Women’s Political Leadership

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

The 12-months training focuses on developing political leadership skills and is open only to women who hold an elected 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). 

Who can apply?

All countries on the OECD-DAC listed ODA-eligible 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. See the list. (The next review of the DAC List will take place in 2023.)

Of all the mayors in the world, only 5% are women, they need to be more. Therefore we will for a few coming cohorts prioritize applicants holding a position of Mayor or Deputy Mayor as we broadened the programme to the entire OECD-DAC. We hope that this programme contributes to good role models for increased representation.

Closing date for applications is 8 September 2023.The programme period is one year from Feb 2024 to Feb 2025.

How to apply in the portal: Press button “Register a new applicant account” then “Create user account”.

If you encounter technical problems, please email erika.berglin@icld.se

For participants of ongoing programme 2023:

End in February 2024

ICLD offers a platform for participants in our Women Political Leadership: