Gender and Politics Training

APWLD offers two levels of training for women in parliament or considering nominating for parliament. The three-day Level 1 Gender and Politics Training targets women who are aspiring politicians at all levels and need training on basic concepts and skills. The four-day Level 2 Training is for women who are in elected positions or have considerable political knowledge and would benefit from specific skills including gender budgeting, analysis of laws and policies and skills on campaigning and lobbying.

In 2011 we will offer a Train the Trainer programme to expand the pool of trainers so national training can be provided with APWLD-accredited Level 1 trainers. This will facilitate the wider spread of gender and politics skills and knowledge.

The training builds the confidence of women candidates, provides specific skills and expertise and also offers an important networking and solidarity opportunity. Participants have, in the past, established formal ways to maintain links, exchange strategies and seek support.

Regional Conference on Women in Politics and Governance

In 2011 APWLD will hold a regional conference on women in politics. The conference will provide a space for women in politics and governance to define women’s perspective and goals exchange experiences, strategies and mechanisms, best practices, challenges/constraints in promoting gender equality and participating in electoral and political activities/processes. Participants will share specific successes and skills workshops will be included.

Local and national representatives, aspiring representatives and advisers / campaign staff will be invited. APWLD also has strong links to UN elected women (CEDAW Committee, ECOSOC and Special Mechanisms) and to women elected to regional bodies (ASEAN) and they will also be involved to better facilitate the dialogue between the two. The conference will also facilitate the expansion of a formalised network of women in politics and governance.

Capacity Building

To contribute to the capacity building of women in parliaments, local government units, judiciary, executive branch of government and political parties, APWLD will develop a training module on basic legislative and policy advocacy.  It will be ready for pilot training in the next programme cycle.

In addition, a primer on how to win in local elections will also be drafted and finalised.  It will later be translated into local languages/dialects. It is aimed at getting more grassroots women leaders to take on official leadership in their communities.

Collation of Laws

APWLD previously collated laws relevant to women’s political participation. The new Collation of Laws will be expanded to include other progressive laws which cover specific women’s human rights. The research will be a critical resource for network members who are working to challenge existing political and legal frameworks as it provides a ready and convenient reference for drafting bills and resolutions in lobbying for legislative and policy reforms at various levels.

Networking and Exchange of Women Members of Parliament

In 2012 two to three MPs linked with APWLD will be sent to the IPU annual or special general meeting. They will organize a roundtable discussion with women IPU members identified for possible composition of the Women MP’s Caucus.

APWLD organises annual exchanges of women parliamentarians. The exchange offers opportunities for newly elected women to learn of successes of women parliamentarians within the region. The exchange enhances their policy knowledge, diplomatic experience and establishes important networks and mentoring opportunities for women parliamentarians.