All evidence shows that having more women involved in decision-making is beneficial to everyone. A key priority for CLGF in terms of both advocacy and practical activities, ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day, CLGF has been working in partnership with Eswatini’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the national Local Government Association to implement a project that does just this.

The project - Increasing the participation of women in Eswatini's local politics, local administration, and economic development through leadership capacity building – is being funded by Global Affairs Canada.

Leadership skills workshops for women

The goal of the project is to increase the participation of women and girls in local level politics, administration, and economic development, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5. One of the specific long-term objectives of the project is to train 50 young females, who display leadership skills, in running successful local elections and political campaigns, increasing their chances of being elected and/or applying for senior positions in their local authorities. To this end, the first of two election workshops has taken place in Manzini, originally intended for 30 participants, but attracting by an impressive 58 women: current women councillors, aspiring councillors and members of the Young Women in Local Government Network, and women who have participated in elections in previous years.

A huge success, the workshop received praise from the representatives of the Canadian donor organisation. It was also clear that there should be more than two workshops and a built-in opportunity to practise what the participants had learned.

Theoretical and practical

CLGF Projects Consultant-Eswatini, Ms Colisile Tfwala, explained: “the trainers adopted a participative approach, encouraging active engagement and the exchange of experiences.” Presentations covered:

• the structure of Eswatini government and intergovernmental relations;
• various important aspects of local government - duties and powers of a council; how towns are managed; dynamics of different styles of governance; urban issues; the incorporation of human settlements; status and boundaries; service delivery and rates; 
• elections and the appointment of councillors in Eswatini including processes, cycles, registration and qualification for this, nominations and procedures; and all theoretical and practical aspects of running elections.

The workshop also sought to increase skills and confidence in public speaking; provided advice on how to run a campaign in a hostile or corrupt environment; and how to raise campaign funds and use resources such as digital tools and platforms to campaign.

Attended by the Canadian Embassy’s First Secretary, Mr Gavin Nardocchio-Jones, and Mr Clerico Constantino and Ms Nqobile Dludlu, respectively from the donor organisation in Mozambique and Eswatini coordinator. Eswatini Local Government Association’s Director, Mr Gordon Mbuli welcomed the Canadian team and expressed his wish to find further financial support as the project neared its end. sted the Canadian Government to help where they can.

Broader aims

As well as seeking to increase the ability of women to stand for political office in Eswatini local government, the other aims of the project are to have:

• 70 women entrepreneurs increasing their monthly income by 30% against the baseline;
• 250 youth (125 females and 125 males) participating in governance issues and ensuring that their local authorities provide gender and youth responsive service delivery; and
• 50 senior women in local politics and administration strengthening their leadership skills through mentoring others.
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Benefits for all

CLGF's Ms Tfwala expressed her delight at the success of the project, which she hoped would effect change in local government. "Gender parity is important in all areas of our society, but with more women involved in planning and decision-making, our communities will automatically take into consideration the needs of women and girls but, ultimately, contribute to more successful and inclusive communities for everyone."