Organizers: Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) with the support of Ford Foundation

Theme: Promoting Alternative and Transformative Modes of Leadership in the East African sub-region.

Objective: To critically examine the present modes of political leadership and articulate alternative modes.

The proposal: FOWODE will convene a meeting of East African researchers and activists working to promote alternative and transformative leadership. The meeting of 40 participants to be held in Uganda will review the existing forms of leadership and explore alternative and transformative modes of leadership and share strategies. The perspectives and experiences of the participants will be documented and disseminated widely in the region in order to strengthen institutions working in this field.

Alternative leadership: Much as women want gender equality and equity in political leadership, struggling within the existing leadership framework has not achieved these goals. It is necessary therefore that models alternative to the existing ones be identified. The foundations of the alternative modes must accommodate democratic values that protect and promote women's aspirations. For the purpose of this East African Meeting, the term "leadership" has been narrowed down to focus on leadership in the political sphere only.

Activities of the meeting

1. Keynote address
2. Three papers to be presented, at least one from each country
3. Four workshops: four workshops to discuss the three papers and the Keynote.
4. Two plenary sessions - one at the beginning and one at the end of the meeting
5. A press conference
6. Exhibitions as listed below:
   • Stall for FOWODE publications
   • Stalls for publications of Ugandan women NGOs
   • Stalls for publications brought by delegates from outside Uganda

Papers to be presented

• Why Alternative Leadership? What is wrong with the present leadership styles? What Alternative Leadership modes are feasible? (Dr. Sylvia Tamale, Uganda)
  
  
• How is women's leadership in Africa different from men's? Do young and older African women lead differently? If so why? Do rural grass roots women have different leadership styles from elite urban women? If so why? How do women wield power and influence in the family, community and in formal politics. (Dr. Hilda Tadria, ECA - Addis Ababa)
  
  
• Conscientisation of women and men about alternative leadership. How can this be achieved? (Prof. Jacqueline Oduol, Kenya)

Expected outcomes of the meeting

1. A critical analysis of existing forms of leadership
2. New sources of alternative leadership identified and articulated
3. Recommendation about institutional changes
4. A wide media coverage of leadership issues
5. Focused press interview on key issues emerging from the meeting
6. Conference Report including papers and workshop reports

Contact information

Last update: May-2, 2002