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Women leaders across the globe are dealing with dispossession from resources, capabilities, and a form of discursive ‘development’ which is deeply rooted in a capitalist and patriarchal order. In the current milieu – as women leaders face further marginalization, cultural exclusivity, and the Covid-19 pandemic – we offer this online discourse hinged on power, patriarchy, and justice to support and facilitate a process of enhanced critical thinking and alternatives towards feminist ecological justice.

This course aims to inspire and empower you – women leaders across the world – to engage in purposeful and justice-oriented leadership, and to design ways to inculcate processes, systems, and structures towards the above issues in the communities you are engaged with. Apart from leading towards a better world, and taking on leadership with more content, strategies, and with more conviction and confidence, the course is geared to improving our homes, workplaces, societies, and states.

In this seven-week course, we will focus on a political understanding of gender, power, and patriarchy in the current milieu. We will also delve into leadership not just as a discourse but also as a lived alternative. We will work to understand, critique, and explore various progressive alternatives of change and justice. We will look into various leadership models and draw lessons from the feminist movement.

Benefits and Learning Objectives

In this course, you will:

• Understand concepts of sex, gender and intersectionality; patriarchy and feminism; power and empowerment; feminist leadership models; and complexities and pluralities of feminist interventions.
• Reflect on your purpose as a leader.
• Learn practical tools and strategies for moving the complex notion of justice and equity.
• Network with an inspired group of women to de/construct approaches that break down gender-oriented barriers and constraints limiting community well-being, agency, and autonomy.

By attending this course your organization will be able to:

• Develop a sound understanding of the way forward for achieving gender equality and advancing women’s leadership, both in terms of opportunities as well as emerging challenges from your specific context.
• Delve into and critique strategies for a community–centered response to the challenges and opportunities including social inclusion and leadership of women, youth, Indigenous people, and other historically under-represented groups.

Time Requirement

As a participant in this course, you should be prepared to dedicate 6-8 hours per week over the course of seven weeks.

This course will use blended model of delivery which includes a combination of weekly live sessions, asynchronous learning activities, and independent work time. Participants are expected to engage with their peers in the online space to complete course assignments.

Technology Requirement

• Reliable internet access (high speed is recommended)
• Speakers and microphone

Who Should Apply?

This course is open to women of all ages and backgrounds who are able to demonstrate the ways they are currently engaged in local development in their respective countries.

The strength of this course is in the diversity of women who attend. The rainbow coalition of ages, nationalities, family responsibilities, education, religions, orientation, ethnicities, and working lives creates a dynamic context for learning.  Women who are leaders and those who aspire to ignite their leadership potential are welcome.