The WALL project that originated in India continues to yield beneficial outcomes, as it is rolled out across two Indian states and Bangladesh.

Funded by the European Union through CLGF’s Strategic Grant Agreement, WALL or Women As Local Legislatives is all about empowering women to stand for public office at local government level, and supporting them, once they are in office.   

Overcoming barriers

As well as working with prospective elected women, namely at the community level to increase understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local elected leaders and encourage women to run for elected council positions, the project works with existing elected women on issues like overcoming barriers within local government systems to be more effective as leaders, representatives and decision-makers. Another important aspect of the project is working with political parties and the local government associations to see how the systems can be changed or modified to allow this from this side.

Focus on young women 

CLGF’s Regional Manager for Asia, Ms Anuya Kuwar said: “It is very gratifying to see this project grow and extend to more councils and regions. It has a particular focus on encouraging more young women to get involved with local government. I believe the success of the project, as well as being developed by women with a range of expertise and experience, is that it focuses on the individual, emphasising the human nature of political representation and self-awareness.”