Building Bridges hosts successful Leading in Public Life: Women, Influence, Power Programme

The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town promotes strategic public leadership development in Africa. In partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Rule of Law Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, The Mandela School launched the Leading in Public Life: Women, Influence, Power Programme (WIPP).

The inaugural 3-day residential programme took place in Cape Town, South Africa from 5th – 7th June, 2019 with 20 women leaders from six African countries (Botswana, Gambia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe).

The leadership fellowship for mid-career African women working in the rule of law sector aims to promote solidarity and ambition and ultimately enhance democracies with more women with legal training in public leadership positions. 

Notable speakers included the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, Ms Rachel Nyaradzo Adams (Narachi Leadership), Ms Letty Chiwara (UN Women), and Ms Pregs Govender (former Deputy Chairperson of the, South African Human Rights Commission). Participants will also work with an executive coach.

Stella Agara, one of the participants, commented on the programme: 

“The training was intense. I had to engage in deep, uncomfortable introspection with the help of a very qualified faculty. It was three days of speaking to myself and getting to meet ‘my power’ one on one! I am so grateful I got this opportunity. I have met phenomenal people and listened to speakers I would never have had access to!! My highlight was definitely lunch with Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng. Nothing could have prepared me for her humility and grace.” 

The Building Bridges programme at The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance delivers leadership programmes including the Emerging African Leaders Programme and LeAD Campus. For more information about these programmes, please click here.