The League in Africa: the beginning of a longlasting relationship

National Voter, Jan-Feb, 2003 by Zaida Arguedas

The League's three-year program, Woman Power in Politics: Building Grassroots Democracy in Africa, was completed in December 2002. This program was inaugurated in 1999 by the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Agency for International Development's Education for Development and Democracy Initiative (EDDI). The goal was to engage African citizens in the political life of their countries by exploring the special role nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play in educating citizens about their democratic rights and responsibilities. Eight countries were targeted: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The program was comprised of two phases annually: a four-week Grassroots Internship for 24 African NGO women leaders in the United States and a two-week Grassroots Partnership Training for 16 League members in the targeted African countries.

Over the three years, 72 African women traveled to the United States, spending two full weeks with different Leagues. The hosting Leagues were located as far north as Casper, WY; south to Baton Rouge, LA; west to San Francisco, CA; and east to Larchmont, NY.

The impact these highly committed and energetic African women leaders made in more than 15 U.S. communities has been enormous and did not stop when they left. Four Leagues have created long-term partnerships on issues of mutual interest and have "adopted" the partner. One League trainer from Clemson, SC, sponsored a student visa for a Kenyan to attend a school in Clemson.

During this same period, more than 22 League members participated in the Grassroots Partnership Training. They worked with African partner organizations to prepare specific workshops for diverse areas in the targeted countries. These adventurous League participants traveled great distances from the capital cities to remote areas. They were able to share with African women mutual concerns and problems, fostering a sisterhood where skin color and language had no place.

To record the impact of this program and the cultural outreach that has been accomplished and will continue in the years ahead in these few pages is impossible, but it is possible to highlight some of the memorable experiences, especially through the lens of the participants.

ETHIOPIA

"My favorite part of the visit was on the last day of the workshop when participants resolved to "organize" a new association for citizen education! The news since our return is that a group of trainees met in October and are going forward, writing by-laws and contacting trainees from the previous two workshops conducted by LWV facilitators during the 3-year program... Their vision for the association is 'to see a country where equality of women and men prevails.' What a wonderful outcome for the LMV program in Ethiopia.

It was such fun to interact with them to develop actions plans that were relevant to their organizations and/or communities. The workshop provided a comfortable forum for them to express their ideas and feelings. We found them to be special people--dedicated to making a difference in their communities regardless of their gender, language, religious beliefs, or personal values. It was especially rewarding...that many of the trainees wanted a follow up or a continuation of the training... Visits to their various workplaces, associations and organizations inspired us. We were moved by the sacrifices and dedication of our new found friends to improve life in their communities. While we believe that our lessons encouraged their leadership and will enhance their efforts to empower their communities we value the lessons we learned from them. We would be happy to return for follow up training for them and for us!" Esther Connors and Miriam Brierly (Columbus, OH)

GHANA

"For several days before the workshop we toured the city and traveled along the coast to Cape Coast. Our impression was of a people who were extremely bright, friendly and soft spoken. Ghana is a poor country with high inflation. It is apparent that under a democratic form of government, progress (although slowly) is being made to improve the lot of the citizens."

When the attendees at their workshop were challenged to "make use of the information they had been acquiring and to 'form political parties and run for office.' The zeal and enthusiasm with which the participants took up the gauntlet [were] exciting to see. These women have the intelligence, desire and will to be active participants in their government. Some have been elected to office and others are ready to take up the challenge. It was watching these bright, eager, capable women interact with each other that gave credence to the value of the program." Barba Edwards and Muriel Frank (Omaha, NE)

KENYA

"The best part of the program was the Kenyan women leaders. They are knowledgeable of good leadership and know their basic needs. They are courageous in the face of adversity such as domestic violence and tribal clashes during election time. Several women are seeking seats in Parliament and as Councilors and others are mobilizing voters to support women candidates. They face the great challenge of funding a successful campaign, being discriminated against by their political parties and being faced with the threat of violence. Nevertheless, they endure for the sake of improving the lives of other women. Generally, Kenyan women lack many material goods but join together to share what they have with each other." Linda Gahan and Elaine Epstein (Clemson, SC) 2002 Intern Joyce Mwangoji (in blue, standing) at a civic engagement workshop, Taita, Taveta Hills, Kenya.