Application Deadline: 4 August 2025

Applications are now open for the ICLD Women’s Political Leadership Programme 2025, a twelve‑month training initiative for women holding elected or appointed positions in local or regional government within OECD‑DAC ODA‑eligible countries. The programme is delivered by the International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) in collaboration with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) and funded by Sida

What the programme offers:

• Twelve months of capacity building focused on equity, participation, transparency, and accountability.
• All training costs covered, including literature, workshops, study tours, accommodation, and meals.
• A study visit to Sweden with international travel expenses paid
• Mentorship, peer exchange, and the development of a local change project.

Format and timing

• Hybrid format combining virtual sessions, country workshops, an Inception Workshop in early 2025, a Swedish exchange in September 2025, and a Final Workshop in January 2026
• Participants must commit to the full twelve‑month programme

Eligibility

• Women currently serving as mayors, deputy mayors, governors, or deputy governors in local or regional government
• Citizens of OECD‑DAC ODA‑eligible countries without scheduled local elections between August and December 2025
• Must be proficient in English; previous ICLD‑Sida participants are not eligible

To apply, visit:  ICLD application portalv