The last two decades have seen competitive political parties grow in number and size in African democratic systems. However, political parties on the continent still face significant challenges in providing inclusive opportunities for women and youth. Despite making up a majority of the population, women and young people in political parties continue to face inclusion barriers, and effective inclusion strategies and opportunities remain largely unimplemented.

In honor of Women’s History Month, NDI-Libya is proud to present profiles of Libyan women who have made an impact in NDI-Libya’s programs and their respective communities. These women have demonstrated exceptional courage in their plight for peace, equality, and human rights – often risking their lives and making tremendous sacrifices. These eight women are recognized for their powerful roles in Libya’s transition toward reconciliation and stability

First invoked by the South African disability rights movement in the 1990s, “Nothing About Us Without Us” became the clarion call of activists organizing to overcome systemic oppression and empower persons with disabilities to take control over decisions affecting their lives. Since then, the concept has anchored the work of the global disability rights movement and its demand for the full and equal inclusion of persons with disabilities.

On September 5, 2021, Lieutenant Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, head of the Guinean Special Forces unit, staged a coup d'etat and deposed President Alpha Condé. Condé had won a contentious third mandate in 2020 after pushing through a controversial constitution that undermined presidential term limits and plunged the country into political turmoil.

Kyrgyzstan held parliamentary elections in November 2021, following a year-long political transition. Preceding constitutional reforms handed greater powers back to the executive, while electoral reforms created a mixed electoral system. The new system combined electing some members by party list and others in single-mandate constituencies on a majority basis. The elections were important to rebuild citizens’ trust in democratic processes and engage voters in issue-based discussions.