WASHINGTON — The challenges and opportunity facing women around the world seeking to enter the political arena in 2014 will be the topic of a discussion on Thursday with Catherine Russell, U.S. ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues. The event is co-hosted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI).

The event will stream live at www.ndi.org/live.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 12, at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: National Democratic Institute

                 455 Massachusetts Ave., NW

                 8th Floor

                 Washington, DC.

WHO: Catherine Russell, U.S. ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues

U.S. Department of State

WHAT: “Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges for Women's Political Participation in 2014”

Before being named ambassador for global women’s issues in August, Russell served as deputy assistant to the President and chief of staff to Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden focusing on military families and higher education. During her tenure at the White House, Russell coordinated the development of the administration’s strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally. She previously served as a senior advisor to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on international women’s issues. During the Clinton Administration, Russell served as associate deputy attorney general.

RSVP for the event here.