A Seat at the Table: Advancing Gender Diversity & Inclusive Leadership in SACCOs Training Course

Introduction

Building a diverse and inclusive leadership team is no longer just a moral imperative—it's a strategic necessity for any forward-thinking SACCO. This training course is designed to equip current and aspiring leaders with the knowledge and tools to champion gender diversity, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in governance and decision-making. By fostering an inclusive culture, SACCOs can unlock new perspectives, enhance innovation, and better serve the full breadth of their membership.

This curriculum goes beyond simple awareness to provide actionable strategies for creating a truly equitable environment. Participants will learn how to identify and dismantle unconscious bias, implement fair hiring and promotion practices, and mentor a new generation of female leaders. By building a more representative and inclusive leadership structure, SACCOs will strengthen their governance, improve financial performance, and reinforce their commitment to the cooperative principles of equity and community.

Duration 5 days

Target Audience This course is designed for all SACCO leaders, including board members, senior management, committee members, human resources professionals, and any individual committed to promoting gender diversity and inclusion within their organization.

Objectives

  • To understand the strategic and ethical case for gender diversity in SACCO leadership.
  • To identify and address unconscious biases that hinder female leadership advancement.
  • To develop and implement policies that support gender equity in recruitment and promotion.
  • To create a safe and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.
  • To understand and address the specific challenges faced by female leaders in the financial sector.
  • To master the art of inclusive communication and conflict resolution.
  • To design mentorship and sponsorship programs for women leaders.
  • To align gender diversity initiatives with the SACCO’s core business strategy.
  • To measure and report on the progress of gender diversity metrics.
  • To champion a culture of respect, fairness, and opportunity for everyone.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Case for Gender Diversity

  • The business and ethical imperative for diverse leadership.
  • Statistical trends and research on gender diversity in the financial sector.
  • How gender diversity impacts governance, risk management, and decision-making.
  • The link between diverse leadership and improved financial performance.
  • Examining the cooperative principles through an equity lens.

Module 2: Unconscious Bias in Leadership

  • What is unconscious bias and how does it manifest in the workplace?
  • Common types of bias in recruitment, performance reviews, and promotions.
  • Tools and techniques for recognizing and mitigating personal bias.
  • The impact of bias on team dynamics and innovation.
  • Practical exercises for self-reflection and group discussion.

Module 3: Policies & Practices for Equity

  • Developing a gender-neutral recruitment and selection process.
  • The role of flexible work arrangements in retaining diverse talent.
  • Implementing equitable compensation and promotion policies.
  • Creating a robust and confidential grievance mechanism.
  • The importance of parental leave and family-friendly benefits.

Module 4: Inclusive Leadership and Culture

  • Characteristics of an inclusive leader.
  • Fostering a culture where psychological safety is prioritized.
  • Strategies for ensuring all voices are heard in board and team meetings.
  • How to provide and receive feedback in an inclusive manner.
  • Case studies on building an inclusive culture from the ground up.

Module 5: Mentorship & Sponsorship

  • Differentiating between mentorship and sponsorship.
  • The role of sponsorship in career acceleration for women.
  • Designing a formal mentorship program for high-potential female employees.
  • The responsibilities of a mentor and a mentee.
  • Peer-to-peer mentorship and its benefits.

Module 6: Communication & Conflict Resolution

  • Mastering inclusive language and communication styles.
  • Techniques for facilitating difficult conversations respectfully.
  • The role of a leader in mediating and resolving conflicts.
  • Handling microaggressions and other forms of exclusion.
  • Building a framework for respectful dialogue.

Module 7: The Female SACCO Leader

  • Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities for women in financial leadership.
  • Strategies for navigating professional networks and mentorship.
  • The importance of building personal brand and professional identity.
  • The concept of authentic leadership for women.
  • Learning from the experiences of successful female leaders.

Module 8: Data-Driven Diversity

  • How to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for diversity and inclusion.
  • Collecting and analyzing data on gender representation and pay equity.
  • Using data to identify gaps and measure the impact of initiatives.
  • The importance of transparently sharing diversity metrics.
  • Benchmarking against industry and cooperative standards.

Module 9: Board Diversity & Effectiveness

  • The benefits of a gender-diverse board of directors.
  • Strategies for increasing female representation on the board.
  • The role of the nominating committee in promoting diversity.
  • How a diverse board can improve governance and decision-making.
  • Case studies of boards that have successfully enhanced their diversity.

Module 10: Action Plan for Inclusive Leadership

  • Each participant will develop a personal action plan for promoting diversity within their SACCO.
  • The plan will include specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
  • Participants will present their plans for peer feedback and coaching.
  • The module provides a hands-on opportunity to apply learnings and commit to action.
  • Creating a roadmap for continuous improvement and a legacy of inclusive leadership.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport Pick Up is provided by the institute. Accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

A Seat At The Table: Advancing Gender Diversity & Inclusive Leadership In Saccos training Course in Maldives
Dates Fees Location Action