The National Democratic Institute (NDI), commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the “Win With Women” global initiative which supports action to achieve the full integration of women in political parties and independent movements, has held a conference in partnership with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), sponsored by the British Embassy in Lebanon.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hugo Shorter delivered opening remarks.

“As the lists are drawn up in the next few months, I and the ISG (International Support Group for Lebanon) will continue to meet all parties to discuss the electoral benefits to them of appointing women candidates,” said Shorter.

“Our internal polling and research in Lebanon – as well as our experience in the UK – show that younger and first-time voters will seek out lists containing women, and will reward parties that lead the way. There are votes in putting women on the ballot and so, with 6 months to go, Lebanon needs its ladies,” the ambassador added.

Following Shorter’s remarks and remarks by Minister of Women’s Affairs Jean Oghassabian, an interactive panel addressed comparative opportunities for women in politics. The panel Discussion Speakers included Fatimazahra Barassat, Member of Parliament (Morocco), Clare Short, former State Secretary for International Development, Member of Parliament, House of Commons (UK), Colin Bloom, former International Secretary, Conservative Party (UK) and was moderated by Abir Chebaro, Ministry of Women's Affairs.

Women and men across partisan lines gathered with their allies in civil society and government to consider what tangible steps each could take before parliamentary elections to further women’s participation. The group signed a pledge, committing to support one another.

NDI is a non-profit organization working to “strengthen and expand democracy worldwide.” NDI “works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government.”

More information about its programs may be found at www.ndi.org.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy “shares the full breadth of the UK’s democratic experience by bringing together UK expertise on parliaments, political parties and elections,” according to a British Embassy statement.

“After 25 years cultivating relationships and evolving its programming, WFD has the institutional access and robust methodologies to strengthen democracies around the world,” the statement added.