We are a global organization passionately advocating for a world where equality, diversity, and inclusion, are not just notions, but lived realities and the foundation of democratic leadership and governance.
Our mission is to passionately advocate for tangible government commitments to foster transparency, accountability, and equality. We aim to empower women in leadership and governance while leveraging the transformative power of data and the partnership of civil society organizations to fortify human rights, inclusive governance, and the very fabric of democracy itself.
Through meticulously targeted social interventions, relentless policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and affirmative civic education initiatives, we forge ahead pioneering groundbreaking strides toward a society where democratic governments represent the true will of the people. Join us in shaping a future where every voice is heard and every individual is empowered to thrive.
“To secure unwavering commitments from governments to advance transparency and accountability, foster the empowerment of women in leadership and governance, and leverage innovative and sustainable solutions to fortify human rights, promote inclusive governance, and deepen democracy.”
“Our vision is a world where equality, diversity, and inclusion are not only cherished ideals but lived realities, serving as the bedrock of democratic leadership and governance”
Our vision underscores the importance of these values in fostering a fair, just, and democratic society where every individual has equal opportunities and representation.
Ms. Khadija Sesay is a visionary leader committed to fostering transparent and accountable governance, with a profound focus on advancing women’s participation in an open government approach.
With a rich background in leadership, including serving as the Executive Director of the Open Government Initiative (OGI) and the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Sierra Leone, Ms. Khadija has spearheaded numerous initiatives to promote open government, transparency, and citizen engagement in decision-making processes. These include coordinating national efforts to track and evaluate the impact of participatory democracy, working closely with stakeholders at local, national, and international levels, and spearheading the development of Sierra Leone’s first National Open Data Portal.
Her dedication to amplifying women’s voices and advocating for their equal participation in governance is at the heart of our mission at WIMAGE. Through Ms. Kahdija’s leadership, we are dedicated to creating a more equitable and just society where every woman, irrespective of her background or socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to participate and lead in democratic processes.
“Sharing stories of challenges, resilience, and triumphs, we continue to amplify women’s voices and advocate for their equal participation in governance. Through our efforts, we are working towards a more equitable and just society where all women, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, have equal opportunities to thrive and be successful in their endevours.”
WHAT WE DO
WIMAGE Focuses on the following thematic areas:
Electoral Systems and Integrity
By focusing on enhancing electoral systems and integrity through electoral observation missions, we aim to promote transparency, fairness, accountability, and inclusivity in electoral processes in democratic states. This program directly aligns with our mission to advocate for tangible government commitments to foster transparency, accountability, and equality, while also empowering women in leadership and governance.
Through initiatives aimed at improving electoral systems, advocating for electoral reforms, and combating electoral malpractices, we contribute to the realization of our vision for a world where equality, diversity, and inclusion serve as the bedrock of democratic leadership and governance. The impact of this program is profound and gathers formative research data for the creation of National Action Plans (NAP), as it seeks to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance public trust in the electoral process, and advance our mission to create a more just and inclusive society for all.
Transformative Leadership and Governance
This program represents a significant step towards achieving WIMAGE’s mission and vision by empowering women, strengthening governance, and fostering sustainable development. We seek to empower and support women’s representation in decision-making processes and increase their candidacy in the political and sustainable development space.
Our strategies include building a strategic network of local women groups and providing capacity building in civic education, public advocacy, human rights, and public audit. These initiatives aim to equip women at the grassroots level with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to actively participate in governance and advocate for their rights. By empowering women to take on leadership roles and engage in decision-making processes, we not only promote gender equality but also strengthen governance systems by ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.
Advocacy for Institutional Development
The Advocacy for Institutional Development program is crucial to WIMAGE’s mission and vision as this is where we directly address the systemic barriers hindering women’s participation in leadership and governance. By advocating for legal reforms and policies that facilitate women’s leadership and decision-making roles, such as quotas and gender-sensitive electoral policies, we challenge societal norms that perpetuate inequality within democratic leadership.
This program aligns with our mission to secure commitments from governments to promote transparency, and accountability, and empower women in politics. Through our advocacy efforts, we aim to create an environment where women have equal opportunities to contribute to governance, ultimately advancing our vision of a world where equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to democratic leadership and governance.
Eliminate Gender-Based Violence
The Eliminate Gender-Based Violence(EGBV) program is critical as it directly tackles a significant barrier to women’s participation in governance. Gender-based violence not only undermines women’s rights but also restricts their ability to engage in political processes freely and safely. By working towards prevention, protection, and response to gender-based violence, through awareness-raising, education, and advocacy, we strive to create safer and more inclusive spaces for women not only in politics but in all walks of life.
This program aligns with our mission to promote gender equality, empower women in leadership, and strengthen democratic governance by addressing a critical issue that impedes women’s full participation. We believe that by eliminating gender-based violence, we contribute to building a world where equality, diversity, and inclusion are the foundation of democratic societies.
Education and Resources
Education serves as a powerful tool for breaking down socio-economic barriers, challenging gender stereotypes, and fostering a culture of equality and inclusion. This initiative not only equips women with the tools needed for transformative leadership but also cultivates an informed and engaged citizenry capable of advocating for transparent, accountable, and equitable governance.
The impact of this program is profound, contributing to the creation of a more informed citizenry where the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion are not only upheld but actively practiced, thus advancing our vision of a world where every individual has equal opportunities and representation.
OUR PROGRESS
WIMAGE has expanded its localization drive to 16 countries
WIMAGE has significantly broadened its reach by extending its localization efforts to 16 countries across Africa, including Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Zambia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania, Sudan, Algeria, Guinea and Tanzania. In each of these countries, we have established coordinators and volunteers and we are either registered locally or in the process of registration.
Moreover, we have successfully implemented at least two projects or programs in each region, demonstrating our commitment to tangible action and impact. Our ongoing efforts focus on collecting data to identify key barriers and evaluating how our programs can effectively address these challenges, furthering our mission to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in governance across the continent.
Partnered with Local Civil Society
In our localization drive across 16 countries, WIMAGE has strategically partnered with local civil society organizations and community-based groups to amplify its impact and promote meaningful change at the grassroots level. Through these partnerships, WIMAGE has been able to establish coordinators and volunteers in each region, facilitating the implementation of projects and programs tailored to the specific needs and challenges of local communities.
For example, by collaborating with women’s groups in Africa, WIMAGE has provided training and mentoring to over 100 women election monitors, empowering them to actively participate in electoral processes and advocate for gender equality in the processes. These partnerships have not only expanded WIMAGE’s reach but have also enabled the organization to address systemic barriers to governance practices, furthering our mission of advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Capacity Building Programs
Through collaborative efforts with local civil society organizations and community-based groups, WIMAGE has conducted comprehensive training sessions for over 100 women across various regions in Africa, we empower them as election monitors and accountability assessment points of contact. This progress exemplifies the transformative impact of these initiatives, where a participant, previously hesitant to engage in civic engagement, gained confidence and skills through WIMAGE’s support.
Most of the participants not only effectively monitored elections in their community but also expressed aspirations and commitment to advocate for free, fair, transparent, and inclusive governance. This progressive approach underscores the pivotal role of educational and capacity-building in civic education interventions in providing a space for women to actively participate and thrive in the leadership and governance sphere.
Monitored Elections In 6 Countries In Africa
Through collaborative partnerships with local civil society organizations and community-based groups, has effectively monitored six general elections across Africa, namely in Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal. By empowering women as election monitors, we have played a pivotal role in collecting data and promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within these electoral processes.
Through strategic alliances, we have established coordinators and volunteers in each region, facilitating the implementation of projects tailored to address the specific challenges faced by local communities. This concerted effort not only expands WIMAGE’s reach but also strengthens democratic practices by fostering active citizen participation in governance.
Formative Research and Data Collection
WIMAGE recently conducted formative research on “Navigating the Ladder: Challenges & Strategies for Women in Campus Leadership” in eight universities across Ghana, aiming to understand the challenges and dynamics surrounding this issue. The findings from this study served as the foundation for a recent webinar held on International Women’s Day 2024, which attracted over 200 participants from across Africa.
Leveraging our WIMAGE University Network, we seek to expand this research to other African countries to gather more data and insights. This initiative is crucial for informing our action plan in advocating for inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities for women’s leadership in tertiary institutions. The data collected will be instrumental in identifying barriers and formulating effective strategies to promote and support women’s leadership at the tertiary level.
Promoting Quality Education
WIMAGE – Gambia, through its recent initiative led by the National Coordinator Muna Bah, visited a local secondary school to provide students with essential educational materials such as books, pens, and cups to girls in secondary school. This outreach effort served as a platform to initiate conversations on enhancing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in today’s society.
By engaging with students at the grassroots level, WIMAGE fosters a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, promoting the values of equality and diversity among the younger generation.
This initiative not only addresses immediate educational needs but also contributes to creating a more equitable and just society where every individual, regardless of gender, background, or socio-economic status, has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
Continental Ranking on Women in Governance
FOUNDATION OF OUR PROGRAMS
Our programs are designed to promote sustainable development, eliminate gender inequalities, ensure the safety and protection of special interest groups, and contribute to the development of improved democratic societies. We strongly believe that these milestones are instrumental to the realization of active participation of women, youths, and marginalized communities in the leadership and governance arena.
United Nations: Sustainable Develeopment Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.”Read More »
African Union: Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) inspired by Maputo Protocol
The GEWE Strategy is a framework document to strengthen women’s agency in Africa & ensure that women’s voices are amplified & their concerns are fully…Read More »
European Union: Gender equality and empowering women and girls
Gender equality is one of the European Union’s core values. All people, in all their diversity, should be free to live their chosen life and thrive socially and economically…Read More »
