Introduction

Despite progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership and public policy decision-making bodies globally. This disparity is not merely an issue of fairness; it has profound implications for the inclusiveness and effectiveness of governance. When women are absent from the political arena, policies often fail to adequately address the diverse needs and priorities of half the population, perpetuating inequalities in areas ranging from healthcare and education to economic opportunity and security. Empowering women to enter, thrive in, and influence the political sphere is therefore critical for achieving gender equality, strengthening democracy, and fostering more equitable and sustainable societies that reflect the full diversity of their citizens. This essential training course focuses on Women in Politics and Public Policy, equipping participants to become catalysts for transformative change.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip aspiring and current women leaders, political activists, public servants, and civil society advocates with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to enhance women's participation and influence in politics and public policy. Participants will delve into the systemic barriers hindering women's political advancement, explore successful approaches to overcome these challenges, and learn how to effectively analyze and shape public policy through a gender lens. The course will cover topics such as political campaigning, gender quotas, leadership development, policy advocacy, and combating gender-based violence in politics. By mastering the principles and practicalities of women in politics and public policy, participants will be empowered to lead with confidence, advocate for inclusive governance, and drive policies that create a more just and equitable world for all.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Aspiring Women Political Leaders
• Current Women Elected Officials (local, regional, national)
• Women Political Party Members and Activists
• Civil Society Organizations focused on Women's Political Participation
• Public Servants and Policy Analysts
• Campaign Managers and Political Consultants
• Gender Equality Advocates
• Researchers in Political Science and Gender Studies
• Journalists and Media Professionals interested in political reporting

Course Objectives

• Understand the global landscape and challenges of women's political representation.
• Analyze the systemic barriers hindering women's political participation and leadership.
• Explore the impact of women in politics on public policy outcomes.
• Develop strategies for effective political campaigning and advocacy.
• Acquire skills in gender-sensitive public policy analysis and formulation.
• Comprehend the role and effectiveness of gender quotas and electoral system reforms.
• Enhance leadership, negotiation, and public speaking skills for political roles.
• Learn to combat gender-based violence in politics and promote safe political spaces.
• Examine best practices and case studies of successful women in political leadership.
• Develop a personal action plan for political engagement and policy influence.
• Build strong networks and mentorship opportunities among women in politics.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Women's Political Participation

• Global and regional trends in women's political representation.
• The importance of women's leadership for democratic governance and development.
• Benefits of women's political participation: diverse perspectives, inclusive policies, reduced corruption.
• Analyzing the current state of women in elected office, civil service, and political parties.
• Concepts of descriptive vs. substantive representation.

Module 2: Barriers to Women's Political Advancement

• Socio-cultural norms and stereotypes limiting women's political ambition.
• Structural barriers: discriminatory laws, electoral systems, political party structures.
• Financial barriers: access to campaign funding and economic resources.
• Media representation and its impact on women politicians.
• Gender-based violence in politics (online and offline).

Module 3: Strategies for Increasing Women's Representation

• Electoral quotas: types, design, and effectiveness (legislated, party-voluntary, reserved seats).
• Electoral system reforms to favor women's representation (e.g., proportional representation).
• Political party reforms: candidate selection processes, internal quotas, training programs.
• Capacity building for women candidates: campaign management, public speaking, fundraising.
• Mentorship and networking for aspiring women politicians.

Module 4: Women in Political Campaigning

• Developing a winning campaign strategy from a gender perspective.
• Crafting compelling messages and building a personal brand.
• Fundraising strategies for women candidates.
• Utilizing traditional and digital media effectively.
• Mobilizing voters and building strong volunteer networks.

Module 5: Gender-Sensitive Public Policy Analysis

• Introduction to public policy analysis framework.
• Applying a gender lens to policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
• Identifying gender biases and gaps in existing policies.
• Tools for gender impact assessment of policy proposals.
• Developing gender-responsive policy alternatives.

Module 6: Women as Policy Champions

• Policy priorities of women legislators and leaders.
• Advocating for gender equality legislation and policies.
• Building cross-party alliances and women's caucuses.
• Influencing budget allocations through a gender lens.
• Case studies of women-led policy initiatives (e.g., childcare, GBV laws, health).

Module 7: Leadership and Governance Skills for Women in Politics

• Authentic leadership styles for women in power.
• Negotiation and coalition-building skills.
• Effective communication, public speaking, and media engagement.
• Navigating political processes and institutional dynamics.
• Ethical leadership and accountability in public office.

Module 8: Combating Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWIP)

• Understanding the forms and impacts of VAWIP (physical, psychological, online).
• Legal and policy frameworks for preventing and responding to VAWIP.
• Strategies for creating safer political spaces for women.
• The role of political parties, electoral bodies, and civil society in addressing VAWIP.
• Supporting survivors and promoting accountability for perpetrators.

Module 9: Sustaining Women's Political Leadership and Impact

• Role of women's civil society organizations in advocating for political change.
• Engaging men and boys as allies in promoting women's political leadership.
• Succession planning and mentorship for emerging women leaders.
• Adapting to changing political landscapes and technological advancements.
• Building a long-term vision for gender-inclusive governance and policy making.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training