Call for Applications: Fully-funded Women’s Political Leadership Programme 2025 Organized by ICLD (Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy)
Application Window: 5 May – 4 August 2025
Programme Duration: 12 months
Location: Remote with potential in-person components
Eligibility: Women Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Governors, or Deputy Governors in OECD-DAC ODA-listed countries
Empowering Women in Local Political Leadership
The International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD), in partnership with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), invites eligible women leaders to apply for Cohort 12 of its Women’s Political Leadership Programme.
This transformative, year-long training programme is designed to develop the political leadership skills of women currently serving in senior positions in local or regional government.
About the Programme
The Women’s Political Leadership Programme supports equity, participation, transparency, and accountability as the foundation for effective governance. The core objective is to:
- Strengthen women’s individual leadership capacities
- Equip participants to act as role models for inclusive leadership
- Enhance representation of underrepresented groups in decision-making bodies
- Deepen democratic values and practices within participating institutions
Through mentorship, knowledge exchange, and strategic capacity building, participants are empowered to drive systemic change in their communities and beyond.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Identify as a woman
- Hold an elected or appointed position as Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Governor, or Deputy Governor
- Serve in a country included in the OECD-DAC list of ODA-eligible countries (with exceptions during national/local election periods)
- Be committed to promoting gender equality and democratic governance
Important Note: If a national or local election is scheduled in your country between August and December 2025, you may not be eligible for this round. Please consult the full OECD-DAC ODA list for details.
Why Apply?
- Only 5% of the world’s mayors are women ICLD aims to change this.
- This programme provides a platform for high-potential women to gain visibility, leadership tools, and international support.
- Participants become part of a global network of local women leaders, promoting shared learning and advocacy for gender-inclusive governance.
Application Process
- Create an account via the ICLD application portal
- Complete the online application form by 4 August 2025
- Provide required documentation, including verification of political position
Start your application here (account creation required on first login)
Timeline
- Cohort 11: Ongoing (started January 2025)
- Cohort 12 Application Period: 5 May – 4 August 2025
- Programme Start for Cohort 12: Early 2026
For more information and to verify your country’s eligibility, visit the OECD-DAC ODA list or contact ICLD directly.
Questions? Visit: www.icld.se or email: [email protected]
ICLD – Supporting democratic development through inclusive leadership.
