Michael Webb has joined Women Political Leaders, a Brussels, Belgium-based organization that aims to increase the quantity and the influence of women in political leadership positions around the world, as a program manager.
Webb manages and coordinates messaging for key WPL initiatives and provides research support in his new role. He is currently working on initiatives related to the Reykjavik Global Forum – Women Leaders.
Webb rejoins WPL after spending last summer working with the organization as part of his International Public Service Project. Webb provided support for virtual activities, communication initiatives, funding proposals, and digital creative content for WPL as part of his international project.
Two initiatives that Webb is currently working on are the Reykjavik Manual and the Women’s World Atlas.
“The Reykjavik Manual is an innovative toolkit that provides all leaders achievable pathways to realize the Sustainable Development Goals in their communities,” Webb said. “Co-authored by women leaders from around the world, the Reykjavik Manual is a living document that will continually evolve over time to offer the best guidance towards creating a more sustainable and equitable society. The Women’s World Atlas illustrates the persistent gaps that exist between women and men in leadership across multiple sectors.”
After his international project work ended, Webb took a short leave from the organization in August before returning to provide support for the Reykjavik Global Forum, working part-time while concurrently serving as a McLarty Scholar with Vital Voices Global Partnership for his final Capstone project.
“I expressed how deeply grateful I have been to have had the opportunity to serve with them since I originally joined back in April for IPSP,” Webb said. “And that I believe it would be an honor to continue serving in more of a full-time role.”
Both his international project and current position have provided Webb with the opportunity to work with a global organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus and its toll – which has been intensified for women – have elevated the importance of the organization’s work.
“COVID-19 has exacerbated inequalities around the world, especially those that disproportionately affect women,” Webb said. “Despite this, women have been champions in the fight against COVID-19. There is opportunity in this crisis to strengthen our pursuit towards Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender equality. We cannot – and must not – continue without the guidance and leadership of women in our society. It is a remarkable privilege to be a part of such an incredible team seeking to increase both the number and the influence of women political leadership positions.”
Webb, who completed his Clinton School coursework in December, will graduate in May. He graduated with a degree in business management from Emporia State University where he served as president of the school’s student body.
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