Objective Of The Manual

Acknowledgements

The completion of this learning manual would not have been possible without the collaboration between various actors to whom we owe a word of appreciation and recognition. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the International IDEA and Sida that, through the above programme, provided financial and technical support to implement this project. The realisation of this learning manual is part of the project’s activities. Similarly, our special appreciation to members of consortium for their useful contribution towards the achievement of this learning manual

Special gratitude goes to the team consultants led by Dr Rutebuka Balinda for their intellectual contribution in the completion of this learning manual. We finally thank the management and the team from FAWE for their invaluable role in the development of this learning manual.

Executive Summary

Ms. Martha R.L. Muhwezi

Executive Director, FAWE Africa

Every great dream begins with a dreamer, always remember you have the strength & the patience.

Over the last decades, women empowerment has been at the heart of the debate on how to achieve gender equality between men and women across the world. Women empowerment is considered as a key condition for the success of development programmes and endeavors. In this regard, various initiatives, commitments, and efforts have been deployed both at global, regional and at country level to improve women and girls’ participation in politics, including the Beijing declaration, CEDAW, UNSCR 1325 and Maputo protocol, etc;. However, despite of the efforts that have been made in enhancing participation of women in politics in most African countries, women are still under represented in different political, and decisions making positions across the word.

To fill the above gap, and for them to make a meaningful participation in politics, there is a need to prepare women and girls and equip them with required capacity and attitudes. Thus, FAWE in partnership with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is implementing the Women in Political Participation (WPP) project for a period of three (3) years. The project aims at increasing the political participation and representation of women in Africa.