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.

Returning on March 4 to the United Nations, where it was launched two years ago, the International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics) – a joint initiative of NDI, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) – presented “Getting Ahead: Testimonials from Women Political Leaders” at this year’s 53rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). 

Attended by nearly 100 representatives of government and non-profit agencies working on issues of gender equality, the event featured a panel discussion with women political leaders and a film launch, focusing on women’s personal journeys in politics and strategies on how to succeed.  Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, former minister for public service and administration and member of parliament in South Africa; Syada Greiss, member of parliament in Egypt; Margaret Mensah Williams, member of parliament and deputy speaker of the Upper House in Namibia; Dominique Tilmans, member of parliament in Belgium; and Ruby Dhalla, member of parliament in Canada were among the prominent women politicians who participated in the iKNOW Politics event. 

• More: Join the iKnow Politics e-discussion on “Working With Men to Promote Women in Politics” | Learn more »

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Published on March 25, 2009