General Information
The Women and Law in Southern Africa Research and Education Trust (WLSA) is a registered PVO (16/2016) that seeks to enhance the sustained well-being of women and girls in Southern Africa. Established in 1989, WLSA operates in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland (Eswatini) and Mozambique. WLSA's work integrates action into research by challenging the law, campaigning for changes in laws, policies, and action plans. WLSA educates women and girls about their rights, provideslegal advice, and gender-sensitization to communities and leadership initiatives to promote the effective participation of women and girls in decisions that affect their lives.
Background
Women's political participation and representation across Africa faces significant structural and systemic challenges, limiting their active involvement in the electoral processes and political leadership. Despite legal frameworks and efforts aimed at promoting gender equality, many women are excluded from decision-making roles due to pervasive gender biases, unequal access to resources and a lack of effective legal protections during electoral cycles. To address these issues, specialized tools and models laws are necessary to create an inclusive electoral environment that fosters gender equality and supports women's active engagement in political leadership.
In light of this, WLSA developed the "Exploring the Existing Barriers to Women’s Political Participation in Africa" discussion paper, which provides insights into strategies and practices that have been successful in overcoming these obstacles. WLSA also developed the "Gendered Toolkit for Election Observation" to address gender-specific issues during the electoral process, including violence, harassment, discrimination, and unequal access to resources. This toolkit equips election observers to identify and report on gender-based challenges that women face when participating in elections. The design and printing of these knowledge products will ensure their longevity, establishing them as foundational resources for thought leadership and reference. A diverse range of stakeholders can utilize these materials to take informed action, promoting gender-sensitive legal reforms and inclusive electoral practices.
Scope of Work
The consultant will provide high definition and best quality design and print the two WLSA knowledge products for dissemination across the continent including to African Union, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS among others. Using high end software like Adobe publisher and or Affinity Publisher
Discussion Paper on exploring the existing barriers to women’s political participation in Africa
The Gendered Toolkit for Election Observation.
4.0. Expected Results
The consultant will deliver design and print of the following:
Discussion Paper: Exploring the existing barriers to women’s political participation in Africa – 50 Copies
The Gendered Toolkit for Election Observation- 50 Copies
Qualifications and Expertise
A successful candidate will a good grasp of what both small- and large-scale commercial printing, commendable years of experience and proof of work previously done in line in printing / production of IEC materials. The following skills are a pre-requisite:
• Previous experience in developing and printing high quality designs of Information and Education Communication (IEC) materials.
• Excellent art direction and graphic design presentation skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
• Understanding gender and democracy context in Africa.
• Experience working with regional and international organizations on printing and quality design and production.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit:
• A technical proposal outlining their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and work plan.
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget breakdown.
• CV(s) of the consultant(s) highlighting relevant experience.
• Samples of previous work related to similar analyses (if available).
Submissions should be sent to procurement315@gmail.com, no later than December 3, 2024