Developing Women Leaders in Africa

We are very excited to be developing women leaders while partnering with AFMIN!

For quit some time AFMIN has realized that the need for leaders in Africa remains not only for the development of church leaders but also for the development of trained influential leaders from every level of society. Leaders, whom have the potential to be change-agents and are in strategic positions to bring about societal change on every level of their communities. The women of Africa are a great example of this.

It is true that historically Africa is a patriarchal society, yet if you scratch the surface you will find that in reality women are the lifeblood of African society. They are already the primary caregivers of their families and communities, the majority of workers in the church, and the vast majority of entrepreneurs in society (91%). Yet, nobody is training and empowering them for these critical roles. For far too long we have missed the opportunity to empower the women of Africa.

In partnership with AFMIN, we plan to change that by launching a dynamic, culturally relevant program that will empower these women leaders.  I (Lydia) will be adjunct faculty with AFMIN, coordinating the Emotional Trauma component of the training.  The long-term objectives of this program for women will be to produce outstanding representatives of the Kingdom by reaching these 3 goals in their lives: 1) enhance their spirituality, 2) develop their leadership abilities and 3) significantly lift their life and vocational skill levels. We will address issues like: spiritual growth; gender theory; mentoring younger women; life skills such as communication skills, life planning, conflict management, time & project management; family and marriage; health & wellness; Emotional Trauma Response; leadership; financial planning and entrepreneurial skills.

Emotional trauma is an everyday part of many African women and children’s lives.  The Emotional Trauma Response training includes topics including:

• Biblical Understanding of Suffering and God
• Removing the Stigma of Suffering and Psychological Trauma
• Understanding the Basics of Psychological Trauma
• Special Considerations for Children
• Bereavement Counseling
• Response to Emotional Trauma Victims
• When and How to Refer Victims to Professional Services
• Advocating for the Voiceless
• The Importance of Self Care and Stress Management
• Self-Image & Confidence

We have received overwhelming positive response to this program, from sources within and outside of Africa.  We are exciting to share in what God is doing among women in Africa!

See below for a detailed implementation plan.

Implementation Plan:

2015

1. Phase 1 consultations will be held in different African countries with selected key women attending; breakout groups will help determine their felt-needs and the curriculum presented to them for feedback.
2. Phase 2 conferences will be held in different countries attended by selected women leaders. Breakout groups will be used to continue needs assessment and fine-tuning of curriculum.
3. Marketing materials will be created and disseminated at the Phase 2 conferences.
4. Interim local committees will be established in these countries to organize, lead, manage and oversee these projects.
5. Potential donors will be invited to attend the Phase 2 conferences.
6. Enrollment will start for the first Women Leadership Development programs to be launched in 2016, and software developed to track students in database.
7. Speakers will be recruited for the Women Leadership Development programs in 2016.
8. Courses to be taught in 2016 will be completed and translated in French, Portuguese, and Swahili.

2016

9. Conduct more Phase 2 conferences in other African countries, attended by selected women leaders. Marketing and recruitment will be done for the launch of the Women Leadership Development program in those countries in 2017.
10. Launch inaugural Women Leadership Development projects in 6 African countries where a Phase 2 pilot project was already held.
11. Continue to develop and translate courses for 2017.
12. A female consultant will develop metrics for assessment of students.

     Outcomes:

     2015

1. 10 – Phase 1 consultations will be held in 10 different African countries; It will be attended by 1,000 selected key women attending. Felt-needs will be determined and curriculum fine-tuned.
2. 5 – Phase 2 conferences will be held in 5 different countries; attended by 2,500 selected women leaders. Assessment of needs and fine-tuning of curriculum will be completed
3. Marketing materials will be created and disseminated at the Phase 2 conferences.
4. Interim local committees will be established in these countries to organize, lead, manage and oversee these projects.
5. Student management software will be developed for accurate assessment, accountability and to help measure outcomes.
6. Courses to be taught in 2016 will be completed and translated in French, Portuguese, and Swahili.

2016

7. Conduct 5 – Phase 2 conferences in other African countries; attended by 2,500 women leaders.
8. Launch inaugural Women Leadership Development with projects in 6 African countries; attended by the first class of 3,000 women leaders.
9. They will each train 10 other women with materials and training received from AFMIN (total impact – 33,000).
10. There will be evidence of progress in areas of spiritual growth; leadership skills; and vocational and life skills. We will look for first-hand accounts of progress in spiritual growth, leadership, business, and community development utilizing student interviews conducted by their local committee.
11. A female consultant will develop necessary tools for further assessment of students.
12. Continue to develop and translate courses for 2017.