Women’s Political Leadership

Open for applications from 5 May

If you are a local political leader in any of the OECD-DAC listed ODA-countries, a woman and most importantly, a driver for change – this programme is for you.

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).

Already a participant in the programme? Access ‘My Pages’ HERE.

Who can apply?

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. See the list.

Of all the mayors in the world, only 5% are women, they need to be more. For the upcoming cohorts, eligibility is limited to women currently serving as Mayors, deputy Mayors, or Governors and deputy Governors as we broadened the programme to the entire OECD-DAC. Our hope is that this programme contributes to building strong role models and to increasing women’s representation in political leadership.

Cohort 11 is ongoing since January 2025.

The next call for applications for Cohort 12 will open 5th May and close on 4th August 2025.

To the application

OECD-DAC listed ODA-eligible countries

Please note that you need to create an account the first time you access the application portal.

FAQ for the application

When is the date for the upcoming application period?
Next application period for cohort 12 will be apx between 5 May and 4 August 2025

What political position do I need to have in my local government?
ICLD will prioritize applicants holding the position of Mayor or Deputy Mayor, Governors and Deputy Governors and MCA´s.

What countries are eligible for the programme?
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. See the list.

Verification of elected/appointed position
If you are shortlisted and invited to a digital interview, you will be asked to provide evidence of your position in your LGA or municipality. This could be a certificate of employment, an identification proving your elected position or similar.

If, after the first interview, you move forward in the process, we will invite you to a second digital interview with you and the representative of the organisation that nominated you to participate in the programme. If you are accepted and invited to the programme, we will ask you and the organisation representative to sign a formal Letter of Commitment and if you do not already have a passport, you will be asked to apply for one as soon as possible.
When you apply, you will be asked to verify that you hold the stated position by uploading a document that verifies that.

If I have any questions regarding my application, when can I get answers?
Send an email to: erika.berglin@icld.se