Stronger Together: The power of feminist programmes to strengthen women's movements in Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe - Womankind Worldwide
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
1 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Stronger Together:
The power of feminist programmes
to strengthen women’s movements
in Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe
March 2019
Cover image:
Sally Dura, National Coordinator of
the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
© Womankind / Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
This page:
NAWAD’s women’s group who have
experienced land grabbing, Nwoya
© Womankind / Sarah Waiswa
Authors
This paper was written by Laura Brown and Lili Harris based on evidence and learning from three
projects delivered by Womankind Worldwide and partners between 2017-2018. Interviews and
meetings between the authors and leading young feminists in Kenya, the National Association of
Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) in Uganda and the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ)
supplemented this.
Acknowledgements
Kenya: Saida Ali, Catherine Kandie, Editar Ochieng, Purity Kagwiria and Shyleen Momanyi
Uganda: Sostine Namanya (National Association of Professional Environmentalists - NAPE)
Zimbabwe: Sally Ncube (Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe – WCoZ)
Womankind: Sarah Masters (editor) and Bridie Taylor
Womankind Learning Paper Series
This is the first in a series of learning papers that aim to capture and collate some of the knowledge,
learning and evidence around the focus and effectiveness of our work with partners. By sharing this
learning, we hope to provide new knowledge on feminist programme approaches that support and
strengthen women’s movements.
About Womankind Worldwide
Womankind Worldwide (Womankind) is a global women’s rights organisation working with women’s
movements to transform the lives of women. Our vision is a world where the rights of all women are
respected, valued and realised. We support women’s movements to strengthen and grow by carrying
out diverse joint activities, including advocacy and communications work, women’s rights programming
rather than service delivery, awareness raising, knowledge sharing, research, capacity development
and fundraising.
Definitions
Women’s rights organisations (WROs): These are women-led organisations working to advance
women’s rights and gender justice.
Women’s movements: These are broad social movements led by women and their organisations that
campaign for women’s rights and gender justice at national, regional and international levels. They
include WROs and other actors, including activists, academics, journalists, lawyers and trade unionists.
List of acronyms
Association of Women in Development (AWID) National association of Professional
Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Environmentalists (NAPE)
Department for International Development (DFID) Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)
Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
(SRHR)
Gender and Development Network (GADN)
Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)
Information, Communication Technologies (ICT)
Theory of Change (ToC)
International Non-Governmental Organisations
(INGOs) United Nations (UN)
Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LBTQ) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG)
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ)
National Association for Women’s Action in Women’s Rights Organisation (WRO)
Development (NAWAD)
4 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Table of contents
Executive summary 5
Introduction and methodology 8
Case study:
Kenya: The young feminist convening 12
Case study:
Uganda: Supporting the eco-feminist movement 17
Case study:
Zimbabwe: Responding to emerging opportunities
for the women’s movement in the 2018 elections 21
Lessons learned 24
NAWAD women’s group perform
drama on oil land grabbing, Recommendations: Movement strengthening for
Nwoya
© Womankind /Sarah Waiswa women’s rights practitioners and donors 27
5 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Executive summary (young feminists in particular) expressing feelings of
exclusion and/or discontent that their concerns are
omitted from key debates.
Womankind Worldwide’s programmatic approach
Understanding her own position and role, and the
to strengthening women’s movements, as detailed
potential for transformation that young women
in her strategy and Theory of Change,1 asserts that
can bring, Womankind provided strategic support
progressive change for women happens when
for young women and their organising in Kenya.
diverse and independent women’s movements
Due to the fragmentation of the movement and
have strength, resilience and collective power.
the desire not to replicate some of the issues
Whilst the actors in women’s movements are
raised in the consultation, Womankind worked
varied, Womankind understands that women’s
with an informal group rather than a partner
rights organisations (WROs) form the backbone of
organisation. This resulted in the creation of a
women’s movements and are the sites from which
carefully considered organising committee of ten
movements are built and supported.2 Collaboration
young Kenyan feminists to plan, design and lead a
and partnership between Womankind and WROs is
two-day convening with participants from across
central and is grounded in feminist values. To avoid
the country. The engagement and leadership of
replicating the power imbalances of patriarchal
young feminists in the organising committee with
structures and systems, these partnerships are based
oversight from Womankind was a new way of
on a power-with strategy with joint ownership
working for all involved and at times challenged
and shared risks, responsibilities and benefits.3
a shared understanding of feminist values and
Womankind’s Theory of Change identifies a set
approaches. However, this was an important aspect
of programme inputs, called pillars, (See Box A on
of learning from the project as such challenges were
page 9) underpinned by feminist leadership, which
addressed between committee members and, when
summarise the areas of support that Womankind
appropriate, with Womankind. Whilst the convening
includes in her programmes and in project design
itself was a short event, the new connections made
with partners to strengthen women’s movements.
by participants will be longer lasting, underpinned
The focus of this paper: by solidarity and commitment to support each other
Introducing the three initiatives and emerging initiatives.
In this paper, Womankind draws on evidence and Uganda: Supporting the eco-
learning from three distinct projects (sometimes feminist movement
called initiatives in this paper and summarised
While land – access, control and ownership – has
below) to better understand her programmatic
long been a locus of conflict and dissent, the most
approach through project delivery and partnership
recent wave of dispute is caused by what has
in line with the Theory of Change and to document
been termed the land rush or land grabs: investors
how women’s movements are strengthened
purchasing or leasing land for mining or producing
and sustained. In addition to existing project
cash crops. Women’s right to land is suppressed by
documentation and evidence, Womankind explored
the convergence of patriarchal social norms and
a range of movement-focused questions, including
commercial pressures on land and natural resources,
which strategies and approaches were used in each
while neither customary nor statutory law fully
initiative to strengthen the women’s movement,
protects their rights. This has particular impact on
and what sustained changes were achieved for the
women in rural areas, including violence and forced
women’s movement as a result of the initiative.
evictions, negative impact on women’s livelihood
1. Womankind Worldwide (2016), The three projects are described in more detail later and income, an increase in unpaid care and
Women’s movements: a force for
change. Womankind Worldwide’s
on in the paper but are briefly introduced here: domestic work and restrictions to civic space.
Strategy 2016-2021. Available online at Kenya, a convening of young feminists; Uganda, the
https://www.womankind.org.uk/docs/ The National Association of Professional
default-source/resources/womankind- eco-feminist movement use of Feminist Participatory
worldwide-external-strategy- Environmentalists (NAPE) and the National
Action Research (FPAR);4 and Zimbabwe, pre-election
summary-2017.pdf
Association of Women’s Action in Development
2. Batliawala, S. (2012), Changing positioning by the women’s movement.
Their World: Concepts and Practices (NAWAD)5 initiated a movement for women to
of Women’s Movements. AWID, 2nd
Edition. Available online at https://www. Kenya: The young feminist have a say on energy, fossil fuel and climate justice
awid.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/
changing_their_world_2ed_full_eng.pdf convening issues in addition to agribusiness and extractive
3. Institute of Development Studies industries. To date, NAPE and NAWAD have
(2018), Participatory Methods: Power. In 2017-18, Womankind conducted a consultation
Available online at https://www. identified 1,500 Ugandan women who are part of
participatorymethods.org/method/power with women from the Kenyan women’s rights
4. NAPE/NAWAD/Womankind a vibrant eco-feminist movement with the goal of
movement to understand priorities for women’s
Worldwide (2018), Digging deep:
mobilising 5,000 more in the next 2 years. Through
The impact of Uganda’s land rush on rights. Following this, a project concept began
women’s rights. Available online at consultation and collective action, they aim to
https://www.womankind.org.uk/docs/ to emerge to address some of the issues raised
default-source/resources/reports/digging- influence decision making in national development
deep-the-impact-of-uganda’s-land-rush- with particular focus on creating a safe space and
on-women’s-rights.pdf
processes as well as promote the adoption of
opportunities for young feminists to share and
5. For more information about NAPE and feminist livelihoods and energy alternatives in
NAWAD see: http://www.nape.or.ug and organise. A key challenge was the fragmentation of
http://www.nawad.co.ug communities affected by land intensive industries.
the Kenyan women’s movement with various groups
6 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
In partnership with Womankind, NAPE and NAWAD Pledge, which was signed by 14 political parties.
conducted a Feminist Participatory Action Research However, often overlooked but essential for
(FPAR)6 study in 2017 to fully understand the impact movement strengthening, the project also supported
and scale of land rights issues affecting women women to quite literally come together, to meet in
in several provinces, which aimed to strengthen safe spaces and to explore their own understanding
the eco-feminist movement in Uganda. The FPAR of the election context in order to discuss and
methodology builds on feminist practice developed agree on a joined-up approach and engage in
throughout the 1990s and 2000s and is used to project activities from community level voter
equip women with increased knowledge and power registration through to national level advocacy and
as well as the ability to create ideas and identify political support. Overall, the women’s movement
solutions to effect change. The resulting report, improved election preparedness by strengthening
‘Digging Deep: The impact of Uganda’s land rush capacity, developing strategy and working group
on women’s rights,’7 contributed to the evidence mechanisms, recruiting community champions to
base on this issue, raised awareness, helped to support women’s rights and gender responsive
broaden movement membership at the grassroots election advocacy, monitoring, civic education and
level whilst also supporting women’s participation citizen mobilisation initiatives.
in high-level spaces. As a movement, eco-feminism
aims to organise and enable women to challenge Summary of the lessons learned
oppression. Thus, FPAR as a methodology promoted These three initiatives each aligned with key
safe spaces and a process of women’s movement elements of the Womankind Theory of Change. This
building and collective action, thereby building is a brief summary of initial learning with particular
solidarity, respect, safety, care and consent. reference to Womankind’s inputs (known as pillars).
More comprehensive information on each initiative
Zimbabwe: Responding to
is included in the relevant case study.
emerging opportunities for the
Pillar 1: Women activists are supported and
women’s movement in the 2018
encouraged to understand the political
elections
importance of self-care and wellbeing
The 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe was heralded
In each project, there has been implicit
as a great success amongst the women’s rights
acknowledgement of the need for time and space
movement in Zimbabwe, as 80% of their demands
for women to consider and respond to their
were met.8 However, these gains did not materialise
own needs in relation to self-care and wellbeing.
in practice and the lack of prioritisation of women’s
However, this remains a challenge for many women
rights in a context of continued crisis underscored
due to patriarchal norms and prevalent gender roles
the enduring need for a strong and resilient
not to mention adequate resourcing and time. There
women’s movement. The ability of the women’s
is consideration of this as well as the commitment
movement to identify and respond to unforeseen
to further integrate this into future activities to help
opportunities is key and the 2018 election provided
sustain women in the movements they are part of.
scope for the Zimbabwean women’s movement to
organise and mobilise support for women’s rights to Pillar 2: Opportunities are provided to
be upheld in line with the progressive Constitution. movement actors to connect with each other in
safe spaces
In times of rapid change, support from allies
and other women’s organisations is vital. This is In each project, it is evident that the resourcing and
why Womankind assisted the Women’s Coalition inclusion of time for women to meet and engage in
of Zimbabwe with creating responses to this safe spaces for project activities is a central aspect
unforeseen opening at the national level. WCoZ is of movement building. This was the case for smaller
central to the women’s movement in Zimbabwe and organising committee type engagement as well as
with a national grassroots membership structure larger meetings and conferences.
is well placed to work with diverse women’s rights Pillar 3: Appropriate communications and ICT
organisations and other allies and actors. support is provided to facilitate network and
6. Gatenby, B. & Humphries, M. In partnership with Womankind, WCoZ focused on alliance building and action
(2000). Feminist participatory action
research: methodological and ethical the development of a women’s manifesto for the From developing and agreeing messaging for
issues. Available online at https://www.
participatorymethods.org/resource/
elections, a conference on women and the election social media or an election manifesto, through
feminist-participatory-action-research- (titled Sisters in Solidarity) and media campaigning, to the development of an agenda and sessions
methodologicial-and-ethical-issues
7. NAPE/NAWAD/Womankind including social media. Throughout the project, a for a two-day convening, or conducting FPAR
Worldwide (2018), Digging deep:
The impact of Uganda’s land rush on
collaborative and consultative process was taken resulting in a publication, it is clear that strong
women’s rights. op. cit. as evident through a collectively designed feminist communications and ICT support are essential for
8. UN Women (2013), Zimbabweans
say yes to new Constitution strong analysis of the pre-election monitoring environment women’s movements. This is both for the delivery of
on gender equality and women’s
rights. Available online at http://www. and the development of an election strategy with specific project activities and outcomes but also for
unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2013/4/
zimbabweans-say-yes-to-new-
members and key allies to address gaps through organising and mobilising the wider movement and
constitution-strong-on-gender-equality- advocacy. The project achieved all of the outcomes to coalesce around agreed priorities and action.
and-womens-rights
that it had planned, including the Gender Parity
7 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Pillar 4: Key actors in the women’s movement and stakeholders, as well as connecting with other
are mapped and issues of intersectionality are women’s rights organisations, the global women’s
raised, understood and addressed movement and allies from other social movements.
Each project involved a range of diverse women
Feminist transformative
identifying in various ways and with particular needs
and priorities. There is a tacit understanding through
leadership is key in strengthening
the process of project design and delivery with
women’s movements and
Womankind that taking an intersectional approach is grounded in principles of
key to feminist values and approaches in movement collective and non-hierarchical
building and strengthening. approaches to decision making
Pillar 5: Feminist documentation and research and influencing
form the core of umbrella initiatives to bring Feminist transformational leadership was evident
WROs together in each case study documented in this paper. In
In these three projects, the most obvious evidence Uganda, FPAR embeds feminist principles that
of documentation and research includes the empower women to analyse the impacts of land
publication of the women’s election manifesto in grabs and formulate responses and solutions
Zimbabwe and the ‘Digging Deep’ report from themselves. In Zimbabwe, women from across the
Uganda. Both have formed the basis for women women’s coalition participated equally in leading
to gather, engage and develop recommendations the pre-election work, building on their respective
for future action, including in policy and advocacy. strengths. In Kenya, young women worked together
In the case of Kenya, the process of designing and in a non-hierarchal committee structure to plan the
developing the agenda, sessions and materials for convening. Whilst these processes sometimes took
the two-day convening brought young women time and power imbalances surfaced, which needed
together and subsequently convened a wider group to be addressed, the process of collective leadership
of participants at the event itself. deepened women’s solidarity and collective power.
Pillar 6: Women’s movement actors are given Other learning
the opportunity to connect to wider platforms The case studies also highlighted other aspects of
for movement building and learning learning about strengthening movements, such
The creation and ownership of evidence and as the importance of political education and cross
policy recommendations are essential to making movement building. As Womankind supports more
the continued case for change and action in initiatives in the future, she is eager to learn more
support of women’s rights. In the case of Uganda about movement strengthening approaches and to
NAPE drama group members,
and Zimbabwe, women engaged in policy document and share these learnings.
Kigaaga, Hoima County
© Womankind /Sarah Waiswa development and advocacy with influential targets
8 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Introduction through shared principles of partnership and to
increase effectiveness through organisational
development support.
For decades, women’s movements have been vital
Womankind has a unique programming approach.
instruments for change to laws and policies affecting
Collaboration and partnership between Womankind
women’s rights. By tackling root causes of inequality,
and WROs is central and is grounded in feminist
such as patriarchy, and seeking transformational
values. All partnerships are based on a power-
change at individual, community and systemic levels,
with strategy in order to avoid replicating power
women’s movements have been the most critical
imbalances of patriarchal structures and systems.14
factor in achieving progressive policies, such as those
Decision makers must be women in order to
for violence against women and girls (VAWG).9
strengthen women’s leadership and agency and
Women’s movements have similar characteristics to initiatives should take a rights based approach.
other social justice movements in that they organise Initiatives evolve from partner priorities and are
a broad base of constituents to pursue a common developed with close and extensive support
political agenda of change through a range of from Womankind. Womankind works with local
collective action strategies.10 Women’s movements experts to support partners where appropriate
differ from other social movements in that their and in support of initiatives, which contributes an
constituents and leaders are women, the majority additional layer of feminist leadership.
of which are the most impacted by patriarchal
During the development of the current strategy
norms, often in multiple and intersecting ways, who
and related country strategies, it was important
campaign for women’s rights and gender justice at
for Womankind to retain her feminist approach to
national, regional and international levels. Women’s
partnership but she was eager to understand the
movements place emphasis on developing gendered
additional ways in which she could better focus
analyses of the problems they want to address and
her support to women’s movements. Womankind’s
establish political goals that challenge social power
analysis was also cognisant of the trend towards the
relations through feminist strategies and methods,
‘NGOisation of feminist movements’ where non-
such as women’s mobilising. Centring feminist
governmental organisations (NGOs including WROs)
values and ideology at the heart of movements is
are often not able to centre politics in their work
key and often has the secondary impact of creating
because Northern actors stipulate the agendas and
more feminist organisations.11
define success.15 Whilst understanding the tensions
In her strategy ‘Women’s Movements: A Force around power dynamics and resourcing for partners
for Change (2016-2021)’ and ‘Theory of Change and projects, deliberate consideration was given to
(ToC),’12 Womankind asserts that progressive change including spaces for political reflection and action in
for women happens when diverse and independent programme design.
women’s movements have strength, resilience and
During the development of the current strategy,
collective power. Whilst the actors in women’s
which runs from 2016 to 2021, Womankind
movements are varied, Womankind understands
consulted with over 100 WROs and allies16 and
9. Htun, M. and Weldon, S.L. (2012), that women’s rights organisations (WROs) form the
The Civic Origins of Progressive Policy subsequently developed programme design
Change: Combating Violence against backbone of women’s movements and are the sites
Women in Global Perspective, 1975- guidelines to situate partner initiatives within
2005, American Political Science Review, from which movements are built and supported.13
1-22.
existing movements and integrate activities that
10. Batliawala, S. (2012), Changing “(Women’s rights organisations are) … the would both help the initiative to succeed and
Their World: Concepts and Practices
of Women’s Movements. AWID, 2nd sites from which movements are built, contribute to strengthening the political goals of
Edition. op. cit.
11. Ibid. supported, serviced and governed — women’s movements. Consideration is also given to
12. Womankind Worldwide (2016),
Women’s movements: a force for
and sometimes, destroyed. They are the monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) through
change. Womankind Worldwide’s primary structures in or through which the connection between project-focused MEL and
Strategy 2016-2021. op. cit.
13. Batliawala. S. (2012), Changing movement leaders, activists, and members Womankind inputs as expressed in the Theory of
Their World: Concepts and Practices
of Women’s Movements. AWID, 2nd
are organised, trained, capacitated, Change. The design guidelines encourage partners
Edition. op. cit. protected, and energised to pursue the to deliberately consider (giving due consideration to
14. Gatenby, B. & Humphries, M. (2000),
Feminist Participatory Action Research: transformational agenda of movements.” safety and security) the following areas:17
methodological and ethical issues.
op. cit. Srilatha Batiawala, Association of Women in • What movement is your initiative is a part of
15. Al-Karib, H. (2018) The dangers
of NGO-isation of women’s rights
Development (AWID) (thematic, identity based, geographical, online
in Africa. Available online at https://
www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/ Womankind has 30 years of experience working etc)?18
dangers-ngo-isation-women-rights-
africa-181212102656547.html with over 280 WROs across more than 13 countries • Which other actors are working on the same
16. Womankind Worldwide (2016), and three continents. She has expertise and topic both inside and outside the women’s
Women’s movements: a force for
change. Womankind Worldwide’s experience on how to support WROs to achieve their movement? What has already been achieved
Strategy 2016-2021. op. cit.
17. Influenced by Batliawala, S. (2012), goals on preventing violence against women and and what are the current gaps?
Changing Their World: Concepts and
Practices of Women’s Movements.
girls, enhancing women’s political participation and • What opportunities exist for partnership/
AWID, 2nd Edition. op. cit. realising women’s economic rights. Womankind also consortia/alliances with other women’s rights
18. Womankind : violence against
women and girls; women’s economic has in depth experience of building the capacities actors, those in other social justice movements
rights; and women’s participation and
leadership of WROs to strengthen their feminist approaches or non-usual actors to further your initiative?
9 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
• What kind of collective action strategies can The Womankind consultation also led to the specific
be used in your initiative? Do these build on development of pillars (see Box A), which are
women’s own mobilising capacities and involve coupled with feminist leadership19 as a cross cutting
women at every stage? theme. The pillars are not an exhaustive list or one-
• Is your work grounded in a robust gender size-fits-all toolkit, but are a guide for programme
analysis? design with partners. As the strategy continues to be
implemented, Womankind is hoping to deepen her
• Are the goals of the initiative gendered and seek
understanding of how to further support women’s
a change in gender and social power relations?
movements.
• Is your approach rights based (if possible in your
Womankind’s selection of these pillars are rooted
19. Batliawala, S. (2011), Feminist context)?
Leadership for Social Transformation
in her understanding of the following realities
Clearing the Conceptual Cloud. for women’s rights organisations and the wider
Available online at https://www.uc.edu/
content/dam/uc/ucwc/docs/CREA.pdf women’s movement they work with and within:
Box A – Womankind’s movement pillars
1. Women activists are supported and encouraged to understand the political importance of self-care
and wellbeing
2. Opportunities are provided to movement actors to connect with each other in safe spaces
3. Appropriate communications and ICT support are provided to facilitate action and network and
alliance building
4. Strategies to raise, understand and incorporate intersectional approaches are developed and supported
5. Support is provided for feminist documentation and research as a key part of initiatives bringing
WROs together
6. Opportunities are provided to women’s movement actors to connect to wider platforms for movement
building and learning
7. Support is given to the women’s movement to access and input into sustainable, progressive funding
and financing models
Self-care and wellbeing: Women’s rights Intersectionality:20 Many women face multiple
activists are constantly at risk of attack (including discrimination based on their identity that intersect
physical, financial, judicial, sexual and online) as with gender discrimination, such as race. However,
they challenge power holders and duty bearers. intersectional programming is not well understood.
Consistent exposure to attack and backlash takes Building on the UK Gender and Development
its toll on activists both physically, emotionally and Network’s (GADN) work,21 Womankind will support
psychologically. Womankind will support partners to women’s movements to better understand and
individually and collectively reflect on the importance integrate intersectionality into their work.
of self-care as a key strategy in sustaining activism. Feminist documentation and research: This is a
Safe spaces: Activists working on changing deeply preferred approach by women’s movements because
entrenched societal norms can be targeted for the it emphasises the lived realities of women. However,
views they hold as a way to scare them into stopping this work is often unfunded, making it challenging
or changing their activities. This can take place to show the extent of discrimination against women.
in their homes, in public and in their workplaces. Womankind will support partners to development
Womankind will support spaces for women to meet, and utilise feminist documentation and research so
support each other and create strategies to progress that there is a strong evidence base upon which to
their work. advocate for change.
Communications and ICT: Activists are using Platforms for movement building and learning:
20. A term first used by Kimberle
Crenshaw to demonstrate the innovative technologies, such as social media Women’s movement actors are often not able to
intersection between race and gender.
See:https://philpapers.org/archive/ and films, to share the successes of their work, attend learning events outside of their contexts
CREDTI.pdf
21. Gender and Development
educate women on their rights and amplify the due to limited economic means and increasing
Network (2018), Intersectionality: voices of women nationally, regionally and globally. restrictions on their ability to travel overseas due to
Reflections from the Gender &
Development Network. Available online Womankind will support women’s movements visa requirements. Where possible and appropriate,
at https://static1.squarespace.com/
static/536c4ee8e4b0b60bc6ca7c74/
and feminist communicators in mobilising their Womankind will support partners to attend these
t/5a130e9d53450a0abd9c0f8f/ constituents for action and reporting on their work spaces to enhance the potential for impact of their
1511198367912/Intersectionality+GADN
+thinkpiece+November+2017.pdf via various ICT channels. agendas beyond their contexts.
10 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Sustainable, progressive funding and financing Methodology
models: Women’s movements are under-resourced
This report highlights learning from three movement
and this severely limits the potential to realise
strengthening initiatives that Womankind has
women’s rights. Womankind will continue to
supported during the first three years of her new
advocate for long-term, flexible funding for women’s
strategy. In developing the paper, Womankind
movements in addition to supporting actors to
conducted stakeholder interviews with actors
develop sustainable operating models.
from each movement, analysed key literature and
Transformational feminist leadership:22 This is reviewed relevant project documentation.
a leadership style that does not revolve around the
The key learning questions were:
demands or identity of one person in a hierarchical
structure. It seeks to share leadership between • What strategies and approaches were used
different actors, bringing their mutual strengths in each initiative to strengthen each women’s
and skills to bear towards the same goal. This style movement?
is empowering: it models feminist purpose and • Are there elements that emerged that
principles, challenges patriarchal power, builds on demonstrated Womankind’s Theory of Change
collective skills and strengths and supports women in strengthening women’s movements?
to integrate heart, mind and body. • What were the synergies across contexts?
• What were the challenges?
22. Wakefield, S. (2017) Transformative
and Feminist Leadership for Women’s
• What sustained changes were achieved for the
Rights. Oxfam America Research women’s movement as a result of the initiative?
Backgrounder series. Available online at
https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/ • What further support can this initiative receive
research-publications/transformative-
feministleadership-womens-rights from Womankind and others in the future?
Womankind Worldwide’s inputs
for movement building taken from
her Theory of Change11 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide Young feminists participate in discussions at the Young Feminist Convening © Womankind /Atieno Muyuyi
12 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Case study: Kenya: The and challenge prevailing power dynamics within the
women’s movement and enabled them to strategise
young feminist convening how to respond to backlash and provide solidarity
and support for each other.
Context The initiative
In 2017, Womankind carried out a series of Although Womankind is partner-led organisation,
consultation meetings in Nairobi with members of she decided that situating this initiative within an
the Kenyan women’s rights movement to understand existing partner or other registered WRO in Kenya
the priorities for women’s rights at local and national could have contributed to further fragmentation
levels. The issues raised were wide ranging, from the of the women’s movement. Womankind therefore
need for a sensitive approach to bringing women chose to pilot an innovative alternative programme
together to the need for finding and agreeing on structure whilst remaining true to her feminist values.
entry points for transformative change within the As a result, a local committee of young feminists
movement itself. A key trend that emerged was the was established to lead the initiative with logistical
extent to which the Kenyan women’s movement is support from a Kenyan women’s rights expert and
fragmented. This included views from women about fiscal host. As a learning organisation, Womankind
the lack of cohesion and strategy in the aftermath of was keen to test this approach and understand if this
the 2002 elections. Although during this time women could complement her usual partnership approach of
leaders assumed government positions, they gave working with WROs.
little handover to others in the women’s movement, The organising committee comprised of ten young
and feelings of exclusion and/or discontent that Kenyan feminists drawn from across thematic
their issues are omitted from key debates also sectors, locations, ethnicities, abilities and sexualities
arose. A common strand was that there are limited and were chosen because of their role and scope
meaningful spaces for WROs and activists to come of engagement in the young Kenyan women’s
together or to act in true solidarity. Young feminists movement. Committee members came from Lamu,
expressed their views about wanting to engage and Kisumu, Nakuru and Nairobi, worked in SRHR,
debate with the broader women’s movement but eco-feminism, VAWG, peace and security, girl’s
that there is a lack of sustained intergenerational leadership, disability rights and LBTQ organising and
engagement which has led to limited inclusion and had experiences in women’s rights organisations at
unrepresentative voice. There are also tensions related the national and grassroots levels. With support from
to competition over resources and a lack of spaces to a Kenyan women’s rights expert and in modelling
reflect on what makes the movement stronger and to feminist leadership principles, the committee chose
set a common vision. its own organising structure. Womankind retained
financial oversight of the initiative (due to its
Young feminists in Kenya
accountability responsibilities with the donor) and
In relation to her strategy and understanding of contracted a partner in Kenya to act as the project
the national context, Womankind understands fiscal host in order to disburse and account for funds
that young feminists have the potential to make locally and minimise exchange rate losses.
a significant contribution to women’s rights in
The committee held regular meetings and shared
Kenya through their own social capital as well as
responsibilities to convene and develop a shared
the connections and access to information required
agenda for each one. The process of planning for
to build and maintain relationships and networks.
the two-day convening itself included the creation of
Young feminists represent a diverse range of social
three sub-committees, each focused on a different
issues, including youth, sex work, LBTQ, climate and
aspect of the event: participant selection, convening
environmental justice, SRHR, issues faced by rural
content, and event logistics.
women, safety and security issues faced by WHRD,
health, education and disability rights. “Working with such a diverse and dynamic
As a result, Womankind chose to focus its support in group in the committee afforded me the
a strategic way to support young feminists (under 30 unique opportunity to become deeply
years old) through a two-day convening and follow aware and sensitised on the struggle of
up activities. The convening approach was agreed as others and not only my own. It was eye-
it provides supportive and safe spaces to empower opening to listen to environmental activists,
young feminists who are so often on the margins LBTQ identifying women and human rights
of women’s movements, as well as in their own defenders and trying to link their struggle
communities due to their views and outlook. This to my own. In retrospect, I did learn a
approach also aimed to nurture the development simple but powerful lesson; that even in our
of feminist consciousness, including through the diversity, we are all fighting for the same
ability to make decisions and to design and lead thing, inclusivity. We are one! That is the
an initiative for themselves by themselves. This essence of solidarity and sisterhood.”
underscored their desire and need to come together Catherine Kandie, Organising committee member13 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
The selection criteria for participants of the young A greater sense of solidarity and sisterhood:
feminist convening mirrored that used for the Participants shared that they benefitted greatly from
organising committee with a focus on diversity understanding patriarchy as a system of oppression,
and experience. Efforts were made to reach out including how everyone is affected in different ways
to and accommodate the most excluded, whether by the same system. They also strengthened their
this was due to lack of finances to support their understanding of the relationship between individual
participation, their ability to engage online or their versus collective responsibilities and how this
remote locations. Resources were provided to developed their sense of solidarity and sisterhood.
women with children to be accompanied by their An understanding of African feminist
usual childminder, the venue was made accessible history gave hope: This was invaluable as many
to accommodate wheelchair users,23 and internal young feminists were unaware of the HerStory
flights were arranged to transport women from five of African feminism, including the impact of
counties across the country. colonial oppression and capitalism on women.
Understanding both the past as well as the progress
Themes of the convening:
made to date by African women on women’s rights
‘Critique, Influence, Change’24 gave participants a sense of hope.
The first day of the convening provided background
and opportunity for participants to engage with How the initiative contributed to
each other and understand the background to strengthening the young feminist
current struggles through the sharing of daily movement in Kenya
realities and experiences of living under patriarchy, This section is organised under broad headings
the history of the feminist movement in Africa and in relation to Womankind’s movement pillars and
Kenya, and feminist organising. The second day includes additional learning and insight drawn from
focused on future action and envisaging feminist the initiative.
futures together.
This approach, through the development of the Strategies
agenda by and for young feminists, was well received, Self-care and wellbeing: As young feminists
as demonstrated through the event evaluation. Many shared their stories on the first day, many were
young feminists reported that this was the first time triggered by painful memories that strengthened
they had been to a feminist event and heard core their understanding of the connection between
Below: Young feminists feminist material around power and the HerStory of personal experiences and the political nature
participate in discussions at the
Young Feminist Convening the Kenyan feminist movement. Many had not been of feminism. At the beginning of day two, the
© Womankind /Atieno Muyuyi
in such diverse feminist spaces before and welcomed participants took part in an impromptu healing
23. CBM International (2017), Disability
Inclusive Development Toolkit. Available
the meaningful engagement of women with many circle to acknowledge these painful stories and
online at https://www.cbm.org/article/ identities, all accepted as equals. Whilst the event was experiences, to heal together from negative
downloads/54741/CBM-DID-TOOLKIT-
accessible.pdf only short, it gave impetus to many young women emotions, and to accept the important need for
24. Influenced by Mies, M. (1999),
Patriarchy and Accumulation on a World
to forge new connections and collaboration for their time for oneself, so often overlooked or forgotten
Scale: Women in the International organising with and for each other in solidarity. Of by women. The inclusion of the healing session
Division of Labour (Critique Influence
Change), Zed Books. particular note are the following: highlighted the importance of being flexible in14 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
feminist spaces to respond to women’s emotional Information and consent forms (the ability to
needs as a result of sharing their stories. It also determine and decide whether to be quoted,
underscored the importance of creating spaces for photographed etc) were available to participants
wellbeing and self-care activities in advance. in relation to communications and media which
contributed to their feeling truly safe in the space.
“Thank you so much for this space, it has
Through minimising media coverage before, during
started a healing process for me and is
and after the convening, a level of privacy was
refocusing and strategising my feminism.”
maintained, which reduced the risk of reprisal to
Participant at the young feminist convening participants who may be targeted and singled out
Spaces for young feminists: There was if their identities were broadcast in the media.
recognition that young feminists are organising There were some select online conversations
differently to other women despite limited time, through social media, which engaged the public
funding and the spaces to do this. There are and some young women who did not attend.
different initiatives framed around the issues It was acknowledged that this could be further
faced by young women within specific contexts strengthened in future initiatives to broaden reach to
and localities but many of these issues are shared a significant number of women, including through
regardless of location or scope of work and a community or vernacular radio and TV channels.
national convening helps to highlight these shared Further development of a media strategy in future
and interconnected struggles and work. can also raise awareness and counter stigma and
misinformation about young women’s organising26
Many participants welcomed the safe space of
to reinforce diversity and inclusivity but the choice of
the convening because they could share their
media outlet needs careful consideration.
views freely without judgement from others.
Consideration about the ages of some of the “This also created visibility on the power
younger participants (16-18 years and those with of young women working together and
children under 16) was incorporated into the a forum where only young women were
choice of venue for the event (physically secure, represented from all over Kenya to discuss
and alcohol and smoking prohibited) and aligned very critical issues that are affecting women
with Womankind’s safeguarding policy and practice and girls and the need for movement
and governance requirements.25 There were some building.”
tensions around this choice with some organising Shyleen Momanyi, Organising committee member
committee members stating a preference for more
liberal spaces, which can be further explored when Intersectionality: The agenda and approach taken
planning subsequent events whilst also fulfilling best at the convening provided scope and space to
practice and statutory requirements. Some members ensure that the multiple struggles of diverse women
of the organising committee also questioned were raised and heard. Young feminists shared
the power dynamics of involving some session their stories of formal and informal organising from
facilitators who were over 30 years of age, including across the country (rural and urban), from different
those who provided insight and background to socio-economic backgrounds, on disability rights,
Kenyan and African feminist HerStory, an area where sexual minority activism, organising as young
participants reported little or no prior knowledge. mothers and as women of faith. By bringing such a
This underscored the need to identify and invest diverse group of women together for the first time
in capacity building of young feminist facilitators to share their stories, the convening made the term
(under 30 years), including on feminist leadership intersectionality27 a reality for many and helped to
development and feminist analysis. Questions grow empathy with others.
around a shared understanding of feminist values “I learnt that intersectionality should inform
emerged throughout the process with agreement every aspect of our feminist organising.”
that this process and reflection is a critical part
Participant at the young feminist convening
of creating feminist spaces and understanding
what makes feminist organising different to other Feminist leadership in action for self and
organising. others: In the evaluation of the event, most
Communications and ICTs: Organising committee participants committed to keeping in touch with
members reflected that there were both positive the women they had met at the convening within a
25. The Charity Commission (2018),
and negatives to the approach agreed on media broad network of sisterhood and solidarity. They also
Safeguarding and protecting people
for charities and trustees. Available
engagement. The choice to have minimal committed to exercising feminist leadership in action
online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/
safeguarding-duties-for-charity-trustees mainstream media engagement ensured that the by sharing and documenting information, mentoring
26. UN Department of Economic and
Social Affairs (2018), Disability and the convening agenda remained centred on young young women, promoting and supporting other
Media. Available online at https://www.
feminists and was not hijacked by bigger, more women when they organise, and having an active
un.org/development/desa/disabilities/
resources/disability-and-the-media.html
established organisations. This decision also meant presence on social media. Organising committee
27. National Association of Independent
Schools (2018), Kimberlé Crenshaw: the convening location was not widely publicised members also expressed how being involved in the
What is Intersectionality? Available
or known, an important consideration in terms of planning for the event contributed to their feminist
online at https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=ViDtnfQ9FHc
potential security concerns. leadership.15 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
“The convening also played a bigger part Sustained changes for the young
in building my feminist leadership and feminist movement in Kenya as a
transforming so many women to be feminist result of the convening
to the extent of contributing to the first
The convening created a platform for young
feminist centre in Kibera.”
feminists across Kenya to meet in a safe space.
Editar Ochieng, Organising committee member
Whilst the convening was only a short event, the
feedback suggested that women were making
Challenges
new connections between themselves to support
Diversity: Whilst most felt that the convening each other’s initiatives through a greater sense of
was very diverse, some young feminists noted that solidarity and sisterhood. The follow-up forums that
some voices were still missing, including those with are planned as part of the overall project will help to
intellectual disabilities. There was some reflection on maintain momentum and identify future initiatives.
language as although both Swahili and English were
spoken at the event in accordance with participant Future support from INGOs like
preferences, some felt that English was overused, Womankind
including through the use of complex terms in The convening was the first activity in an 18-month
relation to feminism. project with the young feminist movement. This
Project governance: The organising committee will be followed by regional feminist forums and
reported satisfaction with the diversity in the group exchanges including for adolescent girls, to take the
and how participants with specific needs had been essence of the convening to other young women.
fully supported to attend meetings. However, In addition to the forums, the organising committee
appropriate meeting venues with wheelchair hope to seek support to develop a young feminist
access were limited. The division of labour leadership academy in Kenya to build a cohort of
between the three sub-committees was felt to be facilitators who can become trained in feminist
a good approach, although some members felt leadership skills, principles and movement building,
overburdened at times. As in most feminist spaces, and share these with young women across the
there was healthy divergence of opinion, dominant country. Organising committee members are also
voices and conflict, and so further consideration eager to share their learning on young feminist
could have been given to a stronger mechanism to organising with women in countries in the Global
help manage these challenges from the outset. North. In addition, the organising committee
Resourcing: Womankind raised the funds for the requested further time to implement some team
initiative and designed the project to be led by an building activities and develop a Memorandum of
organising committee of young feminists. However, Understanding (MoU) with each other, outlining
some feedback included requests for greater control time and financial expectations, agreeing feminist
Young feminists participate in over finances and more clarify on the original premise values and principles, how to resolve conflicts and
discussions at the Young Feminist
of the organising committee selection process. mapping out how to reach more young feminists
Convening
© Womankind /Atieno Muyuyi across the country.16 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Esther Lalwedo from NAWAD’s
Lagazi women’s group, Nwoya
© Womankind /Sarah Waiswa17 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide
Case study: Uganda: The National Association of Professional
Environmentalists (NAPE) and the National
Supporting the eco- Association of Women’s Action in Development
feminist movement (NAWAD) play a key role in the Ugandan eco-
feminist movement.29 These organisations lead
the eco-feminist women’s movement in Uganda,
Context which aims to amplify women’s voices, especially
the voices of marginalised women whose significant
Land grabs (land rush or land grabs – investors
contribution to national development is not matched
purchasing or leasing land for mining or the
by representation in decision making.
production of cash crops) in Uganda have become
widespread, leaving rural landowners or dwellers The initiative
landless without choice or say in the matter.
Womankind’s partnership with NAPE and NAWAD
Disputed land deeds and an intermix of formal and
(as part of the Uganda eco-feminist movement) was
informal laws, the roles of large corporations and
an excellent opportunity to implement Womankind’s
governments, combined with deeply embedded
approach to movement strengthening, focused on
patriarchal power systems which exploit women’s
documentation and research, and also to support
subordinate position in society, have combined
women’s economic rights as outlined in her paper
to place rural women’s rights in jeopardy. These
‘Rights and Realities.’30 The eco-feminist movement
unjust practices often leave them without a say
already had its own strategy and goals and was clear
in how their land is used, appropriated and sold,
about how Womankind could support these. NAPE
placing them at highest risk of abuse, violence,
and NAWAD were already connected to WoMin (an
homelessness and destitution.
African feminist movement working on extractives31)
Land developments and disputes can result in who had experience of using the Feminist
violence specific to women, including violent Participatory Action Research (FPAR) approach.
intimidation to sell their land, threats of sexual
In partnership with Womankind, NAPE and NAWAD
violence from workers at newly developed refineries,
developed a FPAR study to fully understand the
or violence against women in large and unregulated
impact and scale of land rights issues affecting
displacement camps. As well as the threat of violence
women in several provinces. The study aimed to
and oppression, land grabs have often rendered
strengthen the eco-feminist movement in Uganda
women in rural areas (who are often responsible for
through solid evidence building, raising awareness
feeding their families and generating livelihoods from
and widening the movement membership.
produce and small-scale farming on their land) unable
to feed their families and generate income in times The choice of FPAR was a conscious one: FPAR
of need. The concern of women’s powerlessness in facilitates movement strengthening by building the
decision making in relation to the environment and capacity of the female researchers as grassroots
land is even more pertinent in Uganda where over a members of the movement. The researchers were
quarter of households do not include an adult male.28 then able to cascade knowledge and produce
solid recommendations and evidence, validated
The Uganda eco-feminist by women and the organisations involved in the
movement eco-feminist movement. This evidence, published
The eco-feminist movement in Uganda emerged in Digging Deep: The impact of Uganda’s land rush
in response to systemic abuses of women’s on women’s rights,32 has been used in advocacy and
rights resulting from corporate and government lobbying with mandated government institutions
land abuses. The movement covers a range of and companies to challenge the environmental and
environmental issues, such as climate change and land rights injustices faced by women whilst also
land rights and places women at the centre of its tackling deeply embedded patriarchal structures in
analysis, ultimately understanding that women are Uganda. As a result of the research initiative, the
disproportionately affected by injustices associated membership base grew significantly.
28. World Bank (2016), The
Uganda Poverty Assessment
with environmental issues in Uganda. As part of a feminist movement, the central
Report 2016. Available online at
The movement is made up of a wide range of analysis of the initiative looked at how women are
http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/
en/381951474255092375/pdf/Uganda- grassroots women’s rights organisations, individuals disproportionately affected by exploitation and
Poverty-Assessment-Report-2016.pdf
29. For more information on NAPE and and activists, and has crossover with other women’s violence and how they can also be advocates for
NAWAD see: http://www.nape.or.ug and
rights movements and social movements, including change and claiming their rights. The analysis looked
http://www.nawad.co.ug
30. Womankind (2017), Rights and
environmental movements in Uganda and the wider at women’s power within the home and society
Realities: A briefing on women and the
economy. Available online at https:// region. At its core, the movement utilises collective and found that although women possess wide
www.womankind.org.uk/docs/default-
source/resources/briefings/womankind- power and voice to highlight gender injustices and ranging knowledge on issues relating to land and
rights-and-realities-economic-rights-
the lived realities of rural women in Uganda. The the environment, they often have little power or
briefing.pdf
31. For more information about WoMin movement seeks transformational change at both support to exercise the right to say no, or voice what
see: https://womin.org.za/
32. NAPE/NAWAD/Womankind the individual, societal and institutional level to they are unhappy with, both at home and in public
Worldwide (2018), Digging deep:
the ways in which women’s rights are viewed and spaces.
The impact of Uganda’s land rush on
women’s rights. Op. cit.
experienced, particularly in relation the environment. The analysis found that women who speak out orYou can also read
