Wild Wisdom: 2023 Women in Global Development Leadership Forum

EGPAF staff recently joined the 2023 Women in Global Development Leadership Forum, hosted by the WILD Network. With speakers from across the globe, the forum focused on connecting leaders from across the global development sector and sharing best practices on leadership development. We asked EGPAF attendees to share their favorite takeaways from the event. ?

Ts'epang Mohlomi, Country Director EGPAF-Lesotho ?

I had two key takeaways from the conference: ?

1.) Being in your power - Focus on what you can control, react less, regain control and raise others. Most importantly don’t miss your opportunity. Leaders must go direct, don’t go to the space where you focus on what others will say.?

2.) Leading from the C-Suite - Having a high value system, high moral compass and being principled will ensure that you are always making the best decision. The importance of taking care of yourself to get some balance because your job is perfectly imbalanced.?

Refiloe Lebese, Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging?

The principle of “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US” is very crucial as we re-think, re-evaluate and re-imagine how we work as an organization.? No policy should be decided without the full and direct participation of members of the group(s) affected by that change/policy.

Many organizations are learning to value lived expertise, but overcoming outdated, paternalistic beliefs and practices will not happen overnight; it requires commitment from all parties. There is a need to work alongside people with lived experience to create new structures in which we come together to form meaningful, equitable partnerships.?

Sajida Julius Kimambo, Country Director EGPAF-Tanzania ?

The Leadership Power Session by Dr. Sharon Melnick was enlightening and practical on various areas of my leadership paths.? I will work on changing my leadership behavior from a Thermometer to a Thermostat, leaving the things that I do not have control over and being more involved with my team to make our workplace a better place for everyone.

The conference also exposed me to the materials available online that I could use to continue to enhance my leadership skills. My next book read is by Dr. Melnick, In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others. ?

Caroline Stokes, Senior Manager, Individual Major Gifts ?

I am not alone. The WILD community embraced me and showed me that I am not alone in my challenges, vulnerabilities, passion, failures, and need for community.

I’ve taken away resources and allies that will serve me as I confidently navigate my journey - knowing what I contribute matters more than I realize. I feel connected and supported to achieve more than I thought was possible.?