With financial support from Swiss cooperation, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) launched a leadership academy for 105 young women from the regions of Mopti, Timbuktu, Ségou, Koutiala, and the Bamako district. To conclude this project phase, participants and the NIMD team convened at the Maeva Palace Hotel from December 12 to 13, 2025, for a forum on “Female Leadership and Citizenship: Building an Inclusive and Peaceful Society.” The two-day event culminated in a memorandum to guide stakeholders in their missions.
The academy’s curriculum included modules on women’s leadership, the history of women’s advocacy, media literacy, negotiation techniques, entrepreneurship, dialogue, and public outreach.
“This academy aims to enhance the strategic participation of women in community, municipal, and regional public governance,” explained NIMD Country Director Ms. Célia D’Almeida. She stated that this initiative to strengthen women’s leadership in Malian public governance seeks to prepare young women leaders and build a supportive community of women who foster mutual aid and innovative initiatives. The goal is to significantly increase their participation in local community life and beyond.
Post-Training Support for Emerging Women Leaders
To encourage women to become agents of change and contribute to governance and public affairs management, the academy provides ongoing support. Following the training, NIMD commits to coaching participants in realizing their community, social, and economic initiatives. “Technical and material support, along with mentorship from established women entrepreneurs, is offered to those leading economic activity projects,” clarified the NIMD Country Director.
Key Outcomes from the Forum Memorandum
A participant from Timbuktu presented the memorandum, which outlines key challenges, recommendations, and actionable steps across various areas of public life concerning specific issues.
Identified challenges include gender stereotypes; the non-application and violation of laws supporting women’s status and commitments; and the difficulty of balancing socio-professional engagement with personal and professional life.
Advocacy actions highlighted involve creating collaborative frameworks for strategic influence; establishing an advocacy network; identifying and involving leaders to promote laws supporting women’s participation in public management; and encouraging shared leadership between women and their male peers.
Additional challenges and advocacy measures were discussed to further the goal of building an inclusive and peaceful society.
Report by Kada Tandina
Original reporting by Mali24.info
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This article is based on the original report by Mali24.info.