Empowering Women in Local Governance: Highlights from the Training Bootcamp

AIDECA recently organized a specialized training bootcamp for women elected officials from the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. This innovative program aimed to strengthen the role of women in local governance and enhance their capacity to implement gender-responsive policies at the territorial level.

Comprehensive Skills Development Program

The bootcamp provided a multifaceted approach to capacity building, focusing on both personal development and technical governance skills. Participants benefited from a rich curriculum that equipped them with essential tools to become more effective in their elected roles.

Through the program, participants were able to:

Personal and Leadership Development

  • Enhance self-competencies and develop crucial life skills
  • Build confidence in public speaking and negotiation
  • Strengthen resilience and strategic thinking

Governance and Policy Skills

  • Learn about the stages and mechanisms of territorial policy development
  • Adopt gender-responsive approaches to promote equality in development project planning
  • Implement practical workshops to identify gender-specific challenges at the level of targeted communities
  • Apply change theory in planning while exploring innovative solutions using artificial intelligence

Collaborative Learning

  • Participate in practical sessions in groups to implement inclusive planning methodologies
  • Share experiences and best practices with peers
  • Develop networks of support among women elected officials

Gender-Responsive Territorial Development

A key focus of the bootcamp was equipping participants with practical methodologies to incorporate gender considerations into territorial development policies and projects. Through hands-on workshops, the women officials identified specific gender-related challenges in their communities and developed action plans to address these issues.

The training emphasized the importance of collecting gender-disaggregated data and conducting gender impact assessments when planning local development initiatives. Participants learned how to apply these tools to ensure that resources are allocated equitably and that both women and men benefit from local development projects.

Innovation and Technology in Governance

The bootcamp also introduced innovative approaches to governance, including the use of artificial intelligence tools for planning and decision-making. These sessions explored how emerging technologies can support more efficient and inclusive governance while addressing potential biases and challenges.

Building a Network of Women Leaders

Beyond skills development, the bootcamp created an important space for networking and collaboration among women elected officials. This network will continue to serve as a platform for ongoing exchange of ideas, mutual support, and collaborative initiatives across the region.

About the AMSSAWASS Project

The bootcamp was organized as part of the AMSSAWASS Project, which falls under the “Ajyal Égalité” program, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Embassy in Morocco. The program aims to promote equality between women and men in North Africa and is implemented by Expertise France with support from committed local actors.

Next Steps

Following this successful training bootcamp, AIDECA will continue supporting the participants through mentoring and technical assistance as they implement gender-responsive initiatives in their communities. Additional capacity-building activities and networking opportunities will be organized to sustain the momentum and deepen the impact of the program.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all participating organizations, the women elected officials, and all strategic partners who contributed to the success of this pioneering training bootcamp.

✨ Follow us for more details about the next stages of this inspiring initiative!