Local Democracy

Elected members are at the heart of the debate on improving public services.  At a time when local government has a new opportunity to develop an effective community leadership role how can we ensure that it also recruits and retains a more diverse range of people to become local councillors - both to represent their communities and become the next generation of political leaders.
 

The events held under the theme of local democracy aim to raise awareness and explore how councils and political parties can establish effective member development and support systems.

Mentoring

A major mentoring scheme was developed enabling women to be mentored by senior managers in the public sector.  Training was also provided for women to act as mentors within the local government sector.

An elected member mentoring programme was launched in March 2010 in partnership with Women into Politics. The Mentoring Programme, supported by all the main political parties, is aimed at supporting women interested in serving their local communities as their local politician.

Managing the Media Workshops for Political Representatives

Regular workshops were held for female elected members to enable them to develop media handling skills.

 

Young Women Moving into Politics and Public Life

An event for young women aged 15-17 facilitated by a range of partners to encourage more young women to become involved in politics and public life

Zomba Trip, Malawi

A group of Political Champions and officers made a ten day visit to Zomba, Malawi to experience gender and governance issues in a developing country.


Encouraging Women into Political and Public Life

Hosted by the Secretary of State at Hillsborough Castle in November 2007 this event was open to politicians and community representatives.  There were contributions from all the Political Champions.

 

Women, Peace and Security

Participated in a cross-learning process on UNSCR 1325, sponsored by the Conflict Resolution Unit (CRU) of the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring together women from post/conflict situations to share lessons and successful models, and develop a unified message on UNSCR 1325 to deliver to the United Nations in 2010.