European Parliamentarians with Africa

On 18 December 2007, AWEPA signed a partnership agreement with the Club of Madrid (CoM) in the framework of the African Women Leaders Project (AWLP) in Uganda.

The Club of Madrid began this project in 2007 to strengthen women’s political leadership in three countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, with funding from the European Commission’s European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. The target countries chosen for this programme are Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda. In Uganda it is AWEPA who will jointly implement this project with the CoM. The project runs from 1 December 2007 until 15 August 2008.

The African Women Leaders Project seeks to strengthen female political leadership, build greater public confidence in women political leaders, and expand women's political participation in Uganda.

Three missions to the target countries will be organised in Uganda, where the Club of Madrid Members and experts will share leadership experiences related to increasing women's access to decision making in the social, economic and political spheres with African political decision-making leaders.

Project activities will be structured around three pillars: political leadership, capacity building and gender awareness sessions; building of sustainable international networks; and advocacy activities. Each mission will include activities such as workshops, high-level bilateral meetings, radio and TV outreach programs, and public town-hall meetings.

Furthermore, on-line discussion forums will be in place throughout the whole process, and several reports, studies and publications will be produced. A closing international conference will summarise project conclusions and recommendations.

The Club of Madrid

The Club of Madrid is an independent organisation whose purpose and priority is to contribute to strengthening democracy in the world. The Club of Madrid acts as a consultative body for governments, democratic leaders, and institutions involved in processes of democratic transition. 

The personal and practical experience of its members - 66 former heads of state and government - in processes of democratic transition and consolidation is the Club of Madrid's unique resource. Along with the experience and cooperation of other high level political practitioners and governance experts, this resource is a working tool to convert ideas into practical and feasible recommendations and action plans for implementation.

For more information about The Club of Madrid, please visit the website: www.clubmadrid.org.