OSCE Mission to Moldova promotes women’s participation in upcoming local elections

The OSCE Mission to Moldova, in co-operation with the International Center for the Advancement of Women in Business NGO (ICAWB), will conduct training seminars on running for public office for 150 women from all over Moldova. The project is being implemented ahead of upcoming local elections and marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2011.

“Economic growth is directly linked to gender equality,” said Eugenia Benigni, Anti-Trafficking and Gender Adviser at the OSCE Mission to Moldova. “It is in the interest of every country to include more women in politics”.

The seminars will focus on topics such as how to run a campaign, how to identify the needs and interests of the electorate and communicate with potential voters more effectively. The participants will share experiences with former Members of Parliament and experts from non-governmental organizations on how to prepare for public debates with other candidates.

The project aims to increase women’s leadership in political life and to raise awareness among political parties on what can be done better to promote women’s political participation at the local level.

The OSCE Mission to Moldova encourages interested women to submit their applications by 17 March 2011.

Further details can be found on www.icawb.org.