UCLG Africa’s journey towards a fully decentralized and unified Africa needs to address the issue of gender participation, leadership and decision making. If 50% of Africa’s population is not included in the process of progress and development, then building unity can never be achieved. UCLG Africa’s membership encouraged the Secretariat to engage and support women as representatives at local government level, in particular through the Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa (REFELA).

Following the first forum for locally elected women, which was held in Tangier, Morocco, from 8 to 11 March 2011, the Network for Locally Elected Women of Africa (REFELA), was created. REFELA has become an integral part of UCLG Africa and represents African female local elected officials within the global UCLG Standing Committee for Gender Equality.

Through the Network, REFELA members address issues by exchanging ideas and information and actively participating in debates. These dialogues involve discussions on matters pertaining specifically to locally elected women in Africa, as well as broader issues around local governance as a whole. Members of REFELA form part of the Gender Committee of UCLG Africa and use their unique position to raise the profile of the Network and campaign for development issues affecting municipalities and cities.

All women who exercise an elective role or have been nominated for similar functions within a local African community, can join REFELA. The Network is comprised of locally elected women from the five African regions:  North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa.