Feminist leadership research project

At WIDI, we understand the importance of building the knowledge base to inform transformational improvement across the social service sector. When participants in the Leadership Intensive Program observed that common assumptions about leadership often have gendered roots, we partnered with Family Safety Victoria (FSV) to undertake a research project on feminist leadership within the family violence sector. Involving a series of interviews with sector leaders, coupled with a comprehensive literature review, the project explored how contemporary feminist leadership practice informs the management and governance of the family violence and primary prevention sectors. 

The project report, Dangerous Hope: Feminist Leadership in the Victorian Specialist Family Violence and Prevention of Violence against Women Sectors, identified and explored key aspects of contemporary feminist leadership practice including the importance of having shared values and mission; the critical role collectivity, collaboration and partnership play within feminist leadership; the necessity of accountability, transparency and the ongoing critique of power structures; the importance of embedding an intersectional lens; and the merits of being open to change and growth as a leader. Our research found feminist leadership to have played a critical role in drawing the issue of family violence out of the shadows and into the national spotlight. It also has a key role to play in addressing gender inequality and family violence within our communities. Our research identified a range of areas in which work can be done – by government, by organisations, by leaders, and by staff – to better encourage and enable feminist leadership in the Victorian specialist family violence and prevention of violence against women sectors.