Women from Africa Join Democracy Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2006

Washington, D.C.—The International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) hosted a regional forum December 7-9, 2006, in Nairobi, Kenya to introduce the network to women from throughout Africa. More than 30 women attended the conference representing 10 different African countries, and including representatives from Europe and the United States. The two-day program gave participants the opportunity to explore challenges for women in politics and civil society in Africa and to identify next steps for the network to help women address these challenges.

U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger, welcomed the participants to the conference during an opening reception. During his remarks he noted the support of the United States for women’s empowerment in Africa and announced a new initiative to assist efforts in this area.

First Lady Laura Bush and President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf both sent letters of support and congratulations to the participants of the WDN Africa regional forum. Mrs. Bush emphasized that each participant “has shown individual courage in recognizing that change must come for women in Africa and throughout the world,” and she applauded conference participants for “taking another vital step in building an even stronger force for change.”

President Johnson Sirleaf commended the women for “taking the important step in uniting together with other women activists from throughout Africa.” She went on to not that “By working together you will increase your impact on your local communities, your organizations, indeed your countries. I encourage you to listen to each other’s ideas, to share experiences and to learn from others’ successes and even their failures.”

Deputy Assistant to the President and Director for Public Liaison Rhonda Keenum gave a keynote address in which she encouraged members of the network to look for role models as they strive for success in politics and to find inspiration from the women in their lives.

IRI Board Members Alison Fortier and Constance Berry Newman attended the conference and participated as moderators for two panel discussions with representatives of six African countries. The diverse experience of the panelists gave the participants real life examples of the challenges and opportunities for women pursuing leadership positions in government, civil society and politics.

Presenting the viewpoint from a new democracy in Europe, Erika Veberyte of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry gave an inspirational presentation that highlighted for the participants the advancements that can be made for women as countries transition to democracy. A training session on fundraising tactics for women by public relations specialist Mary Pieschek gave the participants practical skills on how to address a key obstacle to women’s advancement in politics.

The conference culminated in workshops and presentations for next steps for the WDN in Africa, with network members identifying the need for continued training, networking and mentoring opportunities as keys to further strengthening women’s advancement in Africa.

The WDN Africa regional forum is the fifth in a series of six regional forums the WDN will conduct to introduce the network to women around the world. 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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