Application Deadline: September 9, 2022
The International Centre for Local Democracy, ICLD invites you to apply to the International Training Programme Women’s Political Leadership 2023
Women as political leaders at local/regional level can apply to this Women’s Political Leadership programme. The ICLD has broadened the scope of the programme for this ninth round of the programme, and it is now opening up to women who hold an elected seat in a local or regional government in ANY of the OECD-DAC listed ODA-countries.
The training is implemented in cooperation with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR).
Programme period: January – December 2023
Application period: 15 July to 9 September 2022
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to provide the following changes in the participant:
- Empower the participant with improved leadership skills
- Help the participant to fully utilize the power and influence of her position
- Strengthen her as a role model to encourage political participation among marginalized groups
- Give her access to a network of women in similar positions
During the training, the participant will work on her change process and implement a strategy to make the local authority equitable, participatory, transparent and accountable.
Admission Requirements:
Target group
Only elected women politicians (currently in office) in a local/regional government will be considered. ICLD will prioritize applicants holding a position of Mayor or Deputy Mayor but will also exceptionally accept applicants who are Councilor. We at ICLD aim to create a group that includes both majority and opposition politicians, as well as a diversity of ages and experience. ICLD trainings are open to all that are eligible, irrespective of physical ability.
Candidates who have previously participated in an ICLD training programme financed by Sida cannot apply for this programme.
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. It is therefore recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination before filling in the Medical Statement in the Application form.
Benefits:
- Valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences
- Extended regional and international networks
- Improved skills as a “change agent” in initiating and implementing instituational change
- Skills and abilities to communicate and advocate on issues of inclusive governance
- Two-day study-visit in a Swedish municipality or region
- Support to improve participation, equality, transparency and accountability in the local governance
- Advanced training in communication, strategic planning and leadership
- Swedish mentorship including an individual two-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)
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.
VISA
Participants are responsible for obtaining all relevant visas during all scheduled parts of the programme. The costs for obtaining visas are to be borne by the participant.
Insurance
All participants are covered under a group insurance while on scheduled parts of the programme. Medical and dental checkups are not included.
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete all scheduled parts will be awarded a Certificate of completion of training.
Programme Structure:
The training consists of three compulsory workshops, of which all three are full time scheduled trainings. Periods between workshops are homebased. The total duration of the programme is 12 months.
When:
The Inception workshop will be held in February 2023
The Sweden Phase workshop will take place in May-June 2023
The Final workshop will take place in December 2023
Where:
All workshops except the Swedish Phase workshop will be held in the participating countries. The Swedish Phase workshop will be carried out in Sweden.
Phase 1
Inception workshop
(5 days including travels)
More exact location to be decided
After confirmed selection, the participants will be contacted by a programme manager at ICLD and invited to the Inception workshop.
The participants and the programme management develop a shared understanding of the content, structure, methodology and management of the programme. Topics addressed in this workshop, among others: teambuilding and networking, developing the change process, and introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals. The tuition during the inception workshop consists of group discussions and lectures with a combination of Swedish and/or international experts from the region.
The Inception workshop will be held over the course of three days in one of the participating countries.
Work with the Change Process (3 months, in home country)
Back in their respective local communities the participants will continue to develop their Change Process. Participants will actively use web-based tools for interaction with facilitators and other participants.
Phase 2
Swedish Phase workshop
(2 weeks in Sweden including travels)
Participants will meet in Sweden for a cultural exchange, advanced leadership training, introduction to Swedish women politicians/mentors and a two-day study visit to a Swedish municipality or region. Topics of study will include, among others: the Swedish model of governance, suppression techniques and countermeasures, and how to be a good role model. Tuition consists of interactive lectures and group discussions with Swedish and international experts combined with study excursions, group work and discussions.
Phase 3
Final workshop
(5 days including travels)
More exact location to be decided
The participants and the Swedish mentors meet in one of the participating countries. The goal of this workshop is to summarize and share the challenges, opportunities and
lessons learned throughout the programme. The participants will present their Change Process results. The programme also includes study visits and lectures provided by the ICLD and relevant lecturers. This workshop marks the formal end of the programme.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme 2023