
The Africa and West Asia region is undergoing constant change. Some countries in the region are moving towards multi-party elections that are mostly free, fair and peaceful.
However, democracy faces several considerable challenges, and in some areas, problems are resurfacing after a period of improved conditions. Problems that concern the entire region include weak political institutions, the underrepresentation of women in political life and limited media freedom.
International IDEA works in the region from our regional office in Ethiopia and country offices in Kenya, Mozambique , Tunisia and Sudan.
Women in Political Participation
Women in Political Participation (WPP) - is a Pan-African gender project on the different facets of Women and Politics in Africa. Funded by Embassy of Sweden in Ethiopia and implemented by International IDEA, its aim is to contribute to advancing the goal of gender equality in politics and governance, in line with the Maputo Protocol of 2003; various associated sub-regional protocols and standards, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The impact objectives of the 'Enhancing the Inclusion of Women in Political Participation in Africa' (WPP) project.
- To contribute to an increase in the voice and presence of women in political processes and institutions in Africa.
- To step up advocacy for, and expand awareness towards increased demands for the inclusion of women at all levels of political participation and decision-making.
- To build and strengthen enabling platforms that allow for women’s inclusion in all levels of political participation.
Inclusive of International IDEA as leading partner, the project brings together a consortium of seven partner organisations:The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), Gender Links, Universite Cheikh Anta Diop’s Gender Laboratory (IFAN), Padare/Enkundleni Men’s Forum on Gender and Women and Law Southern Africa (WLSA).
In support of the WPP's objectives and generally achieving women's equal and effective participation in political decision-making, a key consortium resource was developed: the Africa Barometer 2021, which aims to provide legislators and policymakers with data to assess progress in women’s political participation over time.