FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2014

Contact: Kathy Gest, [email protected], 202.728.5535

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The link between women’s political empowerment and economic success will be explored during a May 19 panel discussion featuring Madeleine Albright, former secretary of state and NDI chairman; Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California and former secretary of homeland security; and Liberata Mulamula, Tanzania’s ambassador to the U.S. and Mexico, at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

The panel, “Advancing Women in Politics: the Gateway to Economic Empowerment,” will focus on the ways in which women leaders champion legal, social and political changes that increase economic growth and build strong, vibrant democracies around the world.

The panelists, who represent a variety of expertise in politics, democracy and economic issues, will look at the status of women’s political participation around the world, challenges facing current and aspiring women leaders, how women in the U.S. have championed policies that increase economic empowerment, the impact of the growing number of women entrepreneurs in regions such as East Africa, and more.

The panel will precede the annual Madeleine K. Albright Award Luncheon, an annual event hosted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) that honors an organization working to promote women’s political participation. Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will deliver the keynote address.

During the lunch, Ikram Ben Saïd of Aswat Nisaa (Women’s Voices) of Tunisia will accept the 2014 Madeleine K. Albright Grant on the organization’s behalf for its work creating greater roles for women in Tunisia’s political life and democratic transition.

Follow the discussion at #NDIMKA.

WHAT:

• Panel discussion – Advancing Women in Politics: the Gateway to Economic Empowerment
  • Madeleine Albright, former secretary of state and NDI chairman
  • Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California and former secretary of homeland security
  • Liberata Mulamula, Tanzania’s ambassador to the U.S. and Mexico
  • Moderated by Claire Shipman, “Good Morning America”
•  Madeleine K. Albright Luncheon
  • Keynote Speaker – Christine Lagarde, managing director, IMF
  • Madeleine K. Albright Grant awarded to Aswat Nisaa

WHEN: Monday, May 19

• 10:30 a.m. - Panel Discussion

• 12:30 p.m.- Luncheon

WHERE: The Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.