Clingendael continues partnership with MSF OCA on ‘Women in Leadership’ initiative

From 15-18 September, the Clingendael Humanitarian Negotiation Team welcomed the second cohort of women negotiators working in operations from Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Amsterdam (MSF OCA). The negotiators participated in the online Foundation Course in Humanitarian Negotiation Skills.

This women-only training, launched in 2024, continues to support MSF OCA's ambition to strengthen their women’s leadership capacities and increase the number of women in negotiation positions.

After encouraging opening remarks from Akke Boere, MSF's Director of Operations, 15 women engaged in an interactive and practice-oriented training tailored to humanitarian work. 

Over four days, participants built on core elements of humanitarian negotiation by exploring what defines an effective negotiator, the different types and phases of a negotiation, and various conflict-handling modes and negotiation styles. The focus of the training lies on continued application of tools and techniques and reflecting together on its effect on negotiation outcomes. Participants had time to invest in teambuilding among women in various roles at MSF. 

“I really appreciated the training and found it very valuable. Thanks to the facilitators for the engaging and well-structured sessions”

Noted one participant

The Clingendael team greatly valued the opportunity to work yet again with such a dedicated group for the second edition of this course, and warmly thanks both the participants for their active engagement and MSF for its continued trust in the Clingendael Academy to deliver this important training.