Indonesia Political Inclusion Fellowship

Indonesia Political Inclusion Fellowship

Through a holistic approach encompassing training, mentorship, and practical experience, WFD’s Political Inclusion Fellowship aims to empower emerging leaders in Indonesia with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to effect transformative change within their political environments.

THEME

Women’s political leadership Inclusion

The Political Inclusion Fellowship Programme represents a bold endeavour to address the pervasive barriers that hinder the full participation of women and marginalised communities in formal political structures in Indonesia. Through a holistic approach encompassing training, mentorship, and practical experience, the fellowship aims to empower emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to effect transformative change within their political environments. By fostering inclusive leadership practices and amplifying underrepresented voices, the programme seeks to challenge entrenched power dynamics and cultivate a more equitable and representative political landscape.

The one-year fellowship serves as a catalyst for building networks and fostering collaboration among political actors committed to advancing social justice and inclusive governance. Through networking events, regional exchanges, and a robust alumni network, participants can connect with like-minded individuals, share best practices, and leverage collective expertise to address common challenges. With a focus on long-term impact and sustainability, the Political Inclusion Fellowship Programme endeavours to create a legacy of positive change in political structures in the country.

Objectives

• To encourage political actors to open more space for women and marginalised groups at strategic leadership levels by creating inclusive political structures.
• To empower transformative leadership by fostering leaders capable of driving meaningful change within formal political institutions.
• To cultivate ownership among members, instilling a sense of responsibility to effect change within their organisation and beyond.
• To create space and open opportunities for fellows to meet, understand, engage, and collaborate with wider communities, fostering inclusive dialogue and partnerships across diverse social, cultural, and political groups.

Who is the fellowship for?

Our fellowship programme is open to emerging and mid-career politicians (both women and men). The selection process will carefully consider the socio-economic background of each applicant (e.g., indigenous people/religious minority/persons with disability) to ensure diversity of thoughts and lived experiences.

This fellowship programme is open to applicants based in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (Jabodetabek) metropolitan area. The ideal candidates would possess the following characteristics:

• Full commitment to participate in all parts and stages of the fellowship programme without exception (including attendance in all three forums, delivery of a personal leadership project, and collaboration in a group leadership project).
• Active membership in a political party that participated in at least one of the three most recent national elections (2014, 2019, and 2024).
• Passion and/or demonstrated history of supporting inclusive and diverse policymaking, strategic planning, and governance reforms.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence party decisions and strategies.
• Experience in building coalitions or working in partnership with politically engaged stakeholders, including civil society organisations and interest groups.

Key Dates

• Application Period
  • Opening date: 1 August 2024
  • Closing date: 18 August 2024
• Selection Process
  • Announcement of shortlisted applicants: w/c 19 August 2024
  • Online interview of shortlisted applicants: w/c 26 August 2024
  • Announcement of successful fellows: 2 September 2024
• Fellowship Period
  • Start date: 2 September 2024
  • End date: 26 June 2025
• Leadership Workshops
  • First workshop: 18–20 September 2024
  • Second workshop: 22–24 January 2025
• Leadership Projects
  • Personal leadership project: 23 September 2024 – 21 January 2025
  • Group leadership project: 27 January – 17 June 2025
• Fellowship Graduation
  • Graduation workshop: 18–20 June 2025
• Exchange Events
  • Fellows will have the chance to connect, learn, and collaborate with peers and experts from the region. These opportunities, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos, will enrich their experience through exposure to diverse perspectives and best practices in political inclusion and leadership. More detail on exchange event will be shared during the fellowship.

Curriculum

• Transformative leadership: This module focuses on the principles of transformative leadership, emphasising gender-sensitive practices and strategies for navigating power dynamics in political spaces.
• Transformative and meaningful change: Dedicated to fostering impactful change within political structures, this module explores effective leadership principles, gender-sensitive practices, and navigating complex power dynamics.
• Policy analysis and development: This module delves into the intricacies of political structures and systems through the lens of Power & Intersectionality, Gender-Sensitive Parliaments, and Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP).
• Diversity and inclusion in politics: Aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusion in political spheres, this module addresses the barriers faced by underrepresented groups and offers solutions.

Learning Methods

• Project-based learning: Emphasising real-world application of leadership skills, fellows will engage in both individual and group projects to address real political challenges.
• Participatory action research: This method involves fellows in the active investigation of political issues and the implementation of solutions through a collaborative and reflective process.
• Interactive workshops: Designed to provide a dynamic and engaging learning experience, these workshops feature hands-on activities, simulations, group discussions, and role-playing exercises.
• Online learning and guest lectures: The fellowship incorporates online learning modules, including webinars and virtual workshops, along with guest lectures.
• Mentorship: Offering invaluable guidance, the mentorship program pairs fellows with seasoned political and community leaders for one-on-one support.
• Networking events: Providing opportunities to expand professional networks, these events include mixers, social gatherings, conferences, and seminars on political topics.

Application

Click HERE to apply