The Africa Liberal Network Women Leadership Programme is a training initiative that aims to strengthen the capacity of active women in politics as well as foster their engagement in political and civic leadership at local, national, and international levels. The program focuses on engaging ALN Members parties and decision-makers to support women in advancing to higher levels within political structures.
By empowering women and political parties, the program aims to enhance their impact on democracy, responsive governance, and gender-balanced representation in leadership roles. The initiative includes targeted career guidance and life coaching to evolve the capacity of women leaders, enabling them to generate effective policy proposals.
Starting in 2019, the programme ultimately strives to promote gender-balanced representation and responsive governance in Africa.
Overview
The WLP empowers women leaders by providing them with tailored skills and mentor support to develop and advance their political careers, and ultimately to increase women’s participation and influence in politics.
Supported in the 2019 debut by the UK Liberal Democrats, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for freedom and a host of mentors from our member parties, international sister parties, liberal regional networks, international partners and the global federation Liberal International, we remain confident our continued partnerships will advance the cause of developing capable liberal women leaders.
The programme’s public leadership empowerment tools include how to develop a campaign plan and team, fundraise, multimedia communication, traditional and conventional voter interaction models and much more. The training workshops provide practical tools and ideas that our participants apply directly to their domestic campaigns.
The programme also includes private mentoring support, whereby each participant is paired with an experienced political pillar from our global liberal family.
After successfully completing the programme, #ALNwomen Alumni have the opportunity to share their experience, co-facilitate trainings and act as mentors to new cadets.
Overview
The WLP empowers women leaders by providing them with tailored skills and mentor support to develop and advance their political careers, and ultimately to increase women’s participation and influence in politics.
Supported in the 2019 debut by the UK Liberal Democrats, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for freedom and a host of mentors from our member parties, international sister parties, liberal regional networks, international partners and the global federation Liberal International, we remain confident our continued partnerships will advance the cause of developing capable liberal women leaders.
The programme’s public leadership empowerment tools include how to develop a campaign plan and team, fundraise, multimedia communication, traditional and conventional voter interaction models and much more. The training workshops provide practical tools and ideas that our participants apply directly to their domestic campaigns.
The programme also includes private mentoring support, whereby each participant is paired with an experienced political pillar from our global liberal family.
After successfully completing the programme, #ALNwomen Alumni have the opportunity to share their experience, co-facilitate trainings and act as mentors to new cadets.
2020 Participants
2020 Participants
Linda Amoah-Boadi Sey
Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
Linda Amoah-Boadi Sey
Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
She is also married with 3 children; one girl and two boys. Linda earned a Diploma in Business Studies from the Ghana Education Service and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with E-commerce from Regent University of Science and Technology Ghana.
Linda loves to read and sing and hopes to have a positive impact on her generation through participating in the #ALNwomen Leadership Programme.
Gbatima Margai
Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC)
Gbatima Margai
Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC)
Gbatima holds a BA Hons Degree from the University of East London, United Kingdom, in Law and Social Policy.
She has served in the capacity of Women’s Leader for the People’s Movement for Democratic Change UK & Ireland Branch and is currently Acting Women’s Leader for the PMDC in Sierra Leone. She aspires to become a Member of Parliament in Sierra Leone in the next elections in 2023.
Bethlehem Abebe
Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA)
Bethlehem Abebe
Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA)
During her high school, she signed up for a one-year Russian language course at the former Soviet Union Permanent Exhibition in Addis Ababa. In 1990, Bethlehem was awarded a government-funded scholarship to study Veterinary Medicine in the former Soviet Union. She joined the Moscow Veterinary Academy in 1991 and was awarded her Degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1997. After returning to Ethiopia, Bethlehem joined an evening pharmacy programme at Addis Ababa University where, after four years, she received her Diploma in Pharmacy. Since 1998, Bethlehem has been working as a veterinary practitioner in both government and privately-owned organisations. She is now married and has two children.
Fouzia Elbayed
Union Constitutionnelle (UC)
Fouzia Elbayed
Union Constitutionnelle (UC)
Fouzia is a Member of the National Council and Administrative Committee of her political party; Union Constitutionelle and is a member of the women's organisation OFC. She served as a Member of the House of Representatives in the Moroccan Parliament from 2011-2016. She was a member of the Justice, Legislation and Human Rights Commission for 5 years, and was a member of the Legislative Affairs and Human Rights Committee on the Council of Europe PACE from 2011-2014. Fouzia has also served as the President of the International Network of Liberal Woman (INLW MOROCCO); a member of the Human Rights Commission at Liberal International (2015/2016); a member of the Commission on Parity and the Fight Against all Forms of Discrimination in the Parliament of Morocco (2015/2016); a member of the World Forum of Women Parliamentarians (2012/2016); a member of the Parliamentarians for Global Action Executive Board (2012/2016); and as a member of RA'EDAT, the Arab Women Parliamentarians Network for Equality (2014/2016). Besides her academic and political career, Fouzia also has an intellectual career. She is a writer, art critic and journalist, and has written several scientific book publications as well as articles on public policy. She is the Editorial Director of the journal Alfonoun, published by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture and, as a member of several scientific committees for indexed journals and symposiums, has participated in several summits, symposiums and national and international congresses.
Berlinda Bulley
Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
Berlinda Bulley
Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
In addition to politics, she has over 10 years combined experience in project management, clientele management, business development, establishment and maintenance of strategic partnerships with both local and international organisations, and human resources management gained in Ghana and the United Kingdom. Berlinda is always open to gaining knowledge and acquire skills that can help her affect positive changes both on political and non-political platforms.
Ashura Michael
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Ashura Michael
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Ashura is also a member of Young Voice, a Leonard Cheshire Disability project to support young people with Disabilities through campaigning for disability rights and equal access. She is the former co-chair for Youth Council of UNICEF’S Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities; She also served as Secretary-General of Kenya National Association of the Deaf, she was a Gender and Social Inclusive Officer at Peace Ambassadors Integration Organization for 2 years and a Special Interests Representative of Youths Synergy Kenya. She is a Board Member of Positive Young Women Voice and has served several national and international organizations. She is also the Founder and Director of Free a Girl’s World Network (FGW-N), an organization that aims to empower the girl child to explore her world freely without social-cultural and economic boundaries. She has won several humanitarian and leadership awards. She was also appointed as a commissioner for Developing countries during the World Congress of the Deaf, Istanbul. Ms Ashura is a Mandela Washington fellow 2016. For this reason, she has also been active in her political party activities (orange democratic movement –ODM) where she is the founder and Secretary-General of Disability League.
Nereah Amondi Oketch
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Nereah Amondi Oketch
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
In 2018, Nereah legislated child welfare and protection and lobbied for funding for child safe spaces and response to high prevalence of teen pregnancy through mentorship and life skills training.
Nereah, an ODM party life member and delegate, has mobilized for ID and voter registration at national level and managed “get-out- the- vote” drives in three election cycles. In Homa Bay, she has linked 400 youth and women to trainings and 4 local organizations to project funding. Her “A-Tank-A-Home” initiative promotes rainwater harvesting and safe water use.
A one-time teen mother and homemaker, Nereah pursued academics from 2001-2011 to attain a CPA, Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting and an MBA. From 2005 to 2017, she worked at Global Communities, Columbia University-ICAP in Kenya, US Embassy- CDC Kenya, Healthstrat, State University of New York/AHADI and University of Maryland, implementing and managing OVC, HIV/AIDS and malaria, education and governance projects with a portfolio of Ksh22B across 20 counties. Nereah has consulting experience in project proposals and budgets and organization capacity development in financial management and grants/contracts compliance.
Subsequent to her election as Kenya’s #MsPresident, Nereah founded the NAO Foundation with a mission to advance Social Development Initiatives in governance, health/GBV, education and climate response. Canada Fund for Local Initiatives currently funds the foundation’s pioneer project on women and youth inclusion in political leadership.
Marie Prudence Ouédraogo
Alliance pour la Démocratie et la Fédération - Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (ADF-RDA)
Marie Prudence Ouédraogo
Alliance pour la Démocratie et la Fédération - Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (ADF-RDA)
She campaigned as a candidate in the Burkina Faso legislative elections of November 2015, positioned at the top of the party’s list for the province of Kadiogo. Marie Prudence remains determined to achieve the political goals she set for herself, hence a candidate of the #ALNwomen Leadership Programme.
Originating from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Marie Prudence is a family pillar, married and with two children.
She earned her Law degree from the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal.
Marie Prudence absorbs her strength from the motto "with a valiant heart nothing is impossible“.
Pavu Juma Abdalla
Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo)
Pavu Juma Abdalla
Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo)
Pavu is an educator and taught in secondary schools before joining the State University of Zanzibar in 2006 where she graduated three years later with BA in Education. Since then she has continued her career in the education sector, working with several academic institutions. In addition to this, Pavu also has a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Management from Mzumbe University, Tanzania.
During her undergraduate studies, Pavu was the Minister of Public Relations for the State University of Zanzibar’s Students Organisation, as well as serving as a Government Universities Representative to the Tanzania High Commissioner of Universities. Pavu was also the Chairperson for the Society Mother Orphan and Others Children (SMOOCH) from 2009 - 2010.
From 2013 – 2014, Pavu represented the Regional Youth Political Leadership Academy at the East African Community University Students’ debate on Regional integration. From 2013 – 2017, Pavu was Vice-chairperson of the organisation Youth Advocate Leadership Development Tanzania.
Pavu has a good understanding of human resource management, project management, procurement, public relations and research methodology and has developed the entrepreneurial, interpersonal and organisational skills which will help her to serve communities across Tanzania.
Beth Mutunga
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Beth Mutunga
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
After this, Beth changed her focus to serve in party politics and contested for the national position of Women President within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). She won with a large margin and still serves in this position.
In 2014, she also contested for a national position in Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization – a national women’s organisation and the largest and oldest NGO in Kenya. Beth won the position of National Vice-Treasurer and still serves in this position. Beth is proud to have campaigned for women’s participation and representation in politics and in decision-making platforms and in public entities. Currently, together with like-minded women leaders, Beth continues to advocate for increased representation of women in appointed, employed and elected positions, with the aim of achieving gender parity, as called for by Kenya’s founding women leaders during the country’s independence struggle.
Beth aspires to stand in the 2022 Kenyan Parliamentary elections to realise her vision of ensuring that, amongst other issues, women are empowered in all spheres of society. .
Maria Belafia
Mouvement Populaire (MP)
Maria Belafia
Mouvement Populaire (MP)
Nadifa Osman
Justice and Development of Democracy and Self-Respectfulness Party (CHADI Party)
Nadifa Osman
Justice and Development of Democracy and Self-Respectfulness Party (CHADI Party)
She is very creative, friendly, non-judgmental and welcoming. Nadifa is very passionate about the long-term impact of improving the quality of life of the client she serves. She is enthusiastic about issues concerning the advancement of women in general and; with special attention to refugee and immigrant women.
Nadifa is well known for her contributions to & working with experts in empowering and advocating for victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse, Gender Equality, Rule of Law and Democracy. Nadifa has worked with numerous Civil Society, Local & International Women's Organizations in Canada; USA; Europe; Tanzania; Kenya and Somalia to chart an effective political policy to be used as a guideline in promoting Peace around the globe, Truth & Reconciliation, Poverty Reduction, Ending Violence Against Women & Children, promoting women’s political participation and Justice for all.
In recognition of her dedication towards the betterment of the society as a community servant and organizer she received numerous awards such as Volunteer Award from Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Outstanding Community Service Award from University of Minnesota, Crystal Sealing Award from Minnesota Women’s Consortium, Distinct Women Award from Soroptomist International, Re-kindling the Flame Award from International Leadership Institute, Neighborhood Championship award from Elliot Neighborhood.
Nadifa holds a Master's Degree in Energy Management & Policy from “University of Pennsylvania”, USA; MSc. in Telecommunication from “Istituto Superiore Di Posto E Telecomunicazione” Rome, Italy; a Certificate toward MBA from “California State University (Fresno)” branch in Mogadishu, Somalia and a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering from the “Somali National University (Gaheyr)”, Mogadishu. She is fluent in Somali; English; Italian and Arabic languages.
Stenah Shampile
United Party For National Development (UPND)
Stenah Shampile
United Party For National Development (UPND)
Stenah started her political life whilst studying at the University of Zambia. Her passion grew as she joined the Youth wing of the UPND, where she served in various positions. Amongst those was the role of Vice National Youth Treasurer. Stenah believes youth and student politics inducted her to the challenges and consequences of youth exclusion.
She was amongst the core liberal youth from the Africa continent, who united to form the Africa Liberal Network’s youth caucus. In this youth formation, she served as Southern Africa Vice President of the Organisation of African Liberal Youth (OALY-LEAD) and which resulted in the establishment of the present-day Africa Liberal Youth, an achievement of which she is very proud.
Stenah remains passionate about youth inclusion in political parties and decision-making platforms and would like to see more young people being developed to lead. She is also aspiring to become a Member of Parliament in 2021.
Stenah believes that participating in the Women’s Leadership Programme will give her the opportunity to learn various skills that she can apply in her political career. She is confident that continuous learning is key to success and is convinced that young people and women play an important role in governance. Stenah always wants to be part of the solution to the challenges that young people and women face in their political parties and believes that together, liberals can leave the planet a better place than it was found.
Yandé Ndiaye
REWMI
Yandé Ndiaye
REWMI
She is an elected member of the Departmental Council, where she is chairperson of the Gender Commission since 2014. Yandé is more active than ever in promoting women's empowerment, gender equality and equity, to give everyone the chance to succeed in society and to create an egalitarian world.
born in Senegal, Yandé is a family pillar, married and a mother of three. After completing her Baccalaureate, she spent a year studying at the University of Dakar, following which she started a teaching career. After passing the Certificate of Professional Competence and gaining five years of professional experience, she gained a scholarship to further her training at the University of Montreal in Canada.
Having completed a Master's degree in Education, Yandé started a doctoral thesis. She passed the preliminary examinations and obtained the necessary research credits, but was unable to complete the thesis due to family reasons. Returning to Senegal in 1988, Yandé was recruited as a teacher of Educational Sciences at the Germaine Le Goff Teacher Training Institute, where she worked until 1999. She was promoted to the Inspectorate Division. In 2001, after two years of training, Yandé obtained the position of Education and Training Inspector, to oversee and support the teachers in Thiès. After this, Yandé returned to the Germaine Le Goff Teacher Training Institute, to serve there again until retirement in 2017.
In addition to her career in teaching, Yandé has been engaged politically and through civil society in strengthening and promoting female leadership.
Linda Amoah-Boadi Sey
Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
Linda Amoah-Boadi Sey
Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
She is also married with 3 children; one girl and two boys. Linda earned a Diploma in Business Studies from the Ghana Education Service and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with E-commerce from Regent University of Science and Technology Ghana.
Linda loves to read and sing and hopes to have a positive impact on her generation through participating in the #ALNwomen Leadership Programme.
Gbatima Margai
Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC)
Gbatima Margai
Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC)
Gbatima holds a BA Hons Degree from the University of East London, United Kingdom, in Law and Social Policy.
She has served in the capacity of Women’s Leader for the People’s Movement for Democratic Change UK & Ireland Branch and is currently Acting Women’s Leader for the PMDC in Sierra Leone. She aspires to become a Member of Parliament in Sierra Leone in the next elections in 2023.
Bethlehem Abebe
Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA)
Bethlehem Abebe
Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA)
During her high school, she signed up for a one-year Russian language course at the former Soviet Union Permanent Exhibition in Addis Ababa. In 1990, Bethlehem was awarded a government-funded scholarship to study Veterinary Medicine in the former Soviet Union. She joined the Moscow Veterinary Academy in 1991 and was awarded her Degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1997. After returning to Ethiopia, Bethlehem joined an evening pharmacy programme at Addis Ababa University where, after four years, she received her Diploma in Pharmacy. Since 1998, Bethlehem has been working as a veterinary practitioner in both government and privately-owned organisations. She is now married and has two children.
Fouzia Elbayed
Union Constitutionnelle (UC)
Fouzia Elbayed
Union Constitutionnelle (UC)
Fouzia is a Member of the National Council and Administrative Committee of her political party; Union Constitutionelle and is a member of the women's organisation OFC. She served as a Member of the House of Representatives in the Moroccan Parliament from 2011-2016. She was a member of the Justice, Legislation and Human Rights Commission for 5 years, and was a member of the Legislative Affairs and Human Rights Committee on the Council of Europe PACE from 2011-2014. Fouzia has also served as the President of the International Network of Liberal Woman (INLW MOROCCO); a member of the Human Rights Commission at Liberal International (2015/2016); a member of the Commission on Parity and the Fight Against all Forms of Discrimination in the Parliament of Morocco (2015/2016); a member of the World Forum of Women Parliamentarians (2012/2016); a member of the Parliamentarians for Global Action Executive Board (2012/2016); and as a member of RA'EDAT, the Arab Women Parliamentarians Network for Equality (2014/2016). Besides her academic and political career, Fouzia also has an intellectual career. She is a writer, art critic and journalist, and has written several scientific book publications as well as articles on public policy. She is the Editorial Director of the journal Alfonoun, published by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture and, as a member of several scientific committees for indexed journals and symposiums, has participated in several summits, symposiums and national and international congresses.
Berlinda Bulley
Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
Berlinda Bulley
Progressive People’s Party (PPP)
In addition to politics, she has over 10 years combined experience in project management, clientele management, business development, establishment and maintenance of strategic partnerships with both local and international organisations, and human resources management gained in Ghana and the United Kingdom. Berlinda is always open to gaining knowledge and acquire skills that can help her affect positive changes both on political and non-political platforms.
Ashura Michael
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Ashura Michael
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Ashura is also a member of Young Voice, a Leonard Cheshire Disability project to support young people with Disabilities through campaigning for disability rights and equal access. She is the former co-chair for Youth Council of UNICEF’S Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities; She also served as Secretary-General of Kenya National Association of the Deaf, she was a Gender and Social Inclusive Officer at Peace Ambassadors Integration Organization for 2 years and a Special Interests Representative of Youths Synergy Kenya. She is a Board Member of Positive Young Women Voice and has served several national and international organizations. She is also the Founder and Director of Free a Girl’s World Network (FGW-N), an organization that aims to empower the girl child to explore her world freely without social-cultural and economic boundaries. She has won several humanitarian and leadership awards. She was also appointed as a commissioner for Developing countries during the World Congress of the Deaf, Istanbul. Ms Ashura is a Mandela Washington fellow 2016. For this reason, she has also been active in her political party activities (orange democratic movement –ODM) where she is the founder and Secretary-General of Disability League.
Nereah Amondi Oketch
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Nereah Amondi Oketch
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
In 2018, Nereah legislated child welfare and protection and lobbied for funding for child safe spaces and response to high prevalence of teen pregnancy through mentorship and life skills training.
Nereah, an ODM party life member and delegate, has mobilized for ID and voter registration at national level and managed “get-out- the- vote” drives in three election cycles. In Homa Bay, she has linked 400 youth and women to trainings and 4 local organizations to project funding. Her “A-Tank-A-Home” initiative promotes rainwater harvesting and safe water use.
A one-time teen mother and homemaker, Nereah pursued academics from 2001-2011 to attain a CPA, Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting and an MBA. From 2005 to 2017, she worked at Global Communities, Columbia University-ICAP in Kenya, US Embassy- CDC Kenya, Healthstrat, State University of New York/AHADI and University of Maryland, implementing and managing OVC, HIV/AIDS and malaria, education and governance projects with a portfolio of Ksh22B across 20 counties. Nereah has consulting experience in project proposals and budgets and organization capacity development in financial management and grants/contracts compliance.
Subsequent to her election as Kenya’s #MsPresident, Nereah founded the NAO Foundation with a mission to advance Social Development Initiatives in governance, health/GBV, education and climate response. Canada Fund for Local Initiatives currently funds the foundation’s pioneer project on women and youth inclusion in political leadership.
Marie Prudence Ouédraogo
Alliance pour la Démocratie et la Fédération - Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (ADF-RDA)
Marie Prudence Ouédraogo
Alliance pour la Démocratie et la Fédération - Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (ADF-RDA)
She campaigned as a candidate in the Burkina Faso legislative elections of November 2015, positioned at the top of the party’s list for the province of Kadiogo. Marie Prudence remains determined to achieve the political goals she set for herself, hence a candidate of the #ALNwomen Leadership Programme.
Originating from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Marie Prudence is a family pillar, married and with two children.
She earned her Law degree from the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal.
Marie Prudence absorbs her strength from the motto "with a valiant heart nothing is impossible“.
Pavu Juma Abdalla
Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo)
Pavu Juma Abdalla
Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo)
Pavu is an educator and taught in secondary schools before joining the State University of Zanzibar in 2006 where she graduated three years later with BA in Education. Since then she has continued her career in the education sector, working with several academic institutions. In addition to this, Pavu also has a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Management from Mzumbe University, Tanzania.
During her undergraduate studies, Pavu was the Minister of Public Relations for the State University of Zanzibar’s Students Organisation, as well as serving as a Government Universities Representative to the Tanzania High Commissioner of Universities. Pavu was also the Chairperson for the Society Mother Orphan and Others Children (SMOOCH) from 2009 - 2010.
From 2013 – 2014, Pavu represented the Regional Youth Political Leadership Academy at the East African Community University Students’ debate on Regional integration. From 2013 – 2017, Pavu was Vice-chairperson of the organisation Youth Advocate Leadership Development Tanzania.
Pavu has a good understanding of human resource management, project management, procurement, public relations and research methodology and has developed the entrepreneurial, interpersonal and organisational skills which will help her to serve communities across Tanzania.
Beth Mutunga
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Beth Mutunga
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
After this, Beth changed her focus to serve in party politics and contested for the national position of Women President within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). She won with a large margin and still serves in this position.
In 2014, she also contested for a national position in Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization – a national women’s organisation and the largest and oldest NGO in Kenya. Beth won the position of National Vice-Treasurer and still serves in this position. Beth is proud to have campaigned for women’s participation and representation in politics and in decision-making platforms and in public entities. Currently, together with like-minded women leaders, Beth continues to advocate for increased representation of women in appointed, employed and elected positions, with the aim of achieving gender parity, as called for by Kenya’s founding women leaders during the country’s independence struggle.
Beth aspires to stand in the 2022 Kenyan Parliamentary elections to realise her vision of ensuring that, amongst other issues, women are empowered in all spheres of society. .
Maria Belafia
Mouvement Populaire (MP)
Maria Belafia
Mouvement Populaire (MP)
Nadifa Osman
Justice and Development of Democracy and Self-Respectfulness Party (CHADI Party)
Nadifa Osman
Justice and Development of Democracy and Self-Respectfulness Party (CHADI Party)
She is very creative, friendly, non-judgmental and welcoming. Nadifa is very passionate about the long-term impact of improving the quality of life of the client she serves. She is enthusiastic about issues concerning the advancement of women in general and; with special attention to refugee and immigrant women.
Nadifa is well known for her contributions to & working with experts in empowering and advocating for victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse, Gender Equality, Rule of Law and Democracy. Nadifa has worked with numerous Civil Society, Local & International Women's Organizations in Canada; USA; Europe; Tanzania; Kenya and Somalia to chart an effective political policy to be used as a guideline in promoting Peace around the globe, Truth & Reconciliation, Poverty Reduction, Ending Violence Against Women & Children, promoting women’s political participation and Justice for all.
In recognition of her dedication towards the betterment of the society as a community servant and organizer she received numerous awards such as Volunteer Award from Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Outstanding Community Service Award from University of Minnesota, Crystal Sealing Award from Minnesota Women’s Consortium, Distinct Women Award from Soroptomist International, Re-kindling the Flame Award from International Leadership Institute, Neighborhood Championship award from Elliot Neighborhood.
Nadifa holds a Master's Degree in Energy Management & Policy from “University of Pennsylvania”, USA; MSc. in Telecommunication from “Istituto Superiore Di Posto E Telecomunicazione” Rome, Italy; a Certificate toward MBA from “California State University (Fresno)” branch in Mogadishu, Somalia and a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering from the “Somali National University (Gaheyr)”, Mogadishu. She is fluent in Somali; English; Italian and Arabic languages.
Stenah Shampile
United Party For National Development (UPND)
Stenah Shampile
United Party For National Development (UPND)
Stenah started her political life whilst studying at the University of Zambia. Her passion grew as she joined the Youth wing of the UPND, where she served in various positions. Amongst those was the role of Vice National Youth Treasurer. Stenah believes youth and student politics inducted her to the challenges and consequences of youth exclusion.
She was amongst the core liberal youth from the Africa continent, who united to form the Africa Liberal Network’s youth caucus. In this youth formation, she served as Southern Africa Vice President of the Organisation of African Liberal Youth (OALY-LEAD) and which resulted in the establishment of the present-day Africa Liberal Youth, an achievement of which she is very proud.
Stenah remains passionate about youth inclusion in political parties and decision-making platforms and would like to see more young people being developed to lead. She is also aspiring to become a Member of Parliament in 2021.
Stenah believes that participating in the Women’s Leadership Programme will give her the opportunity to learn various skills that she can apply in her political career. She is confident that continuous learning is key to success and is convinced that young people and women play an important role in governance. Stenah always wants to be part of the solution to the challenges that young people and women face in their political parties and believes that together, liberals can leave the planet a better place than it was found.
Yandé Ndiaye
REWMI
Yandé Ndiaye
REWMI
She is an elected member of the Departmental Council, where she is chairperson of the Gender Commission since 2014. Yandé is more active than ever in promoting women's empowerment, gender equality and equity, to give everyone the chance to succeed in society and to create an egalitarian world.
born in Senegal, Yandé is a family pillar, married and a mother of three. After completing her Baccalaureate, she spent a year studying at the University of Dakar, following which she started a teaching career. After passing the Certificate of Professional Competence and gaining five years of professional experience, she gained a scholarship to further her training at the University of Montreal in Canada.
Having completed a Master's degree in Education, Yandé started a doctoral thesis. She passed the preliminary examinations and obtained the necessary research credits, but was unable to complete the thesis due to family reasons. Returning to Senegal in 1988, Yandé was recruited as a teacher of Educational Sciences at the Germaine Le Goff Teacher Training Institute, where she worked until 1999. She was promoted to the Inspectorate Division. In 2001, after two years of training, Yandé obtained the position of Education and Training Inspector, to oversee and support the teachers in Thiès. After this, Yandé returned to the Germaine Le Goff Teacher Training Institute, to serve there again until retirement in 2017.
In addition to her career in teaching, Yandé has been engaged politically and through civil society in strengthening and promoting female leadership.
2020 Mentors
Flo Clucas
UK Liberal Democrats
Formerly a member of the Liberal Democrat national policy and organisational committees and a member of the International Relations Committee
Currently serves as a Liberal Democrat Councillor; and as Council Cabinet member for Healthy Lifestyles
Championed and was first President of the Women’s Organisation’s Economic Development Project in Liverpool
A Liverpool City Councillor from 1986-2012, serving in various posts including Deputy Leader, with responsibility for Finance and for EU funding, as well as Housing, Social Care and Health, and Economic Development
Janet Baah
UK Liberal Democrats
In May 2018, she became the first Ethnic Minority Mayor in Lewes, a UK town, where 99 percent of the population is White British
A Liberal Democrat councillor, sitting on the Council’s planning committee, Diversity Working party, Policies and Review working party, as well as chairing the Sustainable Development Goals working party which she initiated
Given the County Woman of the year Award in May 2019 for her political achievements; also a member of the Sussex Mayors’ Association.
Spent ten years as an Inclusive and Equality Advisor within the East Sussex County Council’s Adult Social Care
Non-Executive Director of Breaking Down Barriers CIC, which provides Diversity and Equality Training for Public and Private Organisations
Emily Davey
UK Liberal Democrats
Stood for Parliament in 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2010 and the Greater London Assembly in 2012 and 2016
Ran successful council campaigns whilst a parliamentary candidate, consistently increasing the number of councillors at each election
Has been successful standing in internal party elections, both as a list candidate and to be a parliamentary candidate
Led membership and activist campaigns recruiting hundreds of members
Organised and been part of teams for a number of fundraising events
Has significant public speaking experience, having spoken to audiences of thousands and done interviews and panel discussions for both television and radio
2020 Mentors
Flo Clucas
UK Liberal Democrats
Formerly a member of the Liberal Democrat national policy and organisational committees and a member of the International Relations Committee
Currently serves as a Liberal Democrat Councillor; and as Council Cabinet member for Healthy Lifestyles
Championed and was first President of the Women’s Organisation’s Economic Development Project in Liverpool
A Liverpool City Councillor from 1986-2012, serving in various posts including Deputy Leader, with responsibility for Finance and for EU funding, as well as Housing, Social Care and Health, and Economic Development
Janet Baah
UK Liberal Democrats
In May 2018, she became the first Ethnic Minority Mayor in Lewes, a UK town, where 99 percent of the population is White British
A Liberal Democrat councillor, sitting on the Council’s planning committee, Diversity Working party, Policies and Review working party, as well as chairing the Sustainable Development Goals working party which she initiated
Given the County Woman of the year Award in May 2019 for her political achievements; also a member of the Sussex Mayors’ Association.
Spent ten years as an Inclusive and Equality Advisor within the East Sussex County Council’s Adult Social Care
Non-Executive Director of Breaking Down Barriers CIC, which provides Diversity and Equality Training for Public and Private Organisations
Emily Davey
UK Liberal Democrats
Stood for Parliament in 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2010 and the Greater London Assembly in 2012 and 2016
Ran successful council campaigns whilst a parliamentary candidate, consistently increasing the number of councillors at each election
Has been successful standing in internal party elections, both as a list candidate and to be a parliamentary candidate
Led membership and activist campaigns recruiting hundreds of members
Organised and been part of teams for a number of fundraising events
Has significant public speaking experience, having spoken to audiences of thousands and done interviews and panel discussions for both television and radio
Rosemary Machua
ODM, Kenya
Has succeeded in digitalizing the membership recruitment process as well as diversifying the role of the youth and women affairs within the party
Has served two terms as an elected Vice President of the Africa Liberal Network
Currently sits on the steering committee of the Political Party Liaison Committee
Lorely Burt
UK Liberal Democrats
In 2005, became the first ever Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for her constituency
Remained an MP for 10 years, in which time she developed a strong record delivering for local people
First female chair of the Liberal Democrats’ Parliamentary Party
Served as Business, Innovation and Skills Co-Chair following successful re-election in 2010, and was appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2012
Appointed as Assistant Government Whip in November 2014
Was made Shadow Secretary of State for Equalities in 2016
Simon Drage
UK Liberal Democrats
Has fulfilled a variety of roles in the party’s campaigns and elections team and has agented and organised in all kinds of elections in the UK, including 2016 London Mayoral and List elections
Served as an organiser and election agent for a successful Liberal Democrat parliamentary campaign which unseated a former Home Secretary from the main UK opposition party in 2010
And coordinated the successful re-election campaign of a Liberal Democrat MP in 2017
Has worked for a Liberal Democrat Member of European Parliament
Since 2019 has worked for a health charity working on engaging supporters with campaigning for healthcare
Rosemary Machua
ODM, Kenya
Has succeeded in digitalizing the membership recruitment process as well as diversifying the role of the youth and women affairs within the party
Has served two terms as an elected Vice President of the Africa Liberal Network
Currently sits on the steering committee of the Political Party Liaison Committee
Lorely Burt
UK Liberal Democrats
In 2005, became the first ever Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for her constituency
Remained an MP for 10 years, in which time she developed a strong record delivering for local people
First female chair of the Liberal Democrats’ Parliamentary Party
Served as Business, Innovation and Skills Co-Chair following successful re-election in 2010, and was appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2012
Appointed as Assistant Government Whip in November 2014
Was made Shadow Secretary of State for Equalities in 2016
Simon Drage
UK Liberal Democrats
Has fulfilled a variety of roles in the party’s campaigns and elections team and has agented and organised in all kinds of elections in the UK, including 2016 London Mayoral and List elections
Served as an organiser and election agent for a successful Liberal Democrat parliamentary campaign which unseated a former Home Secretary from the main UK opposition party in 2010
And coordinated the successful re-election campaign of a Liberal Democrat MP in 2017
Has worked for a Liberal Democrat Member of European Parliament
Since 2019 has worked for a health charity working on engaging supporters with campaigning for healthcare
Jayanthi Devi Balaguru
Parti Gerakan Rakyat, Malaysia
A lawyer and an active member of Parti Gerakan Rakyat in Malaysia
Previously served as an elected Member of the Central Committee, Secretary-General of the Women’s Wing, Chair of Environment and Quality of Life Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Law and Human Rights Committee
Has stood for Parliament in 2013 and 2018
Has been involved in educating women on their rights, and in defending against all forms of discrimination against women and children. She has worked with several non-governmental organisations, both national and international, on the protection, advancement and empowerment of women
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in law from England and her master’s degree in law from the University of Malaya
Wendy Chamberlain
UK Liberal Democrats
Current Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Political & Constitutional Reform, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and International Development
Stood as both a Council and General Election candidate in 2017
Served for 12 years as a Police officer
Has also previously worked as a Communications Lecturer, as well as an Employment and Training Manager for the Ministry of Defence, supporting service veterans into positive employment outcomes
Always engaged in her local community, she has held committee roles on a variety of parent bodies
Joyce Onstad
UK Liberal Democrats
Sits on the Liberal Democrat Federal International Relations Committee and is a council representative for the Association of Liberals and Democrats European
Stood for Parliament in 2017 and is a list candidate for the London Assembly elections in 2020
Activist for freedom, equality, diversity, social justice and respect of human rights for many years
An alumnus of the European Women’s Academy of Political Leadership
In her consulting business, has worked with business owners, third sector leaders and private sector business managers in the UK, Canada, Kenya, South Africa and the USA, where the latest project was "Women in Leadership Training" for an international non-profit organisation.
Jayanthi Devi Balaguru
Parti Gerakan Rakyat, Malaysia
A lawyer and an active member of Parti Gerakan Rakyat in Malaysia
Previously served as an elected Member of the Central Committee, Secretary-General of the Women’s Wing, Chair of Environment and Quality of Life Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Law and Human Rights Committee
Has stood for Parliament in 2013 and 2018
Has been involved in educating women on their rights, and in defending against all forms of discrimination against women and children. She has worked with several non-governmental organisations, both national and international, on the protection, advancement and empowerment of women
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in law from England and her master’s degree in law from the University of Malaya
Wendy Chamberlain
UK Liberal Democrats
Current Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Political & Constitutional Reform, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and International Development
Stood as both a Council and General Election candidate in 2017
Served for 12 years as a Police officer
Has also previously worked as a Communications Lecturer, as well as an Employment and Training Manager for the Ministry of Defence, supporting service veterans into positive employment outcomes
Always engaged in her local community, she has held committee roles on a variety of parent bodies
Joyce Onstad
UK Liberal Democrats
Sits on the Liberal Democrat Federal International Relations Committee and is a council representative for the Association of Liberals and Democrats European
Stood for Parliament in 2017 and is a list candidate for the London Assembly elections in 2020
Activist for freedom, equality, diversity, social justice and respect of human rights for many years
An alumnus of the European Women’s Academy of Political Leadership
In her consulting business, has worked with business owners, third sector leaders and private sector business managers in the UK, Canada, Kenya, South Africa and the USA, where the latest project was "Women in Leadership Training" for an international non-profit organisation.
Sheila Ritchie
UK Liberal Democrats
Has fought numerous campaigns for other people, and two for herself, working to get more Liberal Democrats elected across the whole of the UK
Served as a Councillor from 1988-1996 and was previously a Council Leader in North East Scotland
Has sat on many committees, including Constituency Associations, Local Party executives, Association of Liberal Councillors, campaign committees, the working group that wrote the Liberal Democrat party constitution, and now the party’s Scottish Executive
Has been a key activist for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish Liberal Party before that
Has spent over 20 years supporting small start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in her local area
Andrew Stunell
UK Liberal Democrats
Member of Parliament from 1997 until stepping down in 2015, winning 4 elections in this time and leading many successful local campaigns
Appointed a minister in the UK Government Department for Communities and Local Government from 2010 – 2012
Served as Chief Whip in the House of Commons from 2001-2006, and then as the party’s local government spokesperson until 2007
Was successful in taking his own Bill on Sustainable and Secure Buildings through the UK House of Commons
Has also previously served on City and County Councils
Dawn Barnes
UK Liberal Democrats
Stood against David Cameron in the 2010 General Election, her first and the one where he went on to be Prime Minister
Has run many successful campaigns, including one to bring 400 empty homes into use for local people
Currently serves as the housing spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat group on Haringey Council
Stood in the 2017 and 2019 UK General Elections and has worked hard to build and retain volunteers to campaign in her constituency and to raise the funds to enable campaigns to happen
Has worked in communications and marketing for over ten years
Sheila Ritchie
UK Liberal Democrats
Has fought numerous campaigns for other people, and two for herself, working to get more Liberal Democrats elected across the whole of the UK
Served as a Councillor from 1988-1996 and was previously a Council Leader in North East Scotland
Has sat on many committees, including Constituency Associations, Local Party executives, Association of Liberal Councillors, campaign committees, the working group that wrote the Liberal Democrat party constitution, and now the party’s Scottish Executive
Has been a key activist for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish Liberal Party before that
Has spent over 20 years supporting small start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in her local area
Andrew Stunell
UK Liberal Democrats
Member of Parliament from 1997 until stepping down in 2015, winning 4 elections in this time and leading many successful local campaigns
Appointed a minister in the UK Government Department for Communities and Local Government from 2010 – 2012
Served as Chief Whip in the House of Commons from 2001-2006, and then as the party’s local government spokesperson until 2007
Was successful in taking his own Bill on Sustainable and Secure Buildings through the UK House of Commons
Has also previously served on City and County Councils
Dawn Barnes
UK Liberal Democrats
Stood against David Cameron in the 2010 General Election, her first and the one where he went on to be Prime Minister
Has run many successful campaigns, including one to bring 400 empty homes into use for local people
Currently serves as the housing spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat group on Haringey Council
Stood in the 2017 and 2019 UK General Elections and has worked hard to build and retain volunteers to campaign in her constituency and to raise the funds to enable campaigns to happen
Has worked in communications and marketing for over ten years
Jane Dodds
UK Liberal Democrats
Former Member of Parliament, elected in by-election in August 2019
Also stood for Parliament in 2015 and 2017, and for the Welsh Assembly in 2016
Previously served as a Liberal Democrat councillor from 2006-2010, during which time she was also appointed Cabinet Member for Performance
A qualified social worker, has worked in the public sector for over 25 years as a Child Protective Social Worker
Especially passionate about social justice and equality issues
Steven Jolly
UK Liberal Democrats
He was Head of National Campaigns in the 2015 General Election.
Currently working in private sector communications, he now volunteers in a number of roles, including helping to run the campaign
Steven is a mentor for the Liberal Democrat Campaign for Gender Balance, helping female candidates win selection and election campaigns and regularly trains others in how to win elections
Jane Dodds
UK Liberal Democrats
Former Member of Parliament, elected in by-election in August 2019
Also stood for Parliament in 2015 and 2017, and for the Welsh Assembly in 2016
Previously served as a Liberal Democrat councillor from 2006-2010, during which time she was also appointed Cabinet Member for Performance
A qualified social worker, has worked in the public sector for over 25 years as a Child Protective Social Worker
Especially passionate about social justice and equality issues
Steven Jolly
UK Liberal Democrats
He was Head of National Campaigns in the 2015 General Election.
Currently working in private sector communications, he now volunteers in a number of roles, including helping to run the campaign
Steven is a mentor for the Liberal Democrat Campaign for Gender Balance, helping female candidates win selection and election campaigns and regularly trains others in how to win elections