Women Leadership mentorship Using Ubuntu Framework

Group Submission Type: Pre-conference Workshop

Description of Session

Leadership existed in Africa well before colonization. In Southern Africa, informal education was very effective as generations passed on their history, Knowledge and skills to future generations. These improved ways of life and well-being.
The workshop showcases methods and approaches to the mentorship of Women Leaders using Ubuntu. The workshop will showcase tools and techniques that individuals working in the African context can utilize the Ubuntu approach as an alternative mentorship model.
The workshop will establish how Ubuntu as a leadership and mentorship style could be applied to the current education system to develop an African embedded framework of mentorship; current leadership in education followed a colonized approach without acknowledgement or appreciation of the indigenous leadership styles. Findings have shown that Ubuntu is an alternative model that works well in communities and schools in the African context. The workshop is centred on emerging research on the role of African Indigenous knowledge in the education context. The workshop will draw on the decolonizing methodological approach and demonstrate how we could apply its four practices as analytical lenses to the findings of our current study: (1) exercising critical reflexivity, (2)reciprocity and respect for self-determination, (3) embracing “Other(ed)” ways of knowing, and (4)embodying a transformative praxis. The workshop presents a revised area of scholarship and learning that presents
exciting possibilities to re-imagine mentorship methods and support changes grounded in local
Indigenous Knowledge that will encourage greater diversity and representation in learning contexts. The workshop shows the connection between leadership, community, health, wellness, and critical learning. The workshops link Ubuntu’s ‘I am because you are and how this approach has shown success for leaders using Ubuntu in their daily interaction and mentorship. The session runs between 45 minutes to 3 hours. The workshop will share best practices in the form of videos, stories and lived experiences of the facilitators/ presenters and what worked using the Ubuntu mentorship approach.

Sub Unit

• Pre-Conference Workshops, Book launches, and Visual Art Exhibits / Pre-Conference Workshop

Chair

• Rachael Kalaba, University of Toronto

Workshop Organizer

• Rachael Kalaba, University of Toronto

Presenter

• Rachael Kalaba, University of Toronto