Young women were left in full admiration of female politicians who shared their leadership journey during a session of the ‘Running to Win’ Mentorship Conversation that was conducted by Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) on Friday, 28 June 2019 in Bulawayo.
In attendance were young women aged between 18 and 35 years who have keen interest in political leadership, former Councillors and a group of seasoned politicians who are currently seating in the office of either Ward Council or the National Assembly.
The ‘Running to Win’ Mentorship Conversation targeted women in politics aspiring to rise and become effective public leaders and politicians in the near future. Since 2017, WILD has prioritised capacity building through mentorship programs which provide a platform for sharing ideas among seasoned female politicians, and imparting knowledge to aspiring female candidates.
Speaking during the ‘Running to Win’ Mentorship Conversation, Phyllis Mkandla, a Member of Parliament (MP) shared how mentorship played a significant role in building her career as a politician.
One beneficiary from the 2017 cluster of the Women Empowered for Public Leadership (WE4PL) Mentees, Sikhululekile Moyo gave an overview of her 20-year political journey.
“The people who were key in my journey included female politicians such as Honourable Priscilla Misihairambwi – Mushonga and Honourable Jasmine Toffa,” said Pumula North Ward Councilor, Skhululekile Moyo. “My mentors held my hand when I never had understanding of what political leadership involved. I made mistakes numerous times but there was never a time when my mentors left me out in the open.”
Bulawayo Central legislator Nicola Watson said the journey in political leadership goes beyond just political party affiliation and encouraged young women to execute more as it can enable them to achieve their goals.
‘Running to Win’ Mentorship Conversations are coaching and motivational dialogues between mentees and mentors from different political parties, public institutions and recognised individual leaders.
Source: Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD)
