In a co-learning group of Transformative Feminist Leadership (TFL), the probationary mentors are sharing their views on how to walk with grantee partner for problems in relation of teamwork: “Don't focus on work and meeting only, focus on creating space for conversation instead.”, “Is playing also a working tool?”, “When the brain is overloaded, it’s time for relaxation.” “Taking care of yourself first is not a selfish act, it is a prerequisite of taking good care of others.”

Change in Oneself Brings About Change in Society

HER Fund has been promoting Transformative Feminist Leadership (TFL) since 2019. Fongie, who participated in the design of the co-learning group, explained, “A lot of people use 'Feminism' to interpret 'Feminist' in TFL. TFL indeed comes from a core perspective of Feminism to view problems, bringing about a more open, equal society with mutual respect and zero oppression, allowing everyone to self-transform and changes society at length. Yet, when we interpret Transformative Feminist Leadership, we highlight the power dynamic instead of the gender difference. No matter it's between male and female, parent and children, teacher and student, this dynamic permeates into even the relationship between supervisor and subordinate within an organisation.”

The concept of TFL first appeared in 2000 due to the predicament faced in the global women’s movement. “Even though the blueprint is ideal, the advocates are exhausted. Even though the goal is shared, there are conflicts among individuals. If we cannot live out the changes we want, how can we convince others this is a feasible direction?”, Phoebe said. As a long-term supporter of HER Fund, she noticed this was also the problem Hong Kong facing. Some advocates had the heart to invest but passed away from overwork, sometimes when a leading advocate left, the organisation came to a halt. How do we sustain the women’s movement to bring about change? “HER Fund is a women’s fund, but also a community organisation working closely with grantee partners. Is it possible to introduce the concept of TFL to these organisations? How do we localise the foreign concept?”

As a result, Fongie, Phoebe, HER Fund’s programme manager Jade and more like-minded individuals formed a core group that backed the concept of TFL. The group has been initiating exploration and discussion ever since. In 2019, over ten organisations were invited for an experience, five have been continuing supporting the group for over three years. Jade noted, “The concept of TFL is such a new perspective to us and to the organisation. We have been exploring as we go.”

Fongie explained, “From self reconnection, we take control of our own self, then we were able to see the organisational problem. This prompted me to go back to the organisation to initiate recommunication. Then to solve the problems that caused by the power relation.” Phoebe added, “ Power relation is not necessarily antagonistic, instead of oppressive, it can be complimentary and even co-sharing with the service targets of the organisation. TFL workshop is a safe and trusting space for us to discuss the situation we are facing.”

The first phase of TFL workshop lasted one and a half year. Jade recalled the changes of the participants, “Some participants didn’t get along well with the experienced ones, and conflicts could be triggered easily. After the exploration and practice through TFL, they learned to put the focus back on themselves, and acquired new ways to response to any conflict. Of course, conflicts still exist, but as resilience has been built, emotions become better contained. All relationships are two-way, the attitude of experienced ones have softened as a result. TFL is not the answer to all questions, but it creates space to see through the needs and perspective of oneself and others, this diverges the attention away from seeking right or wrong in time of conflict, but to work together for a solution.”

Co-learning Demonstrates TFL

As the TFL workshop entered the second phase in 2021, they added the concept of co-learning.

Although a lot of participants could already apply what they learnt to their work, altering their lives and interpersonal relationships, they still think that there are not enough participants if they want to spread the good cause of TFL. Phoebe even said, “Perhaps HER Fund is not the only place to promote this concept.”

When a new batch of participants enrolled TFL workshop, they start from learning the concepts. Simultaneously, the co-learning group formed by "probationary mentors" also kickstarted. These mentors included “workshop graduates” from the last phase, those who wished to reinforce their TFL concept, those who had experiences walking with someone for self-development, as well as core members such as Fongie, Phoebe and Jade. The purpose of forming the co-learning group is to foster more like-minded people to promote TFL and encourage more and more organisations to thrive in a healthy and sustainable way.

The probationary mentors have been deepening their TFL knowledge, meanwhile practicing with different participating organisations, walking with them to approach problems from the perspective of TFL in order to enhance their problem-solving capacities. HER Fund also provides small grants to these organisations, giving them the opportunity to host and participate in TFL related activities such as group communication, gathering, self-exploration and mediation etc.

The co-learning group hosts gathering once a month. Phoebe said, “The mentors will share the problems they faced while walking with the organisation. If the organisation relies too much on the mentors, everyone will come together to discuss and find a solution.”. She believed that both the organisation and mentors could internalise more of the concept of TFL and cause bigger change. Some mentors work as senior management in their respective fields, this newly acquired perspective will help them to see and solve problems differently, which benefits their organisation or company.

Fongie thought this co-learning method truly demonstrated the concept of TFL. “Instead of having a teacher to come and tell you what to do, everyone brings their experience together to share and discuss. Everyone is able to host, and decide on the group topic as well as to lead the group. This is the demonstration of sharing power.” she said.

HER Fund’s TFL project has been in progress for five years with incremental increase in the knowledge of concept, implementation and tool, the project often promotes with revision from time to time. “According to the imminent situation and participant’s need, the content will be adjusted and it's never repeating,” Jade said this was the distinctive feature of HER Fund: Continuous learning and transformation from experience, growing in the presence of Transformative Feminist Leadership.

Interviewed and written by: Joan Yiu
Transalted by: Janie Chan