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Summer 2014
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| “We Must Do Better” to Support Women’s Political and Economic Leadership |
“We must do better than this,” said Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “It is a moral imperative, but it is also an economic imperative. The evidence is plain — when women contribute more, the economy does better.” Lagarde delivered the keynote address at NDI’s May 19 Madeleine K. Albright Grant luncheon, encouraging people to “dare the difference” through the three “L’s” of women’s empowerment — learning, labor and leadership.
Former Secretary of State and NDI Chairman Albright, who introduced Lagarde as her “fellow ceiling smasher,” said, “Each one of us has a responsibility to help women and girls to climb the ladder, whether here at home or abroad.”
At the luncheon, which celebrated women’s political and economical empowerment, Aswat Nisaa (Women’s Voices) of Tunisia was awarded the 2014 Madeleine K. Albright Grant for its work carving out space for women in politics and leadership positions in post-revolution Tunisia. Ikram Ben Saïd, founder and president of Aswat Nisaa, accepted the award on the organization’s behalf. “We believe women who are empowered can achieve political, social and economic change that will lead to equality,” she said. “It’s a path toward democracy, dignity, human rights and a better world.” Before the luncheon, an expert panel explored the links between politically empowered women and economic development. |
| Learn More |
Read Lagarde and Ben Saïd's remarks and watch videos from the event. |
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| New at NDI |
| Afghan Women Mark Historic Year at the Polls |
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In the first round of Afghanistan’s presidential and provincial council elections in April, women were strongly represented on ballots and in voting booths. Women voters comprised 36 percent of all voters, and in seven provinces women were more than 40 percent of voters. NDI’s Afghanistan Election Data map visualizes this information on voter turnout, including percentage of total ballots cast by women in each province. Additionally, NDI trained 281 of the 308 women candidates who contested in the 2014 provincial council elections, where 458 candidates, including 96 women, were elected.
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| Week of Women Empowers Emerging Leaders in Kosovo |
| Kosovo’s first woman mayor, Mimoza Kusari-Lila of Gjakova, thinks that politics is a bit like riding a bicycle. You shouldn’t look down, but concentrate on the road ahead. “When you run for office, you shouldn’t focus on bumps and obstacles in the road,” she said, “but bear in mind the reason you entered politics.” Mayor Kusari-Lila was one of 100 emerging women leaders who shared her story at Kosovo's third annual Week of Women conference, which included panel discussions, skills-building sessions, and networking and strategizing opportunities designed to promote women’s advancement in politics, business and society. |
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| Program Highlights |
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Madame Parliamentarian Documentary Explores Political Presence of Women in Lebanon | Read More >
NDI Mourns Death of Libyan Activist Salwa Bughaigis| Read More >
Albright, Palacio Lead NDI Observation Mission for Ukraine's Elections | Read More >
CAR President Catherine Samba-Panza Inspires Congolese Women Politicians | Read More >
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For 30 years, NDI has been a world leader in promoting women's political participation and supporting the aspirations of women to be equal and active partners in determining the future of their country. Learn more at www.ndi.org.
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