NDI was excited to host two women and gender events in the margins of this year’s United Nations General Assembly.

First, on September 13, there was a networking reception to introduce our Women Mayors’ Initiative and NDI’s work on cities and urban governance. For the first time the International Impact Committee (IIC) of the evolving Women Mayors’ Network (WoMN) came together; its meeting was on 13-14 September. Members of the IIC will act as a governance board for the WoMN, playing a key role in its design and future direction. The IIC also discussed the themes and format for the WoMN’s first summit, scheduled to be held in June 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. The WoMN’s summit will be in the margins of the Annual Summit of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, hosted by Mayor Marty Walsh.

Next, on Monday, September 18 from 2 pm - 3:30 pm, NDI and its partners presented a new program centered around increasing the political empowerment of adolescent girls and young women. We are working in a stellar consortium comprising NDI, The Population Council, Running Start and Women Win. Each organization brings a unique perspective and keen expertise in working with adolescent girls and young women, instilling leadership and life skills, and developing political confidence.

Details on both events can be found below.