Towards Inclusive and Accountable Party Systems: Regional Workshop on Political Party Regulation in Africa
2025-12-01 08:30 - 2025-12-02 17:00 (Africa/Nairobi) | Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
ORPPs from Kenya, Malawi and Sierra Leone meet in Freetown to validate findings and advance a shared roadmap for regional collaboration
Representatives from the Offices of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPPs) of Kenya, Malawi and Sierra Leone gathered in Freetown on 1–2 December 2025 for a regional workshop dedicated to strengthening political party regulation and advancing gender and youth inclusion across party systems.
The event — hosted by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) of Sierra Leone and co-organised by the Christian Democratic International Centre (KIC) and the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) under the WYDE Political Parties Project — marked a key milestone in the implementation of a comparative study commissioned by KIC on behalf of the project.

A milestone in validating country findings and building regional alignment
The workshop provided the first in-person platform for ORPP representatives, researchers and partners to validate the preliminary findings of the comparative study examining legal frameworks, institutional mandates and regulatory practices in the three participating countries. A central focus throughout the study has been the mechanisms — and gaps — related to gender and youth inclusion in political parties.
Discussions enabled participants to:

review and affirm country-specific findings from Malawi, Kenya and Sierra Leone
engage in in-depth dialogue on shared challenges and best practices
refine the comparative analysis synthesising data from all three contexts
identify priorities for strengthening regulation, transparency and inclusion

These exchanges underscored the crucial role played by political party regulatory bodies in creating enabling environments for more representative and accountable party systems.

Charting a path toward AAPPRA
A central outcome of the workshop was the collective reflection on the proposed roadmap toward establishing the Africa Association of Political Party Regulatory Authorities (AAPPRA) — a long-term vision aimed at deepening cooperation, harmonising standards and promoting peer learning among national regulators across the continent.
ORPP representatives emphasised how a regional platform could:

facilitate continuous dialogue on regulatory reforms
strengthen institutional capacities
advance gender and youth inclusion standards
support more transparent, credible and accountable party systems

The workshop concluded with an agreement on next steps, including a future hybrid meeting to consolidate recommendations and operationalise the framework for AAPPRA.

Strengthening collaboration for inclusive democratic systems
By bringing together institutions responsible for political party oversight, the workshop reinforced the broader objectives of the WYDE Political Parties Project: to promote inclusive, transparent and accountable political party systems that reflect the voices of women and young people.
Partner organisations expressed their appreciation to PPRC Sierra Leone for hosting the meeting and to all participants for their commitment to advancing regulatory cooperation and democratic resilience in Africa.

Training Workshop in Dakar: Women and Leadership – Breaking Down the Glass Ceiling
2025-12-02 08:30 - 2025-12-04 17:00 | Dakar, Dakar
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.
