Application Deadline: 4th August 2025.
Applications are now open for the 2025 International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) Women’s Political Leadership Programme. The 12-months training focuses on developing political leadership skills and is open only 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. All parts of the training are based on equity, participation, transparency and accountability, and the goal is to strengthen democracy in the organizations taking part in the training, primarily by strengthening the politician herself, as well as capacitating women politicians in general to be good role models and to get a higher involvement of underrepresented groups in decision making bodies.
The training is implemented in cooperation with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR).
Requirements
- All countries on the OECD-DAC listed ODA-countries are eligible for the upcoming cohort of the programme, but if a local election is held during the year when the training takes place, the country is temporarily taken off the list.
- This is also aplicable if the country is having av election between August and December the current year.
Benefits:
- Valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences
- Extended regional and international networks
- Improved skills as a driver for change in initiating and implementing instituational 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 the local governance
Costs
All training costs pertaining to lectures, literature, documentation, study tours and certain social activities as well as accommodation and food will also be covered by the organiser. All international travel costs related to the programme will be covered by the programme organiser. Costs for personal expenses are not included and are the responsibility of the participant or her organisation.
Admission Requirements
Invited countries
All countries on the OECD-DAC listed ODA-eligible countries, are eligible for the programme, but if a local election is held during the year when the training takes place, the country is temporarily taken off the list. This is also aplicable if the country is having av election between August and December the current year.
Target group
Only elected women politicians (currently in office) in a local/regional government will be considered. For the upcoming cohorts, eligibility is limited to women currently serving as Mayors, Deputy Mayors, or Governors and Deputy Governors
Language requirements
The training programme will be organised and conducted in English. Proficiency in English shall be indicated in the Application form.
Health requirements
Considering the training programme consists of international travels and work away from home in a new environment, good health and ability to work without health restrictions is required.
Program offer:
- 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)
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme
