The Council of Europe has launched the Academy for women candidates, a unique training programme designed for first-time women candidates and those who have previously run but not yet been elected. The initiative opened this weekend with the successful completion of its first two-day module: "Understanding the electoral process and gender quotas".
Led by Council of Europe experts, the Academy tackles the persistent barriers women face in political life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite gender quotas and institutional commitments female representation in legislative and executive bodies remains low - especially for newcomers. Too often, women appear on electoral lists for compliance only, without real backing or visibility during election campaigns.
Between October 2025 and May 2026, four intensive modules will help participants expand their knowledge of electoral rules and procedures, sharpen campaign strategies, craft strong messages, and build confidence in public speaking and political debate. The Academy also seeks to create an informal network of women candidates, offering peer support that continues beyond the training room.
The opening module, on 4-5 October 2025, gathered 20 women in Igman from across Bosnia and Herzegovina's political spectrum. Through expert-led presentations and interactive discussions, they explored the country's electoral system and challenges that continue to block women's equal participation in political parties and political life.
Opening the training, Irena Hadžiabdić, representative of the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated, "Unfortunately, the provisions of the electoral legislation, that have the character of affirmative action aimed at increasing the participation of the underrepresented gender, provide the opportunity to play around with equality, without any consequences."
By equipping participants with practical tools and a unique shared experience, the Academy aims to pave the way for more women to step forward as credible, visible candidates. The long-term goal is clear: not just filling quotas, but ensuring women take their place as leaders, decision-makers, and shapers of public policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Academy for Women Candidates is organised as part of the Council of Europe project "Supporting transparency, inclusiveness and integrity of electoral practice and processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina", funded through voluntary contributions under the Council of Europe's Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025.
Council of Europe and gender equality
Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Council of Europe
