Women’s Leadership Program Cohort 2
Posted: 5 April 2016
The second Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) commenced in December 2015 with 20 participants selected from talented graduates of the Australia Awards Mongolia (AAM).
The WLP is a sub-component of the AAM program. It is designed to improve alumni’s leadership skills and to enhance professional development after completing an Australia Award. The WLP provides a comprehensive leadership and development program for selected alumni with activities focused on developing their unique leadership capacities. Furthermore, WLP gives participants opportunities to design and implement community development projects that address some pressing issues in our society.
The opening ceremony took place on 5 December, 2015 with guests including the Consul General Mr Brendon Coyne, AAM Country Manager Ms Tsetsgee Yundendorj, Head of the Zorig Foundation (ZF) Ms Oyun Sanjaasuren, Secretary of National Committee on Gender Equality Ms Bolormaa Mashlai and participants from the first WLP. The event was an excellent opportunity for participants to familiarize with the program and network with the first cohort participants and the AAM team.
After the opening ceremony, participants took part in a 3-day orientation retreat, focused on the two key outcomes: leadership and gender equality. This retreat included topics on self-reflection, team-building, leadership styles, mentorship, project management and gender. Participants practiced team-building, leadership skills, engaging in experimental and entertaining activities to demonstrate them. They also investigated and explored gender-related issues Ms Carolyn Peterken from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Mr Walt Jenkins (ZF) facilitated leadership and team-building sessions and Gender Specialist, Ms Oyuntsetseg Oidov, led a seminar on gender equality.
Participants also attended themed lunch forums with influential leaders and seminar events focused on improving key leadership skills. They also formed into teams and began designing their community development projects.