Lottie Vinson, Director of the Canterbury Workers Educational Association (CWEA), represented ACE at the Asia South Pacific Association for Basic Adult Education (ASBAE) leadership forum in October. The session was held over six days in Kuala Lumpur and the topic was Transformational Feminist Leadership in Adult Education.
Lottie joined 29 delegates from 15 countries in the region, including Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Nepal, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. Delegates worked in organisations that deliver or manage adult education or who are involved with policy and advocacy organisations with a focus on adult education. While the forum was conducted in English, Lottie was the only delegate who used English as their first language. Despite that, only one delegate required a translator.
Towards the end of the week, Lottie gave a presentation with a focus on how ACE in Aotearoa builds capacity for feminist leadership.
“During the week I changed my presentation as I came to understand that building feminist leadership is so closely linked with building capacity for indigenous leadership. Both share a notion of leading without discrimination. Feminist leadership and indigenous leadership are both impacted by the patriarchal and dominant "power over" style of leadership,” Lottie says.
“There was a great deal of discussion about dominant power leadership versus other forms of leadership and how to nurture and grow those alternatives. We also had a session on intersectionality and the way in which different forms of oppression overlap and layer. None of these aspects can be seen in isolation; you need to consider urban, rural, political and religious factors and dig deep to better understand oppression and its impact on women’s rights.”
During the forum, delegates visited the North South Initiative, a civil society organisation that aims to promote sustainable development in Malaysia and other developing countries. The organisation works with migrants and refugees to develop innovative solutions for vulnerable communities through sustainable development challenges. Lottie says they focus on issues such as access to justice for marginalised individuals and migrant communities.
“This visit made me realise how fortunate we are in Aotearoa. Migrant workers in Malaysia have many of their fundamental human rights taken away. When given a work visa they essentially sign away their rights to a relationship, health care and education. These stories made me realise that we must not take our freedoms for granted. This was reinforced by discussions I had with Indian delegates who shared that the rates for employment for women in India are decreasing amid a changing political and social environment that is seeing a growing sense that women should be staying at home. While there has been progress in these aspects, it needs to be protected and celebrated.”
Lottie says the forum confirmed the important role that ACE has in policy contribution and advocacy, and this is one aspect she wants bring back to the ACE board.
“The forum was an inspiring and humbling experience. I was very grateful to be given the opportunity to attend. ASPBAE did an incredible job.” One final tip from Lottie: “If you get a chance to watch The Queen of Katwe, a true story of a young girl living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, then watch it!”