UN Women Georgia has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering women interested in politics and leadership roles. The Women’s Leadership Academy, created in partnership with the Eastern European Center for Multiparty Democracy, offers an in-depth training course designed to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in the political arena.
Building a New Generation of Female Leaders
The Leadership Academy represents a step forward in UN Women’s ongoing mission to promote gender equality and increase women’s political representation in Georgia. The program covers a wide range of critical areas, from democracy and advocacy to media relations and cybersecurity. By addressing these skills, the academy aims to prepare a new generation of women who can make substantial contributions to the political landscape.
According to UN Women Georgia, the academy’s primary goal is to bridge the gender gap in politics, where women remain underrepresented despite recent progress. This intensive program will help more women develop the confidence and know-how to run for office, advocate for change, and influence policy.
Key Areas of Focus in Leadership Training
Participants of the Women’s Leadership Academy will engage in an intensive curriculum that spans multiple dimensions of political leadership:
- Democracy and Advocacy: Understanding the fundamentals of democratic systems and effective advocacy techniques.
- Media and Communication: Training in political communication and managing media relations to navigate the public sphere.
- Cybersecurity and Political Campaigning: Learning about cybersecurity risks in politics and strategies for successful campaign management.
In addition to coursework, the program provides practical experience, such as public debates and campaign simulations, to give participants a taste of real-world politics.
Supporting Gender Equality in Politics
The academy is part of the broader ‘Women’s Increased Leadership for Democracy in Georgia’ (WILD) initiative, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). This program emphasizes gender equality as a cornerstone of democratic governance, aiming to break down barriers that often prevent women from reaching positions of power. Through these initiatives, UN Women Georgia hopes to see a tangible increase in women’s political involvement and leadership.
The initiative is timely, as women continue to face challenges in Georgian politics, where traditional barriers and biases still exist. By giving women the tools and confidence to step into leadership roles, the academy contributes to reshaping the country’s political landscape.
