Since October 2025, dRPC has been implementing an ongoing, multi-layered capacity strengthening programme aimed at advancing gender responsive planning, budgeting, and inclusive governance at the state and local government levels in Adamawa and Borno States. The programme is supported by the European Union through GIZ and is designed to address structural, institutional, and narrative barriers that limit women’s participation, representation, and influence in governance processes.
The initiative adopts a systems approach, working simultaneously with public office holders, local government leadership, media professionals, and male allies to strengthen both the supply and demand sides of gender responsive and inclusive governance. 
In Borno State, the programme focuses on strengthening the capacity of women in public office and male allies to effectively advocate for and deliver gender responsive planning and gender responsive budgeting at the Local Government Area level. Participants are supported to deepen their understanding of gender analysis, planning frameworks, and budget tracking, while building practical skills to influence policy priorities, resource allocation, and service delivery in ways that respond to the needs of women, girls, and marginalized groups. The training also creates a safe and strategic space for peer learning, mentorship, and coalition building among women leaders operating in challenging governance contexts.
Recognising the critical role of the media in shaping public discourse and accountability, the programme includes targeted capacity strengthening for media personnel in both Borno and Adamawa States. In Borno State, journalists and media practitioners are supported to improve positive gender reporting on gender responsiveness and inclusive governance. The training strengthens participants’ understanding of gender concepts, ethical reporting, conflict sensitivity, and the use of evidence and data to tell compelling, accurate stories that elevate women’s voices and governance issues. A similar intervention in Adamawa State builds the capacity of media personnel to report responsibly and constructively in support of gender responsiveness and inclusive governance, with emphasis on local governance processes, women’s leadership, and citizen engagement. 
In Adamawa State, the programme also delivers dedicated capacity building for female elected officials and political appointees. This component strengthens leadership confidence, policy engagement skills, and technical knowledge required to navigate governance institutions, influence decision-making, and effectively represent their constituencies. Participants engage with practical tools on leadership, negotiation, public finance, and gender responsive governance, while building networks that support collective action and sustained impact beyond the training sessions. 
Complementing this, the programme includes a Capacity Strengthening Workshop on Local Government Area Governance for Executive Chairmen, Vice Chairpersons, and Directors of Budget in Adamawa State, implemented in two batches. This component focuses on improving institutional leadership, governance effectiveness, and public financial management at the local level. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating gender responsive planning and budgeting into LGA systems, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and improving coordination across political and administrative leadership to deliver inclusive development outcomes. 
Across all components, the programme combines technical content with participatory learning methods, practical case studies, and context-specific discussions. It is designed not as a one-off intervention but as a sustained process of learning, reflection, and institutional strengthening. By engaging decision-makers, influencers, and communicators, the initiative contributes to building an enabling environment where gender responsive and inclusive governance is understood, prioritised, and practiced at scale.
This ongoing EU-supported programme reflects dRPC’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance, advancing women’s leadership, and supporting institutions and actors to deliver more inclusive and equitable outcomes for communities in Adamawa and Borno States.