Women from Latin America and Asia Join Democracy Network

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2006

Washington, D.C. -- The International Republican Institute (IRI) launched the Women's Democracy Network regional programs in Latin America and Asia with conferences in Peru and Indonesia that connected women from 15 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain, and women from 10 countries in Asia in the respective conferences. The August conferences brought together members of parliament, local activists, elected officials and business leaders to foster relationships and explore ways to advance the role of women in politics throughout both regions.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sent a message of congratulations to conference participants in Indonesia, noting that "there is no more important time than now for women in Asia and throughout the world to be working together to support one another as they face the challenges of building societies where peace and liberty can prosper." She expressed confidence that the Women's Democracy Network would "Continue to build a solid foundation for sharing and developing the skills needed for advancing the role of women around the world."

Secretary Rice's words of encouragement echoed a similar message of support from Ana de Escobar, Vice President of El Salvador, who participated in the Peru conference events. Vice President Escobar noted that the political activism of women has had a significant impact on their advancement. She challenged her fellow women politicians to take advantage of this unique moment in history to ensure that all women have access to not only a dignified life, but a life that also empowers them. She encouraged women to become aware of their rights and responsibilities, and transcend their personal boundaries in order to use their abilities to create a better society.

Both conferences provided a forum for participants to show support for their fellow women activists struggling under repressive regimes. In Peru, participants were connected via video conference with four women activists from Cuba who gave an impassioned presentation about the difficulties of life under a repressive regime in today's Cuba. They called on the women of Latin America to join with them in their struggle and asked to learn more about the experiences of the women attendees and how their countries are evolving toward democracy. The conference participants responded with an outpouring of support and encouragement for their colleagues from Cuba.

In Indonesia, Secretary Rice's statement honored Burmese democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi as "a modern-day heroine." The Secretary went on to say, "Courageous women like her stand out in our minds because of what they have accomplished against tremendous odds."

The conferences featured panel presentations by leading regional activists and members of parliament and sub-regional workshops to identify further activity for the Women's Democracy Network. Next steps for both Latin America and Asia include organizing network members to participate in trainings on developing women's leadership skills and reaching out to other women to get them involved in the political process.

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

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