ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme – Cohort 12 Now Open for Applications
The International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) is inviting applications for the 12th cohort of its acclaimed Women’s Political Leadership programme. Launching on 5 May 2025, the application window will remain open until 4 August 2025. This 12-month programme is designed exclusively for women in elected or appointed leadership roles in local or regional governments across OECD-DAC listed ODA-eligible countries.
ICLD, in collaboration with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), has developed a capacity-building initiative grounded in the core democratic principles of equity, participation, transparency, and accountability. Through this initiative, the programme aims to empower female leaders and strengthen democratic practices in their respective local governments.
About the Programme
The Women’s Political Leadership programme offers a unique combination of theoretical learning and practical political leadership training. With only 5% of mayors worldwide being women, the programme seeks to redress this imbalance by investing in women who are already positioned as change-makers within their communities.
Participants will undergo a structured training journey designed to:
- Strengthen individual leadership capabilities.
- Equip participants with tools to lead inclusive and transparent local governance.
- Inspire more women to take on political leadership roles.
- Promote democratic transformation at the grassroots level.
The programme is built to support women not only in enhancing their own effectiveness as leaders but also in becoming role models who can inspire wider societal participation from underrepresented groups.
Eligibility Criteria for Cohort 12
To be eligible for Cohort 12, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a woman currently serving as a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Governor, or Deputy Governor.
- Hold an elected or appointed leadership position in local or regional government.
- Be from a country that is included in the OECD-DAC list of ODA-eligible countries.
- Countries holding local elections between August and December 2025 will not be considered eligible during this period. Applicants should check the updated country list for confirmation.
The selection process is competitive, prioritising applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to driving change, promoting democratic values, and championing gender equality in governance.
Programme Objectives
The overall aim of the programme is to build a cohort of women leaders equipped to:
- Advocate for participatory democracy and inclusive policy-making.
- Lead effectively and ethically within local political structures.
- Support institutional change towards better representation of women in politics.
- Drive social and political transformation within their communities.
Application Process
Interested candidates must create an account on the Application portal to submit their application. The portal opens on 5 May 2025 and closes on 4 August 2025. It is advised that applicants prepare well in advance, ensuring all required documentation is in order and eligibility is verified.
Note: The programme is delivered in English, and proficiency in both written and spoken English is expected.
Impact and Legacy
Over the years, ICLD’s Women’s Political Leadership programme has produced a growing alumni network of women leaders who have gone on to influence local governance, shape policy, and create transformative community initiatives. Stories from past participants reveal a legacy of resilience, inclusive leadership, and strengthened democratic systems in diverse political contexts—from post-conflict societies to rapidly urbanising regions.
The programme’s alumni include changemakers such as Hon. Hilda Maate, Keti Luarasi, and Laurette Mushimiyimana, whose work continues to inspire future cohorts. These leaders exemplify the potential of inclusive political systems and the far-reaching impact of empowering women in public office.
About ICLD
ICLD’s mission is to support democratic participation and change at the local level. By focusing on local democracy, self-governance, and decentralisation, ICLD enhances the capacity of local governments to plan and implement sustainable development in alignment with the 2030 Agenda.
The organisation’s strength lies in its commitment to bridging theory with practice—ensuring that political leaders are both well-informed and operationally effective.
For more details, eligibility confirmation, and to apply for Cohort 12, please visit the official ICLD website.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
