LocationsThe Women Leaders Network builds capacity to advance gender equality and inclusive local governance
October 8, 2025
A workshop on women’s capacity building and empowerment, organized by the Network of Women Leaders in Local Governance, took place on October 6 and 7 in Bengo
The Network of Women Leaders in Local Governance is a national initiative aimed at strengthening citizenship, promoting gender equality, and consolidating good governance practices by bringing together women leaders from all provinces of Angola.
In October, the group organized the Women’s Capacity Building and Empowerment Workshop in Bengo. This marked a significant milestone in strengthening women’s participation in local decision-making processes, with support from the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MAT), the PASCAL Project, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Bengo Provincial Government.
With the aim of strengthening the capacities of women leaders, the workshop brought together more than 50 participants, including members of the Network, government representatives, and international partners. The Provincial Governor of Bengo, Dr. Maria Antónia Nelumba, highlighted the transformative role of women in society during the opening ceremony: “With this gathering, we not only celebrate women leaders but also reaffirm a journey of empowerment, sharing, and inspiration. Women’s leadership is essential for inclusive, fair, and participatory governance.”
The Deputy Representative of UNDP in Angola, Dr. Gabriel Dava, commended the initiative and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s participation in local governance:
This event is more than just a training session: it is a celebration of the transformative role women play in building a more inclusive and participatory local government in Angola. When women participate fully in decision-making processes, communities become stronger, institutions more effective, and democracy more vibrant.
The Secretary of State for Territorial Administration, Dr. Teresa Quivienguele, opened the technical sessions with a presentation on strategies for the development and institutional strengthening of the Network, highlighting its role as a bridge between women leaders and public institutions.
Over the course of two days, crucial topics were addressed, such as: Good Governance and Gender, Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Leadership, and the Presentation of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Director for European Union Cooperation, Dr. Francisco Sepúlveda, and the Provincial Governor of Lunda Norte, Dr. Filomena Elizabeth Aires.
A workshop on women’s capacity building and empowerment, organized by the Network of Women Leaders in Local Governance, took place on October 6 and 7 in Bengo
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