Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Together with a Ghanaian trainer, Ms. Brigitte van der Burg (MP on behalf of the Dutch liberal party) and Ms. Anita de Horde (Green Left spokesperson in the European Parliament) trained a group of 20 female candidates for the parliamentary elections in December. The participants were trained in developing a strategic campaign plan, funding strategies, campaign messages and speaking in public. The women were also assisted in drafting a personal profiles which will be published in the national newspapers.
 
 
Money talks
 
The female candidates severely complained of the extremely dominant role money plays during the campaigning period and the disadvantages they face in this respect. But they also agreed that even if they would dispose of a better access to funds, a campaign plan clarifying strategic choices and sound messages was still very relevant.

The training session is part of a series of activities geared towards supporting women to get more involved in politics. The activities are organized by NIMD’s local partner in Ghana, the Institute of Economic Affairs.