Inclusive leadership and governance
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…
QCSOs, Mobilization and Democratization: A Case Study of the 2023 Post-Election Protests in Guatemala
This research examines the essential role of Quotidian Civil Society Organizations (QCSOs) in Guatemala’s efforts to resist autocratization and promote democratization, particularly in light of the 2023 electoral scandal. It studies the mobilization efforts of indigenous and non-indigenous communities, by exploring how QCSOs tackle cultural, economic, and political challenges to support democratic resilience. Using an…
The role of trust in achieving sustainable community-based disaster risk management – case studies from the Philippines
Impacts of disasters are felt acutely at community level, as a consequence communities in the Philippines are among the most affected by the increase in disaster risks. This realization led to an increase of community-based approaches, such as community based disaster risk management (CBDRM). However, literature acknowledges a recurring failure of projects to be sustainable…
Locally-led Adaptation as a Silver Bullet? Complexities, Needs, and Responses in Climate Adaptation at the Volta Coastline, Ghana
Sea-level rise increases the exposure of low-lying communities to climate risks along the eastern coast of Ghana, while adaptation responses are reactive and insufficient to secure fishing livelihoods in highly vulnerable areas. To better address needs, Locally-led Adaptation (LLA) promotes just climate governance by shifting power to local actors to enable context specific and place-based…
Understanding the Complexities of Urban Flood Governance: A Case Study of Ruiru, Kenya
Urban flooding presents a significant challenge in developing cities, where rapid urbanisation, population growth, and infrastructure development intersect with natural processes and climate change. This study examines how governance structures influence urban flood management in Ruiru, Kenya. Through thematic analysis, this study explores local experiences with flooding, evaluates existing governance structures, and examines their effectiveness.…
Decentralisation and civic participation strengthens resilience
Decentralisation and civic participation contributes to resilience in the face of crisis – this is the conclusion from an upcoming study of Ukrainian municipalities. Civil servants and local politicians share insights on challenges and strategies to improve collaborative governance, for the sake of societal resilience. 16 Ukrainian municipalities, including seven from ICLD’s Democratic Resilience Network,…
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…
ICLD Mentor’s handbook
A mentor for ICLD is an experienced professional who is an expert in the network/programme topic and has an in-depth knowledge of the local context of the teams they are mentoring. Being a mentor allows you to share your experience and network, to promote and follow up progress in teams’ projects and to stay connected…
