![\"Herschelle](\"http:\/\/africlub.net\/awdf\/wp-content\/uploads\/Herschelle-Milford.jpg\")
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When Surplus People\u2019s Project\u2019s CEO, Herschelle Milford, was invited to participate in the African Women\u2019s Development Fund\u2019s CEO Forum on Leadership and Governance in 2015, it would be the start of a journey of growth that would build networks with feminist leaders across the African continent. At the time, Milford said her \u201cbiggest drawback has always been my struggle with self-confidence and public speaking\u201d. Milford represents an organisation that envisages a transformed and just society and stands in \u201csolidarity with radical social movements in struggles for pro-poor agrarian transformation for food sovereignty\u201d.<\/p>\n
SPP research conducted in 2009 indicated that land reform and food security strategies were not well integrated in South Africa and these policies have not paid sufficient attention to the patriarchal structures which limits women\u2019s access to productive land. South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world with a Gini coefficient of about 0.65 and there are constant struggles to ensure that the poor have access to land and resources. SPP\u2019s discussions with women across the Western and Northern Cape – where the organisation operates \u2014 have identified inequality in food, violence against women, women\u2019s access to land, unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse as critical issues. SPP recognises that while there is a general challenge to have more South Africans gain access to the land, that challenge is greater for women.<\/p>\n
To this end, the SPP works with social movements and communities helping them to amplify their agrarian struggles. \u201cGenerally, I am a selfdriven person and set high expectations for myself,\u201d noted Milford. \u201cA positive attribute has always been my leadership style that emphasised inclusivity, transparency and shared accountability.\u201d The Nairobi intervention, however, focused on individual skills \u2014 starting early with yoga before moving on to three full day sessions that included board governance, media training, personal care, resource mobilisation and feminist engagement.<\/p>\n
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