Program Overview
This program aims to amplify the voices of women and girls in governance and decision-making processes by promoting their participation in leadership and political spaces, strengthening accountability in public institutions, and advocating for gender-responsive policies. It focuses on creating an enabling environment where women can freely engage in electoral and governance processes without fear of discrimination or violence. Additionally, the program integrates climate change adaptation strategies, ensuring that women in leadership roles contribute to environmental resilience and sustainable governance.
Objective
The program’s primary objective is to enhance women's representation and influence in decision-making bodies by building their leadership capacity, advocating for structural reforms that promote gender equality in governance, and equipping them with knowledge on climate change adaptation to integrate sustainable practices into policy and governance frameworks.
Context:
Despite various efforts to advance women's political participation, they remain underrepresented in decision-making bodies. As of 2021, women held only 37% of seats in the House of Representatives, with 40% of these positions allocated through special seats rather than direct election. This is in stark contrast to the fact that women constitute 51% of Zanzibar’s population, according to the 2012 census. Economic disparities persist, with men earning three times more than women in both urban and rural areas, as reported in the 2010 Poverty Reduction Strategy. Women aspiring to leadership, particularly in politics, face numerous challenges, including financial constraints, political smear campaigns, corruption, male dominance, and religious misconceptions. Furthermore, climate change disproportionately affects women, especially in rural communities where they rely on natural resources for their livelihoods. Integrating climate change adaptation into leadership initiatives ensures that women can contribute to policies and actions that mitigate environmental challenges and enhance community resilience.
Approaches & Strategies
Approaches & Strategies
To achieve this, the program adopts a three-pronged approach:
• Capacity Building: Providing leadership training, mentorship, and skills development to empower women to engage effectively in governance and climate adaptation initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with key actors such as community members, political parties, local and national leaders, journalists, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and religious leaders to create a supportive environment for women’s participation.
• Policy Advocacy: Reviewing and advocating for legal and policy reforms that safeguard women's rights, promote their leadership in governance, and integrate gender-responsive climate change policies. By addressing both systemic and societal barriers, the initiative seeks to transform the political landscape, foster inclusive leadership, and promote sustainable environmental governance.
The project is undertaken in all eleven districts of Zanzibar, seven districts in Unguja and four districts in Pemba.
Implementing partners
The project is implemented by Pemba Environmental and Gender Advocacy Organization (PEGAO), Zanzibar Female Lawyers Association (ZAFELA) and Media Women’s Association, Zanzibar (TAMWA ZNZ).
