What is the workshop about?

The Female Leadership Programme is designed to empower young women in politics by providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and support. Our goal is to enhance leadership skills and political participation, fostering a more inclusive and diverse political landscape. Through leadership workshops, networking events, and knowledge-sharing, we aim to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for women in political and public life.

This program celebrates female leaders who inspire progress, encouraging participants to contribute to overcoming inequalities and becoming future leaders. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we help participants understand women’s crucial role in human and societal progress and their significant societal contributions.

The deadline to apply is the 15th of June (23:59 CET)

Why Kenya?

For our IFLRY-CIS FLA 2025 edition, we are excited to host the program in Kenya, a country that has made remarkable strides in advancing women’s leadership in East Africa. Kenya’s 2010 Constitution introduced the two-thirds gender rule, aimed at increasing women’s representation in governance. In 2022, Kenya saw a historic number of female governors elected, with seven women taking office. The number may be small but it is historic, promising, and a reassuring step in the right direction. Despite challenges, Kenyan women continue to break barriers in politics, business, and civil society, making it an ideal setting for this transformative leadership program.

Overall, 2024 has been a landmark year for women in African politics. Young women have led Gen-Z protests in Kenya and grassroots movements in Tanzania, driving change. Ghana elected its first female Vice President, Namibia its first female President, and South Africa saw liberal women of color enter cabinet positions. In Sudan and South Sudan, women have been spearheading peace efforts, while in Central Africa, leaders in the DRC are pushing for electoral reform, and Gabon’s women’s caucus amplifying female voices.

Despite these milestones, women in African politics remain underrepresented and face systemic barriers. For the upcoming year, the Female Leadership Academy, a long-standing partnership between CIS and IFLRY, aims to address these challenges by equipping young women leaders with the tools to advance their roles in political and activist spaces.

What are the objectives?

• Empowered young women with limited leadership experience through targeted training.

• Provided practical tools on branding, storytelling, leadership style, and public speaking.

• Addressed mental health and societal stigma in leadership contexts.

• Created regional networks among female leaders and alumni.

• Promoted liberal values through academic discussion and regional initiatives.

• Enabled knowledge transfer and multiplier events by alumni in East Africa.

• Ensured continuity and consistency through a trained and experienced facilitation team.

Is this seminar for me?

The 2025 edition of the academy will be held in Nairobi, Kenyai provides a unique opportunity to bring together participants from East, South, and Central Africa, enabling cross-regional dialogue and collaboration. Participants will include motivated young female leaders, activists, (aspiring) politicians, and thinkers  from the region.