5 – Gender equality
ICLD launches empowering new cohort for Women’s Political Leadership
ICLD is thrilled to announce the acceptance of a fresh cohort of participants for the Women’s Political Leadership (WPL) programme. Comprising 23 dynamic women leaders—including mayors, deputy mayors, and governors from across the OECD-DAC region—this programme marks the eleventh round of a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women in local politics. This year’s group includes…
Fostering Women’s representation in Local Democracy – A Qualitative Analysis of the Factors Surrounding Female Political Participation at a Mayor Office Level in Colombia
This study critically examines the gendered experiences of female political candidates running for mayoral offices in Colombia. It addresses the systemic exclusion women face in a patriarchal political system, compounded by economic constraints, political violence, and societal norms. Through seven qualitative interviews, the research identifies the strategies used by women to overcome these barriers. The…
Gender Quotas and the Struggle for Representation in Local Democracy
At the 2024 Local Democracy Academy (LDA), researchers, policymakers, and local leaders gathered to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing democracy. Among the many important discussions, one theme stood out: the persistent gap between gender quotas and real political equality in local councils. Two standout presentations—one from Colombia by Clara Rocío Rodríguez Pico,…
Women empowered through gender equality in Chilanga’s administrative framework
Team Chilanga demonstrates the application of diverse methods learned from the ICLD Gender Mainstreaming Programme to empower women in environmental management. Within Zambia’s Chilanga district, a community grapples with the intertwined challenges of quarry mining and agriculture, navigating the delicate balance between environmental conservation and economic growth. Amidst these challenges, Chilanga Town Council has initiated…
Region Västerbotten, Vaupes and Amazonas, Colombia
Project: Equitable health in sparsely populated areas – women’s and indigenous perspectives Region Västerbotten, Vaupes and Amazonas in Colombia, will together address the fact that indigenous women and youth in rural Colombia, face severe human rights violations, especially regarding health access. Geographic and sociocultural barriers limit their access to quality services, leading to high maternal…
Åre and Panajachel, Guatemala
Project: Local democracy, gender equality & education – A joint learning project The municipality of Åre in Sweden and the municipality of Panajachel in Guatemala are collaborating to address the issue of gender inequality and the exclusion of minority groups in municipal decision-making processes. This effort aims to strengthen local democracies in both municipalities through…
Advancing Women and Youth in Dusheti: Strengthening Participation and Leadership
As part of its participation in the ICLD’s Human Rights-Based Approach Programme, Dusheti Municipality in Georgia undertook a change project that empowers women and youth in local governance. Through dynamic capacity-building initiatives and the formation of a proactive Youth Council, the project transforms these groups into powerful catalysts for change. “Empowering women and youth is…
Region Gotland och Kibaha, Tanzania
The partnership between Region Gotland and Kibaha Town Council in Tanzania have successfully been working on several projects targeting different aspects such as gender equality, Sustainable Development Goals, and Gender based violence. The new Inclusive Youth Participation in Democracy project addresses the problem of low consideration of youth opinions in all development aspects at Kibaha…
Meet Betty – an ICLD Alumni
Article by John Gitonga, ICLD Alumni Coordinator, East Africa, June 2024 In this article, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose journey to top leadership is nothing short of extraordinary. Hon. Betty Ethel Naluyima, an alumna of the ICLD programme Women in Political Leadership, currently serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Wakiso District in…
Keti Luarasi: Empowering Communities Through Inclusive Leadership
Keti Luarasi, Deputy Mayor of the City of Tirana, Albania, is also a dedicated participant in the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership programme. Reflecting on her journey within the programme, Keti underscores how it has not only honed her skills but also ignited substantial positive changes within her community and organisation. “One of the most tangible…
