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Increasing Opportunities for Women Candidates
Traditionally Peruvian women have accounted for only a small percentage of elected officials nationwide. Prior to the elections in April 2006, 18 percent of congress, 12 percent of regional presidents, and only three percent of all mayors nationwide were women. By encouraging women to seek elected office, either independently or through political parties, the International Republican Institute (IRI) is working to increase the participation of women in the democratic process.
In 2005, IRI initiated a series of trainings to promote the election of more women to congress. To contribute to the electoral process and to the preparation of candidates for elected positions, IRI trained more than 150 women throughout the country. The trainings provided the women with the necessary tools to conduct professional and competitive campaigns. More than 50 percent of those participants became candidates for congress; with the others planning to pursue regional or municipal positions. The April 9, 2006 national elections served to illustrate the effectiveness of IRI’s work and the commitment of the female candidates. Today, women constitute 30 percent of congress’ elected body.
In cooperation with nearly all of the newly elected congresswomen, IRI hosted several multiparty roundtable discussions. Ultimately, these discussions led to the women forming a caucus that includes all the female members of congress. The caucus, the first of its kind, has since created its own statues, organizational structure and agenda.
As a part of running more effective campaigns, IRI's current program was designed to build relationships and increase the level of substantive discourse between voters and women candidates. In the period up to the November 19, 2006 regional and municipal elections, as well as in the period following, candidates have worked closely with IRI to better understand the importance of an effective campaign strategy. To fulfill these objectives, IRI held a series of trainings for women candidates. Topics in this series of trainings included campaign organization and structure, message development, membership and recruitment, grassroots campaigning and fundraising. IRI also placed particular emphasis on candidate engagement with constituents, especially disenfranchised groups.
Accountability and Responsiveness among Elected Officials
Another important aspect of IRI’s work is ensuring that once elected, officials are prepared to implement good governance practices. Working with elected officials, both men and women, IRI focuses on developing the capacities to allow them to perform better once in office. While an effective campaign strategy wins an election, it alone does not ensure just representation for constituents.
In an effort to instruct recently elected members of congress on the importance of communication with their constituents, IRI partnered with the Peruvian Institute of Social Market Economy (IPESM) on a series of trainings. Members were taught how to conduct working meetings with their constituents and given the chance to take part in radio and cable programs to share their ideas with a larger forum.
To further expand the good governance efforts, IRI together with local nongovernmental organizations, is in the process of designing training courses for elected officials from various regions in Peru. The trainings will provide participants with a regional diagnosis and strategies for implementing additional good governance principles. The trainings will cover strategy, transparency and ethics in public service. Additionally, IRI will continue to promote open discussions between elected officials and their constituents by fostering dialogue over their platforms, governance plans and the elements necessary to establish a transparent and accountable government.
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