EWIP - Empowering Women in Politics

About the program

In Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, politics is still strongly male-dominated, despite constitutionally recognized rights for women. Gender stereotypes, social norms and barriers within party structures limit women’s participation, representation and influence.

Empowering Women in Politics (EWIP) is a multi-party program that strengthens women’s political capacity and increases parties’ receptiveness to gender equality. The program builds on experiences from the Program for Young Politicians in Africa (PYPA) and is funded by Sida. It is run by KIC together with the Centre Party International Foundation (CIS). KIC is responsible for implementation in Kenya and Uganda.

In Kenya, EWIP is implemented in collaboration with The Oslo Center. The target group is members of county assemblies from six parties, selected based on electoral success. The program provides training, strengthens women’s confidence, and works toward gender-equality policies and procedures against sexual harassment within the parties.

As part of the program, The Oslo Center and KIC have launched Male Gender Champions, where men are trained to actively strengthen women’s political influence. In Uganda, spouses are engaged; in Kenya, party secretaries – with clear results: more women are taking places in party leadership, running as candidates, and being elected.

The goal of the program is clear: more women in politics and a more inclusive political culture, in line with Agenda 2030, Goal 5 on gender equality.