IRI Hosts Conference on Electing Women to Office

May 16, 2003

IRI convened a conference for Indonesia's seven largest political parties designed to increase the participation of women in politics. The conference, called "Electing Women to Office in the 2004 Election," took place between April 21 and 23 and involved more than 200 women from eight different provinces and Jakarta. Many participants previously had IRI training and had announced their intention to seek local, provincial and national office. Several of the women thought that a new Indonesian law required 30 percent of the new parliament to consist of women. IRI trainers pointed out that, in fact, this figure was a recommended goal, not a mandatory quota.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, a Member of Parliament from Pakistan and an IRI trainer, shared her experience as a Muslim woman who had run successfully for office. Other trainers included Elise Schoux, Rick Smotkin and Steven Moore.

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