Women’s empowerment, participatory local governance and non-stereotyped approaches to wo/men’s roles are at the heart of the “Women in Local Democracy” project, which is currently being implemented by UNDP Armenia and funded by the European Union. The first few fast-paced months of the project have set a base for all three pillars through a series of rigorous capacity development and networking initiatives. Our work supporting women interested in running for local political office was tested in the autumn.

As countries across West Africa transition to democracy following years of autocratic rulers, civil unrest, and sometimes civil war, women are frequently left out of the process. Though they make up more than half of the population, women are often excluded from politics by rigid social norms, opaque party structures and other societal hurdles.

Yet democracies with more women in power have been shown to yield more equitable societies, have less corruption, and make more advancements in education, infrastructure and health standards.