Women from Europe and Eurasia Join Democracy Network

IRI's Women's Democracy Network Hosts Two Regional Conferences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2006

Washington, D.C. — The International Republican Institute (IRI) introduced the Women's Democracy Network to women from Europe and Eurasia during two regional programs in early October. The network gathered women leaders representing 10 countries of the former Soviet Union in Kyiv, Ukraine and connected women from throughout the Balkans and Turkey during a meeting in Skopje, Macedonia. Both meetings featured elected officials, members of parliament, local activists and nongovernmental organization leaders to foster relationships and explore ways to advance the role of women in politics throughout both regions.

Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky sent letters of congratulations to participants in both meetings. She noted that although "violent extremists are intent on turning back the progress women are making toward more enlightened and democratic societies…the courage of women in overcoming such obstacles is an inspiration to us all, and an incentive to redouble our determination to bring about a more tolerant, secure and generous future."

Under Secretary Dobriansky's words were echoed by the First Lady of Ukraine Kateryna Yushchenko, who also sent a letter of congratulations to the participants in the Ukraine conference. Mrs. Yushchenko thanked the participants for their involvement at the community level, noting the importance of work at the local level and "that it is time for each citizen to take responsibility for those around him or her who need assistance."

The conference in Ukraine provided the opportunity for women from politically repressed countries such as Belarus and Uzbekistan to speak freely about their political struggles. They were enthusiastic about comparing their experiences with fellow participants, some of whom, from Ukraine and the Kyrgyz Republic, are involved in the political transformations of their own countries as they strive toward full democracy.

In Skopje, U.S. Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic and senior representatives of the current and former government of Macedonia gave presentations to the participants from the Balkans and Turkey. Ambassador Milovanovic recounted the past challenges she faced in her professional career and encouraged the women to think about what they could do in their own community, their own organization or their own political party to further strengthen the role of women. She asked the participants "to consider the great value of what you can achieve in your home countries and throughout the region by working together."

Both conferences featured panel presentations by leading regional women activists who reviewed the challenges and opportunities for women in politics in the region. The Skopje conference included a training session on fundraising and both conferences included several workshops in which the participants outlined specific follow-on activities for the network in their countries and in the regions.

The Women's Democracy Network is an initiative established by IRI to foster relationships among women leaders from around the world, and to provide them with opportunities to share experiences and develop the skills needed for professional advancement. The network encourages and supports women working to advance civic and economic participation in their countries and to create regional networks to strengthen their development.

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