Step Into Our Power

I would describe this course as a soul bath for feminist leaders that are struggling with the realities of putting that kind of leadership into practice. I arrived with a particular leadership challenge, feeling the full burden of how to practice feminist leadership, loving kindness, delegating power, practising fairness and firmness all at the same time. I came away feeling like a new person, aware that the challenges are still there, but that I feel so much stronger and capable of dealing with whatever comes my way.

I think the 3 most magical things were the practical exercises (to get right into questions around power and leadership), the facilitators who held the space lightly and skilfully, creating a really safe space and the other participants, who just gave me so much energy, inspiration and hope.

I'm very grateful to Joanna and Angela and feel like I might need an annual bath ;). I've also signed up our country directors and campaign directors to the next events.

The training gave me strength to continue working to apply feminist leadership principles in my work. It created a trusted space where we were able to share, to listen deeply, to learn, to celebrate and support each other, without judgment.

It has reinforced the sisterhood links we had built in the past or built new ones, I was truly inspired by the courage and resilience of all the smart women who shared that much over the 2 days.

The other day, I looked back at my notes from the workshop, and I was thrilled to re-read the wisdom that the group shared with me. The power of the workshop lies in the group, the facilitators, the pace (thinking slow and fast!), the location.

Stepping away from the hustle for two days is something everyone should do -so I can only strongly recommend it!

The 2 days of the Feminist Leadership program were a very special gift.

I did it at a time when I was experiencing extreme fatigue and didn’t see the extent to which I was in “survival mode”. I work as a feminist Economist on global issues, for the global union movement, dealing with the impacts of a global pandemic, climate crisis and the intersections of all the related issues as well as living with Long COVID for a year and a half.

Each and every conversation and interaction at the workshop gave me space to create new ideas and strategies and turn wonderful insights into impactful action.

Translating the wisdom and facilitation skills of Angela and Joanna and absorbing the great lessons from other participants was easy. And months later what I took from those 2 days has me opening space for the things that are most important in my life, my work, my leadership and my experience of joy, energy and hope. Fantastic. I am deeply grateful.

My favourite part was being in this circle, the guided exercises, the laughter, the beauty of the space and the safety.

What would I say to other women? DO IT!! Don’t be afraid. You need this. It’s worth the effort.

The energy spent avoiding and not taking care of yourself and your power is more than the energy required to jump in. Say YES!! Don’t just say no. You will gain back the energy tenfold!

What I loved most? My meeting with my future self. This group and each of its members, trust in our power and wisdom, sense of support - sisterhood is the way!

What would I say to somebody about coming? You will discover what is already within you by finding your words to get you to start using your own feminist transformative power.

It’s a journey worth taking some time off for, as it will give you the sense of peace and clarity you seek.