Empowering Women In Power: ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme 2025 (Cohort 12) -

About the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme

Are you a woman currently leading in local or regional government with a passion for democratic change? The International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) is now accepting applications for the 12th cohort of its transformative Women’s Political Leadership Programme. This one-year capacity-building initiative is designed to empower female political leaders from OECD-DAC-listed ODA-eligible countries and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and networks to drive democratic transformation at the local level.

The Women’s Political Leadership Programme is a prestigious 12-month initiative developed by ICLD in partnership with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR). It is tailored exclusively for women who serve as elected or appointed leaders—such as mayors, deputy mayors, governors, or deputy governors—within local or regional governments.

This programme is much more than a leadership course. It’s a powerful platform for learning, collaboration, and transformation. With only about 5% of mayors globally being women, this initiative is a direct response to the need for more inclusive representation in local governance. Participants engage in theoretical and practical learning designed to enhance their personal leadership skills, inspire inclusive governance, and create long-lasting institutional change.

Application Deadline: 4 August 2025
Application Opens: 5 May 2025
Programme Duration: 12 months
Language of Instruction: English

About ICLD

The International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) is a Swedish organisation committed to strengthening local democracy in low and middle-income countries. Through training, research, and capacity development, ICLD empowers local governments to implement sustainable development in alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda.

In partnership with institutions like SALAR, ICLD bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping local leaders become effective champions of change.

Eligible Fields

This programme is not limited by professional or academic field, but rather by leadership position and role within local or regional government. It is ideal for women currently serving in key decision-making roles in public administration and governance.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme – Cohort 12, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Must be a woman in a leadership position such as:
- Mayor or Deputy Mayor
- Governor or Deputy Governor
Must hold an elected or appointed office in a local or regional government
Must reside in a country listed in the OECD-DAC ODA-eligible country list

Must not be from a country holding local elections between August and December 2025
Must demonstrate a clear commitment to democratic values, gender equality, and inclusive governance
Must have proficiency in English (both written and spoken), as the programme is conducted entirely in English

The programme is especially suited to women who are already change-makers in their communities and are seeking to expand their influence and capacity to lead transformative democratic reforms.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is competitive and prioritises applicants who:

Show a track record of leadership in governance or community development

Exhibit strong interest in participatory democracy, gender equality, and institutional change
Have the ability to inspire and mobilise others in their communities
Are committed to contributing to the programme’s peer learning environment

Can outline a clear vision for the positive changes they hope to implement in their local government

Eligible Countries

The programme is open to participants from ODA-eligible countries as classified by the OECD-DAC list.

Applicants must ensure that their country is not undergoing local elections between August and December 2025, as this will affect eligibility. A current list of eligible countries is available on the ICLD website.

Required Documents

Applicants are expected to prepare and submit the following:

A complete online application form (available via the ICLD application portal)
A personal statement detailing your leadership experience, motivation for applying, and how the programme aligns with your goals

A letter of recommendation or endorsement from your local or regional government authority
Proof of office or appointment, such as an official document or letter of appointment
CV/Resume highlighting relevant leadership and governance experience

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their materials early and to double-check eligibility criteria before submission.

Benefits of the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme

The programme provides more than just training—it fosters transformation. Participants can expect:

Access to a unique international learning environment grounded in democratic values

A structured leadership development journey, including:
- Personal leadership assessment and coaching
- Democratic governance theory and practical application
- Collaborative projects and case studies
Opportunities to:
- Engage with global experts and peers
- Participate in study visits and international workshops
- Contribute to real-world democratic initiatives
Ongoing mentorship and networking with an inspiring alumni community

Skills to lead with transparency, inclusion, and accountability
Tools to advocate for gender-responsive and participatory governance

Impact and Legacy

Since its inception, the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme has nurtured a vibrant network of alumni who are driving change in their communities and reshaping the landscape of local governance. From post-conflict societies to rapidly growing urban centres, these women have led initiatives that promote inclusive planning, responsive service delivery, and gender-sensitive policymaking.

Notable alumni include:

Hon. Hilda Maate, a trailblazer in community-based development in Uganda

Keti Luarasi, a champion of women’s rights in Albania
Laurette Mushimiyimana, whose local governance reforms in Rwanda have inspired national dialogue

The stories of these leaders exemplify the power of inclusive governance and the lasting value of investing in women’s leadership at the grassroots level.

How to Apply

Deadline to Apply: 4 August 2025
Application Opens: 5 May 2025

All applications must be submitted via the official ICLD application portal. Here’s how to apply:

Visit the ICLD website and navigate to the “Women’s Political Leadership Programme” page.

Create an account on the application portal.
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
Submit your application before the deadline.

Note: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. All materials must be submitted in English, and applicants should ensure they meet the language requirements.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a woman leading in local government and ready to become part of a global network of democratic change-makers, this is your opportunity. The ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme is more than a fellowship—it’s a movement to amplify the voice, vision, and leadership of women across the world.

Apply now and join Cohort 12 in shaping the future of inclusive local governance.