International Center for Local Democracy Women’s Political Leadership Programme
The 12-month training programme focuses on developing political leadership skills and is exclusively open to women leaders who hold an elected or appointed seat in a local or regional government in any of the OECD-DAC listed ODA-countries. The programme emphasizes equity, participation, transparency, and accountability, aiming to strengthen democracy in participating organizations by empowering women politicians to become role models and increase the involvement of underrepresented groups in decision-making bodies.
📝 About the Programme
The training is implemented in collaboration with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR). It aims to:
- Empower participants with improved leadership skills.
- Help participants fully utilize the power and influence of their positions.
- Strengthen participants as role models to encourage political participation among marginalized groups.
- Provide access to a network of women in similar positions.
During the training, participants will work on a change process and implement strategies to make local authorities equitable, participatory, transparent, and accountable.
🎁 Benefits of the Programme
Participants will gain:
- A valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences.
- Access to extended regional and international networks.
- Improved skills as drivers for change in initiating and implementing institutional change.
- Enhanced communication and advocacy skills on issues of inclusive governance.
- A three-day study visit in a Swedish municipality or region.
- Support to improve participation, equality, transparency, and accountability in local governance.
Additional Offerings:
- Advanced training in communication, strategic planning, and leadership.
- Swedish mentorship, including an individual three-day study visit in a Swedish municipality or region.
- International exposure to diverse political experiences.
- Opportunities for municipalities to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
🛠️ How the Programme Works
The programme includes:
- Skills training workshops (on-site or digital).
- Identification of challenges and solution development for issues faced by women politicians.
- Strategic support and coaching from ICLD staff and mentors.
- Sharing of professional obstacles and successes in an inclusive environment.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
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Country Eligibility:
- Open to all countries on the OECD-DAC listed ODA-countries.
- Countries holding local elections during the training year or between August and December of the current year are temporarily ineligible.
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Position Eligibility:
- Limited to women currently serving as Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Governors, or Deputy Governors.
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Language Requirements:
- The programme will be conducted in English. Proficiency in English must be indicated in the application form.
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Health Requirements:
- Participants must be in good health and capable of engaging in an active programme with long days of seminars, study visits, and interactive networking.
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Other Requirements:
- Participants must outline the problem to be addressed by the change process in their application.
- Attendance at all scheduled parts of the programme is mandatory.
- Approval from the participant's local authority is required.
- Family members are not allowed to accompany participants during the programme.
📅 Application Process and Timeline
Key Dates:
- Date Published: June 13, 2025
- Application Deadline: August 04, 2025
Application Steps:
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Initial Application:
- Submit an electronic application including:
- A photocopy of your passport.
- Validation of your appointed position.
- An outline of the problem to be addressed by the change process.
- Submit an electronic application including:
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Digital Interviews:
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first digital interview and asked to provide evidence of their position (e.g., certificate of employment or identification).
- If successful, a second digital interview will be conducted with the candidate and a representative of the nominating organization.
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Final Steps:
- Selected participants and their nominating organizations must sign a formal Letter of Commitment.
- Participants without a passport must apply for one immediately.
Change Process Description:
Applicants must describe:
- The societal challenge/problem they aim to address.
- The democratic components (equity, participation, transparency, and accountability) crucial for addressing the challenge.
- How the work will anticipate citizens’ needs.
🌍 Sponsor Organization
The programme is sponsored by the International Center for Local Democracy (ICLD).
📌 Additional Information
- The training programme will include international travel and work in new environments.
- Participants are required to actively engage in workshops and complete assignments between sessions (e.g., journals, reports).
📧 Contact Information
For more details, visit the International Center for Local Democracy Women’s Political Leadership Programme.
To apply, visit the Application Portal.
🚨 Important Notes
- Family members are not allowed to accompany participants during any part of the programme.
- A medical examination is recommended before submitting the Medical Statement in the application form.
- Valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences
- Extended regional and international networks
- Improved skills as a driver for change in initiating and implementing institutional change
- Skills and abilities to communicate and advocate on issues of inclusive governance
- Three-day study-visit in a Swedish municipality or region
- Support to improve participation, equality, transparency and accountability in local governance
- Advanced training in communication, strategic planning and leadership
- Swedish mentorship including an individual three-day study visit in a Swedish municipality or region
- International exposure to different political experiences
- An opportunity for your municipality to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
