Download Women attaining leadership roles in political parties

Women attaining leadership roles
in political parties
Presentation by:
Perry Aritua
Executive Director
Women’s Democracy Network-Uganda Chapter
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wdnuganda.org
How do women attain leadership
roles in political parties?
What is leadership?
 The ability to organize or direct affairs of a group towards
achievement of the group’s goal.
 For a political party, it is important to have a democratic
leader who ensures that members of the group are
involved in making decisions on how to achieve their goals.
 A leader who exercises democratic leadership is
answerable to the party, follows the laws and guidelines of
the party, consults and makes decisions informed by ideas
from the group, does not discriminate against the different
interest groups in the party.
Cont’d
Women can attain leadership roles in political parties
through the following ways:
 Women striving for leadership positions in the party
should be knowledgeable about the laws, regulations
and guidelines of the party. This enables them to
compete from an informed perspective;
 Work with members of the party and develop a
support base. Maintain communication and a good
relationship with the support base;
Cont’d
 Must be assertive and principled to earn respect from peers and party
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leaders-Hon. Cecilia Ogwal-District woman MP, Dokolo district,
Uganda;
Must enjoy grassroots support of party members so as to get elected
within party organs;
Must be exposed internally and nationally in order to contribute
constructive ideas to the party;
Must have a niche on certain issues- Hon. Winnie Byanyima had a
niche for fighting against corruption and women’s rights; Hon. Miria
Matembe known for advocating for the rights of women and girls. This
earns one media attraction and reference when debates on certain
issues are taking place;
Must be knowledgeable and conversant with past and current issues
and have an opinion that is supported with facts;
Must be dynamic and change with the times but remain principled on
issues;
Cont’d
 Must be active in party activities and be dependable;
 A functional women’s group within the party is important to provide
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training for potential women candidates, negotiate and lobby for
women aspiring for party leadership and as party flag bearers;
Identify an intelligent, respected, effective and dependable woman
leader to lead the women’s group. This ensures that the views, interests
and rights of women in the party are represented and defended;
Develop strategies to influence party organs and persons who are key in
making decisions on women’s participation at different levels in the
party;
Must have leadership qualities that others identify. Makes it easier for
them to associate with you and support your election into leadership;
Support from family is important because it makes it easier for one to
concentrate on politics and offer herself for leadership;
Women striving for leadership
positions within parties
 Being knowledgeable;
 Integrity and reliability;
 Develop a niche for yourself;
 Brand yourself;
 Learn and use skills that will make you thrive e.g.
Negotiation, lobbying, public speaking, research
 Be assertive and respectable;
 Develop a support base