gosh! They strongly believe that youth development work and claims in Nigeria is not regulated so anyone claims anything and the likelihood of Nigeria’s capability to win regional trust will be hard after this. My answer is that we are all not the same. Is that the solution? I can confidently say NO! I keep wondering if this is the kind of leadership that our generation subscribes to…, its ok to criticize the older generation and easily point out the faults they committed…, meanwhile we are currently repeating the same thing.
I met with Molako a onetime Zambian Representative to the Commonwealth Youth Caucus, during her time she was Chair for African Region and then the Pan Chair for the whole Commonwealth Youth Caucus. I was too inspired by her deliveries which were present after all her years of service. If I wanted to know that ladies could do a lot.., I saw it clearly today…, and she was so unassuming to say the least…an activist on youth development…she currently works as the program officer for the youth development council. God! I pray I can make an impact during my two years of service and leave lasting impact the way she did.
After lunch it was time to meet the Nigerian Ambassador in Zambia.., however due to schedule it wil wait till tomorrow BUT I had a feel of the Nigerian run away behavior again at the embassy where a Nigerian out stayed his visa period and is claiming right with lots of attitude and curses to whoever. I can’t describe how I felt when I looked at the guy as he was talking to his friend and then they went ahead to say Nigerian ladies do not have respect for men since we cannot kneel when talking to a man. God! Are these guys real!
To end my day was a brief introduction to CYPAC staff members, a short meeting with Nellie, a nice dinner and a nightcap with a nice looking gentleman (wink :=)).
Could I have planned it better? I guess not
‘Ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini’
‘So the morning and the evening were the second day’
Muah!
Monday, May 17, 2010
CYP Orientation Memoir-Transition fron abuja to lusaka
15/05/2010
My trip to Zambia for my orientation as the Deputy Chair for Africa Region, Commonwealth Youth Caucus at the Commonwealth Secretariat.I prepared in a rush to the airport feeling really weird as the start of the day had a little bit of dissappointment.
I never knew the challenges of the day had just started...My flight for virgin was delayed for 3 and a half hours and the lady at the counter checked me in knowing fully wel I had a connecting flight with kenyan Airways in Lagos....
After two hours of waiting and with no other airline available..., another lady called me from the virgin office to really explain my situation to me....'I might not make the KQ flight at all'
She and the others at the office went ahead to help me out...by checking me into the KQ flight without leaving abuja...with the hope that i get there on time...That was almost impossible for Virgin delayed another 30mins after the initial delay
So i informed a nice looking gentleman who checked in at the same time with me that he might have the same problems since i noticed that he too will be on the same KQ flight withe......that was my saving grace
They tried to help him and it was his protocol officers in lagos that saved me from missing the flight...they reopened the counter for us...immigration was super fast...the gentleman was super nice!
Only for me to get to Nairobi to hear of the way immigration officers tail travellers and they said ...'its to ensure Nigerians will not run away'...gosh...i went green!
I was just noting the cold weather as I came down from the plane ...when an irritable immigration officer was asking me to present the note verbal i took to embassy in Nigeria and said my visa...which..please note... was almost showing on the other side is faint!. its not by business to tell how your visa should look like...that he should call the Nigerian office to verify.
I almost lost it...but thank God not yet...he delayed me...knowing i was tired since my eyes were swollen from lack of rest... The Commonwealth secretariat staff even had another visa ready me...but he was not willing to look at it...he made my people swear solemy that I was the property of Commonwealth Secretariat....
After all said and done...the people beyond the bother are fabulous and open minded.They love Nigerian entainment industry like craze...use Yoriyori as ringing tone and eat corn meals which am trying to get the name
After a visit to my friend...who joking told me to come see the other side of town from where i was staying, a very very expensive call rate to reach my family,the fresh air and the nice people...am willing to kick start my program without a thought of the woes i went through
'ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini'
Morining and evening ....makes the first day
My trip to Zambia for my orientation as the Deputy Chair for Africa Region, Commonwealth Youth Caucus at the Commonwealth Secretariat.I prepared in a rush to the airport feeling really weird as the start of the day had a little bit of dissappointment.
I never knew the challenges of the day had just started...My flight for virgin was delayed for 3 and a half hours and the lady at the counter checked me in knowing fully wel I had a connecting flight with kenyan Airways in Lagos....
After two hours of waiting and with no other airline available..., another lady called me from the virgin office to really explain my situation to me....'I might not make the KQ flight at all'
She and the others at the office went ahead to help me out...by checking me into the KQ flight without leaving abuja...with the hope that i get there on time...That was almost impossible for Virgin delayed another 30mins after the initial delay
So i informed a nice looking gentleman who checked in at the same time with me that he might have the same problems since i noticed that he too will be on the same KQ flight withe......that was my saving grace
They tried to help him and it was his protocol officers in lagos that saved me from missing the flight...they reopened the counter for us...immigration was super fast...the gentleman was super nice!
Only for me to get to Nairobi to hear of the way immigration officers tail travellers and they said ...'its to ensure Nigerians will not run away'...gosh...i went green!
I was just noting the cold weather as I came down from the plane ...when an irritable immigration officer was asking me to present the note verbal i took to embassy in Nigeria and said my visa...which..please note... was almost showing on the other side is faint!. its not by business to tell how your visa should look like...that he should call the Nigerian office to verify.
I almost lost it...but thank God not yet...he delayed me...knowing i was tired since my eyes were swollen from lack of rest... The Commonwealth secretariat staff even had another visa ready me...but he was not willing to look at it...he made my people swear solemy that I was the property of Commonwealth Secretariat....
After all said and done...the people beyond the bother are fabulous and open minded.They love Nigerian entainment industry like craze...use Yoriyori as ringing tone and eat corn meals which am trying to get the name
After a visit to my friend...who joking told me to come see the other side of town from where i was staying, a very very expensive call rate to reach my family,the fresh air and the nice people...am willing to kick start my program without a thought of the woes i went through
'ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini'
Morining and evening ....makes the first day
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