Evaluation of BAOBAB-WLP National Training of Trainers (TOT). Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. May 28 2008 Discussion Facilitated and Rapporteured by Oby Nwuba, Anne Adidu & Chibogu Obinwa Background/Introduction In May 2007, BAOBAB-WLP training of Trainers was conducted for diverse women from across Nigeria, using the English edition of WLP’s manual Leading to Choices: A Leadership Training Handbook for Women and the Multimedia curriculum, Leading to Choices: A Multimedia Curriculum for Leadership Learning. The training, which was held in Akure, Ondo State of Nigeria, had exposed the participants to learning leadership strategies that would further empower them as leaders able to demonstrate inclusive, participatory and gender sensitive leadership in their constituencies. In further commitment to WLP’s theory of change and transformative leadership, these past beneficiaries of BAOBAB/WLP National training of trainers (TOT) leadership institute were re-convened for an evaluation of the change process and experiences that must have taken place in their personal lives as leaders, as well as in their leadership role within their families, immediate communities and the larger society. The 12 leaders that reconvened for the evaluation came from diverse sectors of the society –including community based leaders, politicians, women’s human rights activists, policy makers etc. The evaluation meeting took place at Excellence Hotel Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria on May 28, 2008. The beneficiaries were very excited to see one another again and were eager to learn about what each of them had been up to since the training. It was a very participatory meeting and beneficiaries openly shared their achievements, challenges and future plans. They all looked forward to learning new ideas and strategies in carrying out their work, and also surmounting obstacles that they encounter as leaders.
The evaluation discussion was anchored on a number of outlined questionnaire covering how the beneficiaries have utilised the leadership skills for developing themselves, their families and their communities at large, what changes have taken place in their lives since the TOT, have they set up any organisation, informal groups or coalitions for a common purpose? Have they identified others they see as leaders based on WLP’s concept of leadership that they all endorse? Further areas for discussion included examining what specific restrictions or challenges that they must have encountered (or were still encountering) in their pursuit of their leadership
goals and vision, and how have they strategised to surmount those challenges. To pave way for a long term evaluation of the group in the future, the final discussion was around identifying what issues they would wish to correct or affect in their communities. The discussion was facilitated intermittently by a BAOBAB team of Chibogu Obinwa, Obiageli Nwuba and Anne Adidu. During the introductory discussion led by Chibogu Obinwa, the participants re-introduced themselves but this time, sharing something new that took place in their lives in the past one year. It was also an opportunity for the participants to either maintain their past workshop names (an adjective that best describes them) or identify with a new name but explaining to other participants why the change of name. This was a good introductory methodology, as it also helped in setting the tone for the further leadership experiences that would be shared. A few of the participants chose a different adjective to identify with as a workshop name –explaining that the change was reflective of the change that they had experienced. For instance – a particular beneficiary adopted a new adjective ‘renewed’ because she said that she felt renewed as a leader after the training. Another participant mentioned that she has moved from ‘empowered’ to ‘empowering’ as a reflection of her mentoring role in her community based on the leadership training.
Overview of the discussion There was a brief overview of the key aspects of the training that the participants benefited from the previous year. This was preceded Chibogu leading a discussion on WLP‟s theory of change. The beneficiaries further came to terms with the three stages of the evaluation process –which encompass the immediate evaluation after the training, the intermediate change that takes place between six (6) months to three (3) years after the training, and then the long term evaluation of the transformative process. Participants unanimously agreed with the concept and further enthused that their experiences over the past year, is a reflection of that change process. How have you used the leadership skills acquired in your organisation, community family and self? Anne Adidu facilitated the discussion during which participants vibrantly shared how they have utilized the leadership skills that they gained during the TOT. One shared that she had tremendously improved on her facilitation skills and on a personal note, has become a more sociable person. She further shared an experience of a particular situation that she was confronted with - a task that seemed impossible for her to achieve and how she later did not only accomplish the task, but exceeded her own expectations.
2
One of the participants happily shared that she has learned to delegate tasks to others in her organisation, as an empowering process, and also let others take the lead on some occasions, instead of doing everything by her self and thereby limiting the leadership potential of other team members. Another participant shared a specific example of a particular community project on economic empowerment she was coordinating in Lagos State, and how she „stepped back‟ and gave the women leaders at that particular community the opportunity to share their issues and concerns with the visiting international development partner.
She further shared that the experience was very empowering and one could see from the enthusiasm of the women, that they exhibited a passion for change and the fact that they were leading the discussion themselves without an intermediary –further motivated them to strategise effectively, and own the process of change in that community. Someone shared that she was able to overcome some challenges and stumbling blocks trying to impede the progress of her work. She has remained resilient in the face of obstacles. She narrated a specific example to this effect - the Chairperson of her Local Government Area (Municipal council) gave her organisation a piece of land, but the elders of her community wanted to sue the chairperson for doing that. The skills she acquired on persuasive communication at the leadership institute came in very handy as she persuaded the elders to understand that it was for the benefit of widows in their community. A participant from Bauchi State (Northern Nigeria) talked about a meeting they organized with traditional leaders to address the issue of a particular grain processing centre that was meant to economically empower the women but which the men in that community wanted to take over (as the men wanted their wives to depend on them). In sharing her leadership experience in this advocacy work, she said - “The leadership in the Communities is not about going to do things for the people, but doing things with them.”(Emphasis added). Furthermore, a participant shared that from her experience, there is a need for people to identify that people within the rural communities are already leaders with their values and innate leadership potential. She further shared that in her organisation, she led a discussion to identify their challenges and devise strategies for lobbying key policy makers which yielded results in the area of reduction of maternal mortality in Bauchi State (known to have the highest maternal mortality rate in North East Nigeria). Unfortunately, most women in Bauchi state are expected to seek permission form their husbands before they can do anything including visit an ante-natal clinic. The beneficiary also improved on her facilitation skills and was able to facilitate a workshop on reproductive health.
3
One beneficiary reiterated her belief that everyone can be a leader. She encourages her staff to lead some of their programmes and projects. Recently when she got an invitation to present a paper at a workshop in Abuja, she asked a Programme Officer to present the paper on her behalf as a way of empowering her. This was further endorsed by another beneficiary who shared an experience from her organisaton. She has learnt to delegate functions in a constructive way to her secretary. For instance she put her Secretary through on proposal writing. Interestingly, other leaders within her network have taken a clue from her and the process has been very effective in their work. During these interesting experiences shared around mentoring and empowering others, Chibogu, one of the facilitators stressed the importance of leaders ensuring that they delegate for the purpose of empowering others and not mainly for the purpose of reducing their responsibilities etc. She stressed that the intention behind the delegation is very important for any leader. The beneficiaries shared their new information sharing strategies. A particular beneficiary shared that she was able to review and upgrade their media relations in the organisation, by writing strategic press releases and making sure that the respective media did not mis-represent them. She specifically mentioned that the discussion around CEDAW during the TOT was very useful, and she further disseminated the information to the media. Another participant talked about the importance of not with-holding information, but sharing it with others and in good time also- an example was how she gave fundraising information to different groups of women and it yielded results. .Other beneficiaries said that their networking skills were further enhanced and they have utilized that to expand their networks in their respective organizations and constituencies. Another beneficiary improved her skills on communication technology and shared with others.
A beneficiary from a Community based Organisation (CBO) in Edo State, Nigeria, said that they had been trying to bridge the gap between law and implementation –especially in the area of widowhood practices against women. She reiterated the power of networking and shared how her network has successfully put up a media committee in Benin. Their website is better designed now and the media committee has been 4
established in other places. The media committee conducts trainings to empower different groups of people. Her organisation got together with women in the house of assembly and non governmental organisations (NGOs) to work at domesticating CEDAW in Edo state. A recent incident which her group and others tried to address was that of a pregnant widow of a Commissioner who was found dead in his hotel room (allegedly where he spent the night with another woman). The family of the deceased has been threatening to eject the pregnant widow from her matrimonial home. This is in spite of the law in Edo State banning all harmful practices against widows. The participant said that her networking skills and strategies has improved after the WLP/BAOBAB TOT last year, and she is coordinating a coalition of other NGOs to advocate for justice for the widow of the deceased Commissioner and of course for other widows as the law stipulates.
Apart from the fact that the beneficiaries shared instances of motivating others within their organizations, communities or groups, they also shared instances of changes in their personal lives and family relationships. A particular participant said that she used to put a lot of pressure on herself, but based on the leadership package she received during the TOT, she began to relax her mind. She further mentioned that she had been looking forward to implement the gains of the training further, when an opportunity came her way –as she was appointed the Special Assistant to the former Speaker of Nigeria‟s House of Representatives (Lower Parliament). She said that she moved beyond wanting to do things all by herself to sharing responsibilities and results. A beneficiary talked about how she learned to accommodate the views of her children (unlike prior to the training) and see each person‟s view as important. Some also devised the strategy of communicating effectively within their families. Have you set up any organisation, groups, networks or coalitions? The beneficiaries shared various steps they have taken either towards setting up networks or strengthening existing ones. According to a beneficiary from Ilorin (north central Nigeria) she had utilized the leadership training skills to convene a number of NGOs in a small coalition to do a step-down leadership training of trainers for other women groups in Ilorin to benefit from. Another participant used her leadership skills to revive some dormant women‟s organizations. They formed a women‟s network, and individual organizations within the network came up with organizational strategic planning for the next five (5) years. There was also an experience shared on an empowerment programme with widows and how they work with WDOs (Women Development Officers) in the local council areas –because the WDOs have a wider outreach in the communities.
5
Most of the beneficiaries also shared that they have identified other leaders. Interestingly, one of the beneficiaries identified a fellow beneficiary as the person she readily identified as a leader because of her active role in defending women‟s human rights, and how she has (through media interviews and strategic public appearances) has given visibility to women‟s rights-especially within the government sector. Others shared experiences of how they identified some women in their communities as leaders. Challenges so far -and Strategies used to overcome them? During the discussion led by Oby Nwuba, around challenges encountered, there was a resounding echo from the room that funding was a major challenge. Most of the beneficiaries said that although they would not let the issue of funding come between them and their transformative leadership quest, but that it was no doubt an area to strategise around. Specific areas that lack of funding was a problem was in the area of organising step down training programmes and leaders workshops for others. However –to overcome this, a beneficiary shared a strategy that they have been using in their organisation, which is to utilise the space of an existing programme by a coalition member, to share some (even for a few minutes) leadership tips. With this strategy, the question of paying for extra accommodation, travel and feeding costs would have been taken care of under the existing funded programme. Another beneficiary shared a specific strategy that they utilised in a community in Enugu State (south east of Nigeria). They were on an advocacy visit to push for an effective healthcare centre in that community. This was based on an experience of a 21 year old woman who had died in child birth that could have been easily prevented. They were initially faced with a challenge of the community not being co-operative, as they were only interested in soliciting money from advocates. In this regard, they (the advocates) devised a strategy of cutting down the amount earmarked for feeding in the budget for the workshop, and instead, gave the balance in cash to the participants, but further advising the participants not to spend all, but to strategically save some of the money for transportation for a follow-up advocacy visit to the traditional leaders of the community. In addition to this, most importantly, the advocates made the community to realise how important the health care centre would be for everyone when finally put in place. Also some of the beneficiaries experienced a rejection from local government leaders, while some corrupt ones expected to be offered inducements before they could approve any project in the community. They also seem to have the belief that NGOs have a lot of money to spare. The strategy that some of the beneficiaries have used in this regard, and will continue to use, was to carryout enlightenment and sensitization programmes with Local Government personnel as participants. A beneficiary suggested that one strategy to address the issue of non-acceptance by local government personnel would be to work
6
closely with the local government commission since the Local government personnel seemed to listen to them. Perseverance was also seen as an important leadership strategy to overcome these challenges, as one has to be consistent and constant in the advocacy work, as well as build alliances with strategically positioned Local Government Officials who can endorse the respective projects. A few other beneficiaries talked about the challenge of the difficulty in accessing some communities where women really need assistance. In some cases, there are bad road networks etc, but they have been able to devise alternative means. It was also noted that the general poverty situation of women in most of the rural communities posed a major challenge as prospective beneficiaries of step down training are demanding money rather than the training that will ultimately empower them. However, the beneficiaries shared that they have been able to strategise in different ways to overcome this challenge. Some also ensured that members of the community where a project was to be held owned the process. For instance - in dealing with the water problem in a health centre in one of the communities in Kwara State, a beneficiary shared a story of how they encouraged members of the community to make a N100 naira contribution (less than a dollar) towards the project. This worked, and the project (which was to effect water supply to the community) was completed and every one was happy. BAOBAB facilitators further stressed the need for change agents to be tactful in their advocacy approach, and to package their advocacy well enough for the intended beneficiaries to appreciate the long-term benefits for them. They shared some strategies that BAOBAB has used in this regard. Everyone also agreed that a well packaged media advocacy was very effective –as some of the beneficiaries who had already established strong media relations, encouraged others to follow suit.
What next?
At the end of the discussion, the participants shared a number of follow-up activities that they would like to do, or areas that they would want to change in the future. These include – encouraging the spirit of volunteerism in the community and ensuring that local government personnel are active in carrying out their social responsibility like in developed societies, encouraging transparency and accountability in organisations because it enhances growth, and tackling the problem of funding by utilizing the new ideas received during the evaluation meeting.
7
Other commitments include –to work strongly towards ensuring an increase in women‟s political participation in the next elections in 2011 (interestingly one of the beneficiaries plans to contest for election in 2011). A beneficiary also promised to advocate for women (especially in the northern part of Nigeria) to exercise their reproductive and heath rights. Other commitments include to ensure a more strategic media engagement, and to ensure a fluid and transparent information sharing among women in the respective networks. A beneficiary promised to ensure a change of attitude by Local Government personnel towards NGOs working in their communities through consistent advocacy for better understanding of women‟s human rights and NGO work by the Local Governments. Promote networking among people for a common purpose or cause. Having re-affirmed the importance of having a fluid and transparent information sharing among women, a beneficiary promised to strengthen this in her network and also build a stronger relationship with the media. Conclusion Participants were really thrilled at the experience of coming together after one year to share their leadership experiences of over the past one year. This was further reflected in their verbal and written evaluation of the one-day evaluation discussion. There was a general echo of acknowledgment of the tremendous impact that WLP‟s principles of horizontal, consensus building and participatory leadership has had on their lives as – individuals, as members of a family and as members of a community. The beneficiaries had in no small measure made positive reference to the methodology of the WLP TOT which made them active participants in the learning process rather than passive recipients of information –a strategy which they have all inculcated in their various constituencies. The evaluation process was a very useful exercise in furthering the theory of change, as their renewed leadership commitment and specific action plans will serve as guide for a long term evaluation of their progress as transformative leaders.
8
Participants’ Contact Details
Name 1 Sabina Idowu-Osehobo (Strong)
Organisation/Contact Address Executive Director LAPO Development Foundation, 6 S & T road Uselu, Benin City Women‟s Information Network (WINET) 2A Mnkiti Lane, Off Ogui road, Enugu. Society for Women Economic Empowerment No 6 behind Olu guest house, off Agbo-Oba street, off Surulere street, Ilorin, Kwara Executive Director, Equity Advocates Suite 1.03, Gambo Sawaba Block, National Center for Women Development, Better Life Street, Central Business District, Abuja. Rahama Women Development Programme
Telephone/Fax 08025898920 052-600072
Contact Email sabinaosehobo@yahoo.co m lapobn@yahoo.co.uk laposdp@yahoo.co.uk menkiti@skannet.com mee4399@yahoo.com
2
Miriam C. Menkiti (Mighty)
08063311962
3
Elelu Nusirat Afolake (Elegant)
08055902824
swee_elelu@yahoo.com
4
Ene Ede (Empowering)
08057979660, eneede2003@yahoo.com 08036226193 09-2901830 (office) equityaction1997@yahoo.c 09-6701773 (home) om
5
Elmina Maina
08058620567 08023627516
Rahamabauchi2003@yaho o.com
6
Alhaja Risikat Omolara Executive Director, Organisation for Non Formal Education Yusuff Foundation (One Foundation) (Reliable) 6, Palm Avenue, Olorunsogo bus stop, Kayinsola House,2nd Floor, Back Suite, Mushin, Lagos. Joy Ngwakwe (Joyful) Executive Director, Center for Advancement of Development Rights (CEADER),
08033302330, 01-8951348
Royis_2001@yahoo.com Onef2005@yahoo.com
7
08023060270
joyijeoma@yahoo.com
9
8
Emem Okon (Energitic) Victoria Ayodele (Victorious)
9
10
Taiwo R. Amisu (Renew)
11
Zainab O. Attah
( Zealous)
Festac, Lagos. Kebetkache,10 Ibaa street, D/Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative No 4 Rimi close Darazo road GRA Bauchi Programme Officer, Female Leadership Forum, 22, Lawal street,Off Oregun road, Ikeja, Lagos. League of Democratic Women (LEADS) 4TH Floor NNIL Building, No 4 Muhammad Buhari way, Kaduna State.
08033363172
emem_o@yahoo.com emembridget@yahoo.com vicayode@yahoo.com Msgarba12@yahoo.com
08039135206 08028785941
01-7905978, 08037054922
flforum2002@yahoo.com taiwo@flforum-ng.org
062-243267, 08025259623
Dekontee7@yahoo.com leadsnigeria@yahoo.com
12
Angela Edet Effiong (Angelistic)
President Widows Rights Action Network 19, Brook street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
08020363775
wranfavour@yahoo.com
10