WYDE Political Parties

Empowering Inclusive Leadership in Africa

An EU-powered initiative fostering women’s and youth leadership in political parties across east and west Africa

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About the WYDE Political Parties Project

The WYDE Political Parties Project, part of the broader Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) and funded by the European Union, is dedicated to enhancing youth and women’s participation in political decision- making across Africa.

Despite their growing demographic weight, young people and women remain underrepresented in political structures, facing barriers such as limited access to leadership, financial constraints, and entrenched political norms. WYDE Political Parties works to tackle these challenges by strengthening political party structures, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting democratic resilience.

Through a multiparty, multi-country approach, the project engages with political parties, electoral institutions, and civil society organizations to create a more inclusive political landscape, ensuring that youth and women are not just participants, but leaders in shaping Africa’s democratic future.

Our Mission

WYDE Political Parties supports women and youth in shaping their own leadership pathways within political institutions. The project works alongside political parties, regulatory bodies, and civil society actors, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and networks needed to develop inclusive, transparent, and representative political processes. WYDE Political Parties strengthens existing efforts to enhance participation, decision-making, and leadership opportunities for young people and women in Africa’s democratic landscape.

Our Objectives

Enhancing Legal & Policy Frameworks

Supporting the development and enforcement of policies that facilitate women and youth’s participation in political parties and elections.

Empowerment & Capacity Building

Equipping young political leaders and women with leadership skills, strategic political knowledge, and advocacy tools to strengthen their role in governance.

Promoting Transparency & Accountability

Supporting political parties in improving internal governance, financial transparency, and democratic processes to foster more inclusive political systems.

Strengthening Multiparty & Regional Cooperation

Encouraging cross-party collaboration and regional knowledge-sharing to enhance political stability and democratic engagement across African countries.

What We Do

Capacity Building & Leadership Development

To equip emerging political leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate party structures and actively engage in decision-making.

Key Actions:

Leadership training for young and female political leaders within parties.
Mentorship programs connecting emerging politicians with experienced leaders.
Training of Trainers (ToT) models to establish self-sustaining training networks inside political parties.

Policy Dialogue & Framework Development

To support the development of policies that promote more inclusive and transparent political institutions.

Key Actions:

Facilitating policy dialogues to enhance party structures for inclusion.
Conducting research on party financing and legal frameworks to ensure fairer access for women and youth.
Advocating for electoral and political party reforms at national and regional levels.

Electoral Studies & Political Engagement

To generate data-driven research that strengthens advocacy efforts and influences policy changes and party reforms.

Key Actions:

Conducting post-election studies on youth and women’s participation in elections.
Analyzing barriers to political engagement within political parties.
Producing publications and advocacy campaigns based on research findings.

Best Practice Exchange & Political Alliances

To connect political actors, civil society, and regulatory bodies for experience- sharing and collaboration on youth and women’s leadership.

Key Actions:

Organizing cross-party conferences on political inclusion.
Facilitating regional exchanges and networking events for youth and women political leaders.
Engaging with electoral commissions and regulatory bodies to promote fairer election processes.
Strengthening the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) as a platform for emerging leaders to foster long-term political representation.