Development Watch: Edition 7 - PERL Launches Community of Practice for Women in Governance

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PERL-ARC Development Watch: Edition 7, 2018

Stronger together!
PERL Launches Community of Practice for Women in Governance

Watch a short video
on the PERL-ARC Women in Governance Intervention

Women in governance occupy positions of responsibility where quality policies, plans and strategies can facilitate effective delivery of mandates. In Nigeria, there is no evidence of specific support systems that enable women in governance to engage in casual networking, learn from each other and develop a collective identity. Some women have made significant strides in governance as individuals but would be able to achieve more if they have access to support that specifically built delivery capacity. Such a structure would provide support whenever specific needs are identified. A Community of Practice was launched on 27th February 2018 to achieve this.

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The Community of Practice:
The Community of Practice was launched on 27^th February 2018 in Abuja during a four-day Leadership and Management Retreat (February 26 - March 1, 2018), which was facilitated by the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). The launch was attended by the Head of Office, DFID Nigeria, the British Deputy High Commissioner, representatives from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, representatives from the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, representatives from the African Development Bank and other international organisations, team members of PERL and colleagues from DFID.

Watch the remarks by
Debbie Palmer, Head of DFID Nigeria, during the Launch of the Women in Governance Community of Practice

AWARD Leadership and Management Course:

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Women’s Leadership and Management Course included modules such as leadership and gender, leadership and management, core communication skills, emotional intelligence, effective team building, managing conflict and how to achieve communication breakthroughs.

Over thirty women in governance, leadership and management positions across Nigeria participated in the learning event. Processes were designed to enable women in governance at all levels to improve delivery. Exercises included practical examples applicable in day-to-day work.

The leadership course and the CoP brought together Nigerian women leaders in influential positions from the Northern States, Federal institutions and PERL's South East and South West regional hubs. Some of the positions occupied by members of the Women in Governance CoP include Executive Secretary, Permanent Secretary, Commissioner, State Accountant-General, Head of Programme, Directors and Senior Special Adviser to the Governor.

A social media group has been set up for the Community of Practice using the WhatsApp platform. The group has already begun its journey of sharing skills and tools required for Women in Governance to be better at prioritising, planning, resourcing, delivering, tracking and accounting for service delivery.

About PERL

The Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) is a five-year governance programme, funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). The programme focuses support on governments, citizens, and evidence-based advocacy. PERL provides assistance to governments in the core areas of policy development and implementation.
Visit: www.perlnigeria.net

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Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department for International Development.

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