InWEnt Regional Alumni Conference-Alexandria 2008 Women Leadership Networking Building Generations of Women Leaders Fatmeh Saqer Education Specialist, UNRWA

objectives  To identify how to establish leadership  To clarify concepts of gender equality  To identify the functions of leaders  To present methods of leaders development at work  To promote women leadership at work  To explain how to reinforce leadership skills at work

Introduction Short Story about: Can women be members in the Parliament ? Answers from women: They were not born to be leaders, its not their role,let men lead. Men also expressed their rejection about having women in parliament. Nowadays the quota is being practiced in order to enable women to enter the parliament.

Leadership development Where and when it start? At home in the early childhood inside the family. How it will be established? By treating boys and girls on equal and equitable bases Developing abilities, interests and energies for boys and girls. Providing opportunities to enrich their experience, provide support and incentives Exposing them to challenging situations Communicate clearly and frankly with them Equal distribution of labor at home Providing equal opportunities to type, level and content of education(social responsibility)

What does mean of being a boy or a girl ? Our sex is biologically determined given from birth universal unchanging Gender roles are socially determined culture specific defined by the context change over time

What Does Gender Equality Mean? Equality does not mean: Equality means: Equal rights, access and opportunities for women, men, boys and girls Men and women should be the same Eradication of biases and discrimination Respect for differences, aspirations, concerns and needs

How to Promote Gender Equality? Recognition and implementation of men’s and women’s rights as Human Rights Acceptance of the existence of imbalances in society and desire to remove them Promoting and encouraging equal opportunities in service delivery and in the work place 1 2 3

How to Promote Gender Equality?  Avoid gender stereotypes and abolish all discrimination based on sex Identify and understand gender differences in the community ≠ Include women, men, girls and boys in consultation, participation and in decision-making processes  Address gender-based reasons for lack of access, opportunity, rights  Respect diversity and equal opportunities in the work place

What leaders do in the organization Develop a vision and strategies for producing the change needed to achieve that vision. Communicate the direction by words and deeds to all concerned whose cooperation is needed. Influence the creation of teams that understand the vision and strategies and accept their validity. Energize people to overcome major barriers to change. Produce change and have the potential of producing extremely useful change.

How to develop Leadership at Workplace ? Leadership development is a life long process, the leaders of today must build up the potential leaders of tomorrow. How? - Challenging assignments early in a career - Visible leadership role models - Assignments that broaden knowledge and experience - Task force assignments - Special development jobs - Special projects - Training and capacity building

How could women leadership be developed inside the organization? As a woman leader Promote gender equality at work place Coordinate with and support other women leaders Try to understand the leadership behavior and styles of women at work. Encourage and assist leadership practices by working women

How could women leadership be developed inside the organization? Promote women to senior positions if they have the required capabilities. Recognize women achievements Provide support needed for women to accomplish their objectives Assist women to have an access to information, utilize information and take decisions.

How to reinforce your leadership skills as a woman ? Trust yourself and trust other women abilities Try to overcome stress inside yourself such as : fear from un known and feel of anxiety due to cultural and economic diversity of others. Do something that you are really like and enjoy your achievements Always involve the man with you in order to support you. Change your priorities according to the situation.

As a member of Area staff Union, What are the Role and Responsibilities towards promoting women leadership Ensure that women issues are being brought forward to management Encourage the participation of women in staff union and in the election process so that their voice can be heard Encourage the inclusion of women in executive committees and chairperson groups

Networking with other leader women Local and international levels For the purpose of changing experiences, self and other leaders reinforcement

Conclusion Leadership for women could be promoted if Equality between women and men be implemented at home, in the society and at workplace. UNRWA adopted the policy of Gender equality and Gender main streaming since two years Networking with other women leaders is very important