1 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

Stronger Together: The power of feminist programmes to strengthen women’s movements in , and 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) and (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

(young feminists in particular) expressing feelings of Executive summary 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 Environmentalists (NAPE) and the National worldwide-external-strategy- 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/ issues in addition to agribusiness and extractive changing_their_world_2ed_full_eng.pdf convening 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 a vibrant eco-feminist movement with the goal of 4. NAPE/NAWAD/Womankind 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 with particular focus on creating a safe space and deep-the-impact-of-uganda’s-land-rush- processes as well as promote the adoption of on-women’s-rights.pdf 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 6 (FPAR) 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 7 on women’s rights,’ 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- 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). Zimbabwe: Responding to More comprehensive information on each initiative is included in the relevant case study. emerging opportunities for the women’s movement in the 2018 Pillar 1: Women activists are supported and elections encouraged to understand the political 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. elections, a conference on women and the election social media or an election manifesto, through participatorymethods.org/resource/ 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/ members and key allies to address gaps through organising and mobilising the wider movement and zimbabweans-say-yes-to-new- 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 leadership is key in strengthening and priorities. There is a tacit understanding through 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, document and share these learnings. Kigaaga, Hoima County and Zimbabwe, women engaged in policy © Womankind /Sarah Waiswa development and advocacy with influential targets 8 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

through shared principles of partnership and to Introduction 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- 13 guidelines to situate partner initiatives within 2005, American Political Science Review, from which movements are built and supported. 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), and sometimes, destroyed. They are the monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) through Women’s movements: a force for 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), 17 Feminist Participatory Action Research: transformational agenda of movements.” safety and security) the following areas: 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 Development (AWID) of NGO-isation of women’s rights (thematic, identity based, geographical, online in Africa. Available online at https:// etc)?18 www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/ Womankind has 30 years of experience working 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 18. Womankind : violence against consortia/alliances with other women’s rights 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 educate women on their rights and amplify the due to limited economic means and increasing 21. Gender and Development 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 • What sustained changes were achieved for the and Feminist Leadership for Women’s 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 Change

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Young feminists participate in discussions at the Young Feminist Convening © Womankind /Atieno Muyuyi 12 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

and challenge prevailing power dynamics within the Case study: Kenya: 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, ’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 Young feminists in Kenya financial oversight of the initiative (due to its 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 member 13 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 23 to accommodate wheelchair users, 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. Themes of the convening: Understanding both the past as well as the progress 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 the meaningful engagement of women with many circle to acknowledge these painful stories and Inclusive Development Toolkit. Available 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 in 14 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. 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 27 (under 30 years), including on feminist leadership intersectionality 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), broad network of sisterhood and solidarity. They also Safeguarding and protecting people and negatives to the approach agreed on media for charities and trustees. Available committed to exercising feminist leadership in action online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ engagement. The choice to have minimal safeguarding-duties-for-charity-trustees mainstream media engagement ensured that the by sharing and documenting information, mentoring 26. UN Department of Economic and young women, promoting and supporting other Social Affairs (2018), Disability and the convening agenda remained centred on young Media. Available online at https://www. women when they organise, and having an active un.org/development/desa/disabilities/ feminists and was not hijacked by bigger, more resources/disability-and-the-media.html established organisations. This decision also meant presence on social media. Organising committee 27. National Association of Independent members also expressed how being involved in the Schools (2018), Kimberlé Crenshaw: the convening location was not widely publicised What is Intersectionality? Available planning for the event contributed to their feminist online at https://www.youtube.com/ or known, an important consideration in terms of 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 Challenges feedback suggested that women were making 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 mapping out how to reach more young feminists Convening of the organising committee selection process. © 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 Waiswa 17 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

The National Association of Professional Case study: Uganda: Environmentalists (NAPE) and the National Supporting the eco- Association of Women’s Action in Development (NAWAD) play a key role in the Ugandan eco- feminist movement 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 32 in response to systemic abuses of women’s on women’s rights, 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 As part of a feminist movement, the central Uganda Assessment with environmental issues in Uganda. Report 2016. Available online at analysis of the initiative looked at how women are http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/ The movement is made up of a wide range of en/381951474255092375/pdf/Uganda- grassroots women’s rights organisations, individuals disproportionately affected by exploitation and Poverty-Assessment-Report-2016.pdf violence and how they can also be advocates for 29. For more information on NAPE and and activists, and has crossover with other women’s NAWAD see: http://www.nape.or.ug and change and claiming their rights. The analysis looked http://www.nawad.co.ug rights movements and social movements, including 30. Womankind (2017), Rights and at women’s power within the home and society Realities: A briefing on women and the environmental movements in Uganda and the wider 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- ranging knowledge on issues relating to land and source/resources/briefings/womankind- power and voice to highlight gender injustices and rights-and-realities-economic-rights- the environment, they often have little power or briefing.pdf the lived realities of rural women in Uganda. The 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/ they are unhappy with, both at home and in public 32. NAPE/NAWAD/Womankind the individual, societal and institutional level to Worldwide (2018), Digging deep: spaces. The impact of Uganda’s land rush on the ways in which women’s rights are viewed and women’s rights. Op. cit. experienced, particularly in relation the environment. The analysis found that women who speak out or 18 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

resist the violence associated with land grabs are with HIV and widows, who are disproportionately seen as women who are resisting social norms and impacted. In order to reflect this understanding in defying what society is expects them to do. This the FPAR study, the researchers came from diverse puts them at particular risk of violence, abuse or groups, including women who are young, old, ostracisation and highlights the power of collective formally educated, widowed, single and disabled. voice, mobilisation and movement building. Research participants were also selected to represent a variety of intersecting identities. “To me, I think ever since this process began, we have had more connections and relationship building with women who are Feminist documentation and research: The working on women’s rights more broadly. report and FPAR study have built a strong evidence That is because of the research and our base for land rights issues affecting women’s work with Womankind…We have more . This has strengthened sister organisations and movements wanting the eco-feminist movement in Uganda both at the to work and partner with us than we had grassroots level and also in terms of policy and before.” legislation by supporting women to understand and Sostine Namanya, National Association of claim their rights, and providing solid evidence to Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) lobby and influence key decision makers. The report highlighted a series of recommendations by women The initiative enabled the movement to develop engaged in the research as well as by Womankind its strategy and widen its membership base at a that are aimed at different stakeholders. The grassroots level, as well as instigating participation in ‘Digging Deep’ report has been widely shared high-level spaces, such as the Commission of Inquiry with influential stakeholders, including Ugandan on Land, initiated by the , and media, government and at UN level, enabling new foreign government consultations on responsible partnerships and influence to be developed. It has investment, such as with the Dutch Foreign Ministry. also formed a key base for the movement to extend The process also allowed cross movement alliances its reach through women’s rights organisations. to develop by identifying shared experiences of It has been referenced in evidence as part of the women and how they can work together. The Commission of Inquiry on Land that was initiated report also demonstrates the importance of gender by the President of Uganda and has been used to equality and strengthening grassroots women’s generate discussions with foreign governments groups. Similarly, it highlights how movements can in relation to supporting responsible investment. address crosscutting issues, such as climate change, The research process was participatory, and and contribute to sustainable land use, responsible mindful of power relations (such as between the investments, economic prosperity, as well as researcher and participant), which strengthened preventing and reducing conflict. the movement’s solidarity. Research questions were How the initiative contributed to framed by the research team in a way that ensured strengthening the eco-feminist it was grassroots-led. The findings were validated movement in Uganda by the researchers and exchange visits were held for a selected number of the researchers to share This section is organised under broad headings learning. in relation to Womankind’s movement pillars and includes additional learning and insight drawn from ICT and communications: The Community Green 33 the initiative. Radio show reaches an audience of approximately 60,000 people and is particularly useful to women Strategies who might not speak or understand English. Safe spaces: Women, WROs and environmental Following the FPAR study, several of the researchers justice organisations are working more closely involved in the project were invited to speak as together following the FPAR study. It has opened panelists on the radio show. On the show, they up and expanded spaces for women to openly have highlighted evidence and recommendations talk about issues affecting their land rights at from the study, and continue to suggest solutions, home or in their communities, such as weekly share their experiences as women affected by land radio listening groups. In these spaces, women can grabbing, encourage others to do the same through discuss potential solutions and seek support through story-sharing and organise listening groups amongst the movement. These spaces have also increased women at the grassroots level. awareness of women in leadership from affected Transformational leadership: The process of the communities and helped to share knowledge and FPAR developed women’s capacity as researchers raise consciousness about the issues of land rights. and enabled them to step into a leadership role Intersectionality: The initiative emphasises how by convening, rather than reproducing patriarchal all women involved in the movement are affected hierarchical systems. Those involved in the research by land grabs, but it is important to understand had equal authority and at the same time were able 33. For more information about to share knowledge and build capacity amongst Community Green Radio see: http:// how women are affected differently by the land www.greenradio.ug/ grabs, such as women with disabilities, those living other women at grassroots levels which supported 19 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

the movement’s aim of promoting transformational Challenges feminist leadership and deepened collective vision Initially, at the grassroots level, the term feminism of the changes envisaged by the women involved. was seen as a threat to cultures and tradition with Likewise, the initiative promoted positive governance feminists often labelled as anti-family, anti-God and amongst the movement, with decisions being anti-men. Additionally, ongoing social norms and made by consensus and through open dialogue patriarchy at a societal and familial level meant that rather than reflecting traditional patriarchal it was sometimes difficult for women to participate, leadership approaches. Decisions were managed for example some women still need permission by steering committees who were comprised of a from husbands to attend meetings. The movement mix of women and ensured active involvement of responded to this by reaching out to women to grassroots women to avoid domination of NAPE explain that its work was built on African sisterhood, and NAWAD. This was centred within a feminist grounded in eco-feminist principles and reflects approach to movement building, and at times meant the lived realities of the grassroots women who are that the administration of funding or budgetary driving the movement. approval could take longer than expected due to the collective approach of decision making. Sustained changes for the eco- Cross movement building and expansion: feminist movement in Uganda as The report has initiated dialogue and partnerships a result of the initiative with other movements (such as the environmental The FPAR process has enabled the eco-feminist in movement) relating to women’s rights. This has Uganda to broaden its reach and deepen its impact. helped to further highlight gender injustice and Access to a core resource, especially one explaining share goals that seek transformative change. In complex legal frameworks and entitlements around addition to cross movement building, the FPAR land, has begun to open up spaces and raise study enabled the eco-feminist movement to extend awareness with duty bearers of land rights violations its reach further through grassroots organising (and other violations associated with land grabs) and and outreach. NAPE estimate that the numbers of strengthen changes in advocacy and policy legislation. women involved in the movement has more than doubled. Future support from INGOs like Womankind “Land goes beyond being a personal issue, to being a political issue … Women’s own lived The eco-feminist movement in Uganda needs experiences around land, sharing stories continued support to expand the abilities of in their communities - it brought them to marginalised women in Uganda to actively participate connect the dots of shared experiences … a in local, national and international decision-making collectiveness of problem sharing deepened that affects their land ownership and livelihoods, understanding of what violence on land gain access to justice, and advocate for policy is to a - this to me, deepened an change. In addition, the movement needs capacity understanding of strengthening women’s building support in a range of areas, including ways knowledge.” to connect with other women working on the same issues around the world, leadership training, conflict Sostine Namanya, National Association of NAPE advocacy group members, management, and relevant knowledge on global Kaiso-Tonga, Hoima Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) © Womankind /Esther Mbabazi issues like energy justice and capitalism. 20 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide 21 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

for nearly a decade on a range of initiatives in Case study: Zimbabwe: addition to partnership with some of its members. Responding to emerging Womankind’s partnership with WCoZ is a core element of the Zimbabwe country strategy given opportunities for the the organisation’s role and convening power in the women’s movement in the women’s movement. Womankind also has extensive experience supporting political participation of 2018 elections women in Zimbabwe and supported WCoZ and others in advocating for women’s rights provisions in Context the 2013 Constitution.36 Zimbabwe operates through patriarchal power The initiative structures, both at informal levels in the home and In partnership with Womankind, WCoZ designed community and at formal levels in local government. and delivered a project focused on preparations These structures perpetuate severe gender injustice, for women’s movement positioning and collective including high prevalence of VAWG, lack of action ahead of the elections in 2018. In so doing, economic autonomy, and challenges for women to the initiative offered an opportunity for WCoZ participate in politics and leadership. to reassert its role and position with its members The 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe34 was and allies in the national context and to engage in heralded as a great success amongst the women’s collective strategising and action to build on the rights movement in Zimbabwe, as 80% of their gains made with the 2013 Constitution. demands were met.35 However, these gains did not For the first time, the women’s movement developed materialise in practice, and the lack of prioritisation a feminist analysis to ground and inform WROs of women’s rights in a context of continued crisis preparing for the 2018 elections. This unpacked the has underscored the enduring need for a strong context, framework and processes with a feminist and resilient women’s movement. The ability of perspective. The analysis was a tool used by the the women’s movement to identify and respond Zimbabwe women’s movement when developing the to unforeseen opportunities is key and the 2018 women’s election strategy, advocacy approach, and election provided scope for the Zimbabwean monitoring by women’s rights pre, during and post- women’s movement to organise and mobilise election. In the first phase of the project, WCoZ led support for women’s rights to be upheld in line with the development of the women’s election strategy the progressive Constitution. in consultation with 120 participants drawn from The Zimbabwe women’s different political parties, independent commissions, movement media houses, government departments, as well as women from various CSOs and women’s Since 2013 when the women’s movement achieved organisations, WCoZ Chapter members and 80% of its demands during the Constitution individual members. WCoZ successfully coordinated process, the context of operation has shifted the Women’s Manifesto, Women’s Election Charter, dramatically. Zimbabwe is affected by increasing and the 50/50 Advocacy Campaign under the socio-economic and political fragility combined with theme, ‘Constitutionalism, Gender Equality and the increasing competition for resources amongst WROs, Future of Women’s Leadership in Zimbabwe,’ which contributing to a fragmentation of the women’s also attracted additional support from other donors movement. Together, these realities have severely and institutions.37 The campaign called for the Opposite: Women encourage weakened the ability of the women’s movement to voting in the 2018 elections implementation of constitutional provisions, such © Womankind / Women’s Coalition of act collectively and uphold women’s rights. However, as Section 17 (Gender balance) and 56 (Equality Zimbabwe WROs were active and aware of the challenges and and non-discrimination) and other policies and 34. Constitution of the Republic of opportunities of the 2018 election process. Zimbabwe 2013. Available online at practices that advance women’s empowerment http://constitutions.unwomen.org/en/ The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and advancement of gender equality to ensure that countries/africa/zimbabwe 35. UN Women (2013). Zimbabweans has been central to the women’s movement in women are represented in all sectors. say yes to new Constitution strong Zimbabwe for over a decade but had itself been on gender equality and women’s The initiative created spaces for Zimbabwean rights. Available online at http://www. negatively impacted by the changing context. unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2013/4/ women to exercise both their own personal agency WCoZ is a national network organisation with 16 zimbabweans-say-yes-to-new- in articulating their priorities for the election, constitution-strong-on-gender-equality- years of experience, 116 member organisations and and-womens-rights and their collective aspirations through women’s 36. Wilson, P. et al. (2013), Women’s 10,000 individual members, whose emphasis is on successful struggle for equal rights in organisations associated with WCoZ. It did this the Zimbabwe Draft Constitution: an the championing of women’s activism in Zimbawe. through a collectively designed feminist analysis internal evaluation of the advocacy work They serve as a forum where women meet to of Musasa, the Women’s Coalition of of the pre-election monitoring environment and Zimbabwe, Women in Politics Support engage in collective activism. The membership is Unit and the Zimbabwe Women’s the development of an election strategy with Lawyers Association with support from structured across nine clusters, including economic Womankind Worldwide. members and key allies to address gaps through empowerment, the Constitution and legal affairs, 37. Katsande, N. (2018), Zimbabwe advocacy. The process of design was a collaborative launches the 50/50 Advocacy Campaign. education, health, peacebuilding, VAWG, politics Available online at https://southern- effort, following feminist approaches to gathering africa.hivos.org/blog/zimbabwe- and decision making, media and the environment. launches-the-50-50-advocacy-campaign and organising and included the creation of Womankind has been working with WCoZ 22 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

safe spaces, dialogue, and the subsequent situation room initiative. Lastly, the initiative directly development of a women’s manifesto supported supported women candidates running for office by by all WCoZ members. The initiative also developed helping them to better understand the gendered election monitoring and response mechanisms at discrimination they face as women and the role of grassroots levels, led by women, including mobile the women’s movement in addressing this. technology through a toll free phone line and Safe spaces: Through the initiative, both collective WhatsApp platform, and a women’s situation room and personal spaces, such as working group and 38 mechanism. Support systems were also created members meetings were created for women in to enable women candidates to build strong Zimbabwe to exercise feminist agency, and prepare and consistent campaigns, while negative media the ground to hold the government to account portrayals of women candidates were addressed through collective mobilising and voice. and countered, including through a women’s ICT and communications: Media and technology rights media campaign at grassroots levels to reach were successfully used as outreach tools to raise women in rural areas. Voting was promoted widely awareness of the election amongst women. through various on and offline platforms, such as Community radio, WhatsApp and SMS platforms radio, adverts on buses and social media platforms. were used to promote voter engagement and As a result of the initiative there were many mobile technology was used to successfully engage successes for the movement. These include the grassroots activists in the monitoring of the pre- Gender Parity Pledge, which was signed by 14 election period for women. political parties; training of 325 female candidates Intersectional approaches: Throughout the (nearly double the target); hosting the high-level process, women were engaged across tribe, women’s election strategy dialogue, which surpassed language, rural and urban spaces and political targets by 140%; hosting of women’s rights and standing to ensure that the movement reflected gender election debates with political parties; diversity and understood that women’s experiences and the successful launch of the 50/50 advocacy differ according to the multiple identities they campaign. As a result, the women’s movement assumes. WCoZ adopted a holistic approach and improved election preparedness by understood, for example, that supporting a rural strengthening capacity, single with no formal education to assume developing strategy a leadership position would require different tactics and working group to those that support an urban, educated, single mechanisms, woman with a disability. recruiting community Feminist documentation and research: A clear champions to feminist analysis of the pre-election monitoring support women’s rights and environment was able to highlight political, legal, gender responsive election economic, social, cultural and psychological barriers advocacy, monitoring, civic education, affecting women’s participation in political and and citizen mobilisation initiatives. electoral governance in Zimbabwe. This formed the evidence base for the development and validation How the initiative strengthened of a clear women’s election strategy, which Women’s 2018 Election Strategy the women’s movement in underpinned the advocacy success of the project and Women’s Movement outlined above. Election Manifesto 2018 from Zimbabwe the Women’s Coalition of This section is organised under broad headings Movement building and learning: At regional Zimbabwe © Womankind /Coalition of Zimbabwe in relation to Womankind’s movement pillars and and international levels, WCoZ is the focal point includes additional learning and insight drawn from of the Southern Africa Development Community the initiative. (SADC)39 Gender Protocol Alliance and used this strategic role to further support the initiative and Strategies aims of the women’s movement. The project Transformational feminist leadership: The design included a regional conference with women of the initiative followed feminist leadership principles participants from 10 SADC countries to amplify ensuring a participatory and a non-hierarchical Zimbabwean women’s election issues beyond approach. After mapping members who were the national context. This was an opportunity to engaged in the election, WCoZ developed a working share experience but also to understand successful group with 17 members covering six thematic areas approaches and strategies from other women’s catered to their skills and experience. These members rights activists in the region, which then helps to 38. Drumond, P. (2015), Promoting also contributed their skills in the development inform and support the work being coordinated by Democracy in Preventing Electoral Violence: The Women’s Situation Room. of the feminist analysis and the election strategy: WCoZ. Available online at http://unsdsn.org/ wp-content/uploads/2015/06/150601- 280 women at the community level also took up Building allies outside of the movement: SDSN-Issue-Brief-WSR-1.pdf 39. For more information on the leadership positions as Community Champions to In order to build more support for the election Southern Africa Development report on women’s issues during the election, and Community (SADC) see https://www. strategy, WCoZ engaged 120 participants from their sadc.int 1600 women champions provided feedback to the own membership but also from political parties, 23 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

independent commissions, media houses and women’s movement has been strengthened from government departments. In this way, they brought the grassroots-level, which is critical in sustaining more allies into the initiative who could support the movement’s momentum. The initiative has also the objectives of the strategy in their own spaces. sought allies outside itself in various corners to The initiative was also a catalyst for additional build common cause, which will give the movement engagement and support, including supplementary supporters in future initiatives. funding and resources from donors and agencies, such as Hivos, UN Women and UNDP. Future support from INGOs like Womankind Challenges The monitoring of elections with a women’s rights The initiative was not without challenges. WCoZ had focus requires continued investment throughout the to navigate their role carefully as the coordinating election cycle and process, including for an election body of the initiative to address various issues dispute resolution framework. Both state and non- raised by members. WcoZ had to be mindful to state political and election actors require a long-term ensure full transparency regarding decision making capacity development mechanism on gender and between those involved, including validation and women’s rights to transform the exercise of their careful minute taking of meetings. They also had to election and political mandates in a manner that is use careful negotiation and strategies to navigate responsive to constitution provisions on women and differences of opinion that arose regarding allocation gender equality. of budgets, different feminist views on strategy There is a continued need to ensure women at and perceived misuse of power between different the grassroots remain supported to have the generations of women. confidence, skills and knowledge to collectively Sustained changes for the navigate and understand local decision making women’s movement in Zimbabwe spaces and demand change in their communities. as a result of the initiative This requires further support through systematic analysis of policies and legislation through a feminist Through this initiative and even with challenges and human rights framework to inform collective faced, WCoZ has been able to reposition themselves action and advocacy. Adaptive planning, negotiation at the heart of the women’s movement in and conflict resolution skills are also critical skills Zimbabwe and reposition the women’s movement for the movement, as is the continued emphasis on as a powerful collective voice for change. By Women in Zimbabwe commit to transformative leadership, which seeks to realign voting in the 2018 elections building leadership amongst women so broadly diverse leadership styles with feminist values for the © Womankind / Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe in a respectful and non-hierarchical way, the greater benefit of all women rather than individuals. 24 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

feminist politics in a safe environment, often for Lessons learned the first time. In Uganda, the FPAR process brought together women in weekly radio listening groups The project-focused case studies included in this to talk openly about their issues on land and paper demonstrate that, with an understanding discuss solutions. In Zimbabwe, WCoZ also created of the capacities women’s movements need to working groups and members meetings to develop function effectively and by turning these into the election strategy. However, there remains the deliberate programme approaches in work with challenge of determining if, when and how to WROS and activists, diverse women’s movements curate homogenous participation or to create spaces can be stronger, more resilient and have collective with diverse participation, taking into account the power. Evident throughout each project are many potential for multiple power imbalances. For example, of Womankind’s pillars of movement strengthening in Kenya some women had the view that anyone and the variety of ways in which they have been over 30 years old should not have been invited to the effectively used according to partner, project and convening, including the facilitators. In Zimbabwe, activities. “Importantly this confirms Womankind’s WCoZ aimed to address this issue in their initiative by aspiration that the pillars do not constrain partners creating working groups with shared leadership. from developing and implementing movement Pillar 3: Appropriate communications and ICT strengthening work according to their needs, support is provided to facilitate network and priorities and contexts. The pillars were not intended alliance building and action to be a blueprint from which all initiatives would be similar or uniform and the experience of these three Various ICTs were used in the projects. In Uganda, projects has confirmed this. an FPAR researcher took part in the Community Green Radio show to disseminate the results of the However, there are also points of synergy between research and encourage its audience to engage case studies and with other strategies for movement with the eco-feminist movement and share their strengthening that emerged during the development stories. In Zimbabwe, WCoZ also used community of this paper/report. This will inform adaptation of radio to raise awareness of the election amongst Womankind’s programme approach in the future. women and mobile technology to engage a cohort Key learning aligned with of women to monitor the pre-election period. In Womankind’s movement Kenya, the convening committee used WhatsApp strengthening pillars platforms to hold online planning meetings, and used social media (particularly Twitter) to share Pillar 1: Women activists are supported and application processes and live tweet about the event encouraged to understand the political as it was happening, taking into account individual importance of self-care and wellbeing preferences about privacy and photography. The case study from Kenya offered the strongest Pillar 4: Key actors in the women’s movement learning in this area. As the convening was being are mapped and issues of intersectionality are developed, the issue of how to support the raised, understood and addressed wellbeing of activists in the venue was discussed Each case study addressed the issue of by the organising committee. The physical space intersectionality in different ways. The Kenya itself was chosen for its rural setting with fresh air, convening deliberately had a session to ground outside space and healthy food. Due to the nature participants in the HerStory of African feminism of the sessions, there was discussion about having and connecting the struggle against patriarchy with an onsite psychologist available but members of other struggles, such as colonisation and capitalism. the committee had relevant experience in healing Deliberate attempts were made to invite women and wellbeing to offer to those who wanted from across Kenya who experience multiple and support. Some activists were emotionally triggered intersecting discrimination to share their stories of as they discussed their personal experiences and struggle, which created a space of learning and the committee reacted quickly by adapting the consciousness raising of all participants. It also programme to include a powerful healing session created new alliances among women who could at the beginning of the second day, linking the see how their struggles were interdependent. personal to the political struggle of feminism. Both the Uganda and Zimbabwe examples made This example demonstrated the importance of deliberate attempts to understand how each area integrating wellbeing into the planning of feminist of focus, whether land grabs or barriers to political events in order to sustain activism. participation respectively, affect different women Pillar 2: Opportunities are provided to in different ways. This provides an opportunity to movement actors to connect with each other in further consider for Womankind and partners, to safe spaces deepen and broaden each movement’s relevance to Each case study created safe spaces for women to an ever increasing and diverse range of women. support the development of their organising. The Pillar 5: Feminist documentation and research Kenyan convening was a vibrant young feminist form the core of umbrella initiatives to bring curated space that enabled women to talk about WROs together 25 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

The Uganda and Zimbabwe case studies offer the in women’s participation and leadership and this clearest examples of feminist documentation and allowed a quick turnaround between project design research. The FPAR in itself is a movement building and delivery. Womankind’s ability to respond to tool in the way that it opens up spaces that support the need identified by WCoZ would not have been women’s organising. The process does not extract possible through other fundraising channels, such as information, rather it creates space for collectively to an institutional donor with funding cycles that can building knowledge and using it together to take months to complete. advance changes. In the Zimbabwe case study, The Kenya convening was funded by a US based WCoZ deliberately planned for a feminist analysis philanthropic donor with a commitment to of the election framework in Zimbabwe. This had supporting women’s movements in Africa and never been done before and set the groundwork readiness to support emerging initiatives that for a deeper and richer understanding of the gaps strengthen their abilities to function with very few and barriers to women’s engagement in the pre- funding restrictions. In this case, there was a formal election period and led to the development of the application process although less bureaucratic than election strategy, which had buy-in from a range of usual and with a quick approval turnaround time. stakeholders. Womankind made strategic decisions about how Pillar 6: Women’s movement actors are given and when to fund these initiatives due to her the opportunity to connect to wider platforms understanding of the importance of being reactive for movement building and learning and responsive to the needs of partners, activists The ‘Digging Deep’ report produced by the FPAR and the women’s movements they are part of. There process in Uganda has been widely shared with are challenges in fundraising for and funding work influential stakeholders both in Uganda and beyond. to strengthen and build women’s movements when Womankind supported partners to participate many of these projects and initiatives do not easily in launch and event that focused on the issues comply with standard project design standards, affecting rural women at the 62nd Commission on templates or expectations. Womankind’s experience the Status of Women (2018). with these three projects alone underscores how Pillar 7: The women’s movement is supported funding for women’s rights and movements sits 40 to access, and input into, sustainable and within a wider ecosystem where different types of progressive funding and financing models funding can play their part. Resourcing from most donors remains predominantly Feminist transformative leadership: In the project based. This can often serve to limit support Zimbabwe case study, feminist leadership approaches available for the range and scope of movement were used by WCoZ in developing the election strengthening and building initiatives, most of which strategy via a working group mechanism, ensuring are reactive and responsive to emerging situations all representatives had a meaningful role to play or opportunities to strategise, resist, dissent and that built on their respective strengths. In Kenya, challenge unequal power. The focus on formalised the convening committee had a completely flat projects with registered organisations has impacted structure of leadership with each member also taking negatively on women’s movements by limiting the on specific roles. However, there was consideration resources available for their core focus on collective of the role of Womankind in an oversight function, action and organising in loose structures. Flexible which also overlapped into some aspects of project and long-term funding for women’s movements delivery. In Uganda, the FPAR approach contributed remains essential, especially when some aspects to leadership in a variety of ways: by building the of movement building are harder to measure and capacity of women researchers at grassroots level, quantify such as sharing knowledge, building focusing on women from within the movement as awareness and organising. both experts and contributors, and supporting them to understand their rights and how to claim them. The initiatives in this paper have been funded by Womankind drawing on her diverse income Feminist leadership in and of itself will not stop streams and sustained fundraising, which can the presence of power imbalances even as it take years to secure. In 2017, Womankind made a seeks to transform it. The Zimbabwe case study strategic decision to support the Uganda FPAR from reflected how WCoZ needed to practically address unrestricted income to help evidence the reality questions of their leadership style with members for women affected by land grabs and potentially in an environment of scarce funding for women’s leverage subsequent funding from other sources. movements and the competition and protectionism In this case, the approach was successful, leading that this has fostered. WCoZ were proactive to a subsequent project developed by Womankind, and created transparent governance systems to NAPE and NAWAD funded by the Department for demonstrate their leadership approach, including International Development (DFID) through the UK explanation of how funds were allocated and 40. Arutyunova, A. (2018), Why we need a feminist funding ecosystem. Aid Match mechanism due to start in 2019. how decisions were being made. In Kenya, the AWID. Available online at https://www. convening committee reflected that some meetings awid.org/news-and-analysis/why-we- The Zimbabwe project was funded by a longstanding need-feminist-funding-ecosystem were dominated by particular individuals and went supporter of Womankind with particular interest 26 Stronger Together Womankind Worldwide

unchallenged. In Uganda, NAPE and NAWAD in their context, often for the first time, and see how applied a non-hierarchical and collective approach women’s struggles under patriarchy and colonisation to decision making even though it prolonged the are interlinked. This aspect is also crucial for centrally process at times, such as budgetary approvals. placing politics in women’s organising work and However, this was anticipated and accepted as part pushing back against attempts to depoliticise of the project to encourage peaceful, collective movements by external actors. decisions and further strengthen the coherence and Cross movement building: All women’s solidarity of the eco-feminist movement. movements challenge unjust patriarchal power Therefore just a commitment to feminist leadership relations and bring about women’s rights. Across may not be enough to address power imbalances different women’s movements, there are many but an awareness of power dynamics and an open shared experiences of oppression and many shared approach to discussing and addressing these are goals of transformation. More cross movement essential. In some cases, additional mechanisms alliances and networking will enable stronger, wider, may be considered or required to assist women to larger movements to develop as evidenced in the negotiate, reach consensus and deal with conflict Uganda eco-feminist movement where they found within a feminist values framework. synergies with other women’s rights movements including VAWG and with environmentalists, uniting Other learning from the initiatives when appropriate and amplifying their voices and Feminist analysis: The women’s movements in demands. There was also tentative evidence to this learning paper seek transformation that would suggest that the Kenya convening created the seeds create new social orders that place women’s rights for cross movement building among young women at the heart, as well as seeking transformation of in Kenya working on different issues. all oppressive and marginalising power relations, Womankind’s approach: Whilst Womankind makes such as race, religion and age. Embedding every effort to use her power and privilege in ways feminist ideology into the movement’s analytical that empower women’s movements in line with and strategic framework is essential for collective its feminist values, there is room for improvement knowledge building, sharing of personal stories and here. There are inherent tensions in being a charity understanding the bigger picture of oppression, based in the UK with specific legal requirements, power relations and situating personal narratives and a Programmes team having an oversight and into a wider movement. The personal is political is grant management role in projects with partners, imperative to feminist movement building. and therefore being accountable for contracts and The Zimbabwe case study showed the importance compliance with donors. For example, the Kenya of building political education amongst women convening in particular enabled Womankind to trial thereby helping to situate their lived experience a different way of working to support women’s within a wider perspective of citizenship and human movements beyond her usual partnership model and rights. The Uganda example also demonstrated approach of working with WROs. As noted above, that women’s own experience of land grabs and Womankind has gained additional experience and violence is connected to systems of oppression, insight from this initiative with particular focus on Precious Naturinda, Assistant News Editor & Gender Officer for including capitalism. The emphasis on African transparency and inclusivity, and specifically on young NAPE’s Community Green Radio, feminist HerStory at the Kenya convening was well women’s organising and looks forward to further Hoima © Womankind /Sarah Waiswa received and helped women to situate their struggle learning as the project continues. 27 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide

• Support the development of monitoring Recommendations: frameworks to measure how initiatives Movement strengthening contribute to movement strengthening for women’s rights • Encourage diverse approaches to movement strengthening with different management and practitioners and donors oversight models for initiatives designed and delivered by a combination of formal WROs and Programme design informal structures and actors (usually members • Strengthen understanding of feminist principles working together in their individual capacities) and centre these in programmatic approaches • Document lessons learned wherever possible • Ensure women and WRO take the lead in all including intersectional stories to underscore the initiatives within women’s movement initiatives importance of intersectional programming • Recognise and trust the expertise and Funding experience of WROs and women’s movements, • Advocate for more flexible funding for women’s including those representing marginalised movement strengthening that is designed women with the involvement of women from those • Only design initiatives that build on and respond movements to existing agendas and needs of WROs and • Share lessons learned with donors about what women’s movements works to strengthen women’s movements • Encourage WROs and women’s movements to • Increase devolved funding through women’s deliberately include strategies and approaches funds and specialist intermediary organisations that contribute to movement strengthening in that have strong partnerships with southern the development of new initiatives, and ensure WROs and women’s movements they are appropriately resourced • Increase the accessibility of existing funding • Encourage WROs to be specific about which streams to WROs and women’s movements, women’s movements they are aiming to particularly funds targeted at human rights and contribute to and reach out to them to civil society organisations understand their existing agendas, strategies, • Ensure adequate funding is allocated for priorities and dynamics monitoring, evaluation and learning and that • Foster links to other social justice movements chosen methodologies are suitable to the nature and link these with women’s movements as of the work women’s movements undertake appropriate • Place greater emphasis on core funding, Evidence and learning where possible, based on WROs’ plans and • Provide support for WROs and women’s budgets, and provide sizable grants. Small movements to carry out research and amounts of money can stimulate innovation documentation to evidence the impact and but do not enable vital expansion, scale-up and value of their work strengthening of organisational and operational capacity. • Create opportunities and spaces to both learn and make mistakes about movement strengthening both on and offline 28 Stronger Together March 2019 Womankind Worldwide Pauline Ajok and Christine Ajok from NAWAD’s Lagazi women’s group, Nwoya © Womankind / Sarah Waiswa

About Womankind Worldwide Womankind Worldwide is a global women’s rights organisation working in solidarity and equal partnership with women’s rights organisations and movements to transform the lives of women. Our vision is of a just world where the rights of all women are respected, valued and realised. Womankind supports women’s movements to strengthen and grow by providing a range of tools, including technical support, communications, connectivity and shared learning, joint advocacy and fundraising.

Wenlock Studios 50-52 Wharf Road N1 7EU London, UK www.womankind.org.uk [email protected] © Womankind Worldwide 2019 UK registered charity No. 32820 All footnotes correct at time of publication.