Dakar, Senegal — 2–4 December 2025

From 2 to 4 December 2025, Dakar will host a three-day regional training workshop titled “Women and Leadership: Breaking Down the Glass Ceiling”, organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) in partnership with the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) under the WYDE Political Parties Project, funded by the European Union.

The workshop will gather young women leaders from political parties, civil society, local and national institutions, the media, and the entrepreneurial sector, offering a dedicated space to strengthen leadership skills, foster political participation, and build a sustainable network of emerging female leaders.

Women’s Leadership in Senegal: Progress and Persistent Barriers

Senegal is often recognised as a reference point in West Africa for its strong legal and institutional commitments to women’s rights. With the 2001 Constitution enshrining gender equality and the notable 2010 Parity Law, the country has made substantial advances.

However, despite these achievements, women’s political and civic participation continues to fall short of expectations. Many still face social norms, institutional barriers, and the enduring challenges of the “glass ceiling.” While the legal framework is robust, awareness of these rights remains low, and structural constraints continue to limit women’s access to leadership roles.

Promoting women’s leadership is therefore essential for inclusive governance, democratic resilience, and for advancing key Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

A Space for Empowerment, Dialogue, and Practical Skills

Over the three days, the Dakar workshop will provide participants with practical tools and strategic insights to strengthen their leadership and civic engagement. The programme will feature:

• Expert-led thematic presentations
• Interactive group work and peer exchanges
• Experience-sharing sessions and case studies
• Practical exercises on leadership and political participation

Activities will encourage reflection on the mechanisms of the glass ceiling and identify concrete levers for both individual and collective empowerment.

Beyond capacity-building, the training aims to foster a dynamic network of young women leaders capable of advocating for inclusive, equitable, and democratic governance across Senegal.

Participants and Target Groups

The workshop will bring together:

• Young women leaders from political parties
• Young elected officials (local and national)
• Women leaders from civil society organisations
• Young women entrepreneurs
• Journalists and media practitioners

This cross-sector approach ensures diverse perspectives and strengthens the ecosystem of women’s leadership in Senegal.

Visibility and Engagement

Throughout the event, visibility will be ensured through EU, WYDE, ENoP and FNF branding, professional photography, and short video interviews capturing participant perspectives on leadership and participation.

Following the workshop, a wrap-up article, testimonials, and visual highlights will be shared across WYDE and partner communication platforms.

Supporting Inclusive Leadership Across Senegal

This workshop represents a meaningful contribution to advancing women’s political and civic leadership in Senegal. By investing in skills, dialogue, and networks, the initiative supports a new generation of women leaders committed to shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic future.