Introduction and Purpose
The fifth session under NutriCare’s Market Empowerment Series focused on Gender and Leadership in Action — helping traders recognize that true leadership is not power, but partnership.
The training encouraged both men and women to see leadership as a daily act of fairness, teamwork, and empathy, rather than a title or role. It aimed to challenge cultural norms that limit women’s participation in decision-making while building confidence among vendors to lead collaboratively — at home and in the marketplace.
“Who Makes the Decisions?” – The Icebreaker
The session opened with an engaging question: Who makes the decisions at home and in the market?
Participants quickly related — women often manage daily family needs, while men handle “big” financial or social decisions.
This conversation revealed the silent imbalance of decision-making, often causing tension in families and businesses. The facilitator emphasized that shared decisions build trust, and that gender balance creates harmony and progress in both households and markets.
From Discussion to Action: Leadership in Everyday Life
Through storytelling and group role-play, traders explored the meaning of leadership.
Using the local story “Tadala and Blessings,” participants connected emotionally to lessons about planning, fairness, and cooperation.
Later, small groups acted out real-life market scenarios — resolving conflicts, supporting sick colleagues, and organizing clean-up days.
A male participant’s story stood out: when a fellow female trader fainted at her stall, he offered first aid immediately. The group agreed this act symbolized leadership through care, not gender.
“Leadership is not about who speaks louder — it’s about who helps first.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
During reflection, women opened up about fears of judgment and exclusion from leadership roles. Many admitted that cultural expectations often silence their voices.
Together, participants identified key barriers — lack of confidence, gossip, and limited inclusion — and proposed local solutions such as peer mentorship, spousal engagement, and gender dialogues.
By the end of the session, participants agreed that leadership thrives in environments of mutual respect, open communication, and teamwork.
Key Outcomes
| Expected Output | Outcome Achieved |
| Understanding of gender equality and shared leadership | ✅ 90% of participants demonstrated understanding through group reflection |
| Identification of leadership qualities | ✅ Highlighted responsibility, fairness, communication, empathy |
| Confidence among peer leaders | ✅ Vendors volunteered for mentoring and cleanliness initiatives |
| Gender-sensitive decision-making at home and market | ✅ Participants committed to joint household discussions |
Materials Used
- Flipcharts and story cards
- Role-play scenario cards
- NutriCare purple posters: “Women and Men Lead Together”
- Recognition tokens for active participants
Recommendations
- Continue mentorship sessions to build women’s confidence.
- Engage spouses and traditional leaders in gender awareness dialogues.
- Integrate leadership topics into ongoing WASH and financial literacy trainings.
- Form a Gender & Leadership Task Team within the Lizulu Market Committee.
Conclusion
The Gender and Leadership in Action session was transformative — turning discussions into reflection, and reflection into change.
Traders now see that leadership is expressed through fairness, empathy, and shared action.
At Lizulu Market, men and women are learning to lead together — creating a model of inclusive, respectful, and healthy markets that strengthen families and communities alike.
“Tili limodzi! — Together we lead, together we grow.”