Events
2nd Dialogue-Seminar on Elections and Democracy in Africa – Inclusive Governance: Amplifying Women’s Leadership in African Electoral and Democratic Processes
From
By invitation
The African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AU PAPS) and the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) are jointly organizing the 2nd Dialogue-Seminar on Elections and Democracy in Africa.
Titled “Inclusive Governance: Amplifying Women’s Leadership in African Electoral and Democratic Processes”, this second edition will explore how to further integrate and strengthen women’s leadership within Africa’s democratic institutions and electoral processes. While important strides have been made through legal reforms, gender quotas, and advocacy, women continue to face a range of structural, cultural, and socio-economic challenges that limit their full engagement in political life.
Organized at the margins of the 4th Training of the AU Elections Observers, the Dialogue-Seminar provides a platform for African Union officials, civil society representatives, media professionals, and experts to share experiences and innovative approaches for promoting inclusive governance.
The discussions will emphasize the role of legal frameworks, political will, regional institutions (such as ECOWAS, SADC, and EAC), and grassroots movements in creating enabling environments for women to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
Agenda
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08h45 – 09h15 |
Welcome Coffee |
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09h15 – 09h25 |
Introductory Remarks |
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09h25 – 09h40 |
Keynote speech |
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09h40 – 09h50 |
AU-PAPS – PCNS Memorandum of Understanding Signature |
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09h50 – 10h00 |
Group Photo |
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10h00 – 11h15 |
Plenary Session 1 Setting the Stage: Women and Young Women's Political Participation in Africa – Current Landscape and Challenges This session will provide an overview of the current status of women and young women's political participation in Africa. It will explore the key challenges and barriers they face in engaging in electoral processes and governance frameworks. |
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11h15 – 11h45 |
Coffee Break |
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11h45 – 13h00 |
Plenary Session 2 Electoral Empowerment – Women and Young Women as Agents of Change in African Elections This session will examine the role of women and young women in African elections, showcasing successful initiatives and addressing barriers to their participation as voters, candidates, and election observers. |
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13h00 – 14h30 |
Lunch |
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14h30 – 15h45 |
Plenary Session 3 Inclusive Governance: Women and Young Women Shaping Democratic Frameworks This session will broaden the discussion to encompass women and young women's role in shaping broader governance frameworks. It will explore how their participation can contribute to more inclusive and responsive democratic institutions. This session will focus on developing actionable strategies for building sustainable pathways for women and young women's political leadership in Africa. |
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15h45 – 16h00 |
Coffee Break |
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16h00 – 16h20 |
Presentation of the “Call for Action to African Leaders to enhance the role of women and young women in politics”, intended for adoption by the participants in the Dialogue-Seminar. |
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16h20 – 16h30 |
Closing Remarks |
