The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

NDI Chairman Madeleine K. Albright, the former U.S. Secretary of State, was the founding vice-chairman of NDI before her election as chairman of the Institute in January 2001. NDI established the Madeleine K. Albright Grant to recognize the contribution she has made in educating and improving the lives of women across the globe.

The Grant supports organizations that create greater roles for women in political and civic life. It is part of NDI’s Win with Women Global Initiative, which promotes women’s political leadership worldwide. Political leaders from more than 100 countries have become part of the Initiative.

The Madeleine K. Albright Grant is made possible by the generosity of the Melvin and Bren Simon Foundation. NDI is deeply grateful to the Foundation for its steadfast commitment to the Institute’s political participation programs for women.

Honorees

In 2012, the Institute presented its seventh Madeleine K. Albright Grant to the Women's Discussion Club of Kyrgyzstan. The Discussion Club, launched with NDI support in 2006, was one of the first groups in Kyrgyzstan to bring together women from diverse backgrounds and political parties to defend the rights and interests of women nationwide. The Discussion Club will use the award’s $25,000 grant to form a coalition of political party women’s wings to advocate on behalf of women’s rights within the legislature and their respective parties.

• Read more about the 2012 Albright Grant recipient:
  The Women's Discussion Club of Kyrgyzstan

• Read more about the 2010 Albright Grant recipient:
  the Chocó Women of Colombia

• Read more about the 2008 Albright Grant recipient:
  the Women's League of Burma

• Read more about the 2007 Albright Grant recipient:
  the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone
  —
  Watch a documentary, “Side By Side,” about the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone:
  Part I (below) | Part II

• Read more about the 2006 Albright Grant recipient:
  the Mostar Women’s Citizen Initiative
  —
  Watch a documentary, “Building Bridges,” about the Mostar Women’s Citizen Initiative:

  

• Read more about the 2005 Albright Grant recipient:
  the Women’s Political Caucus of Indonesia