Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 28, 2005): The first Democratic Institute held in the Federation, for women and youth interested in politics will see 40 participants graduating on November 1 after successful completion of the course.
The Institute was designed to increase the participation of both groups in the political process by giving them the tools necessary to do so through education and awareness.
The 14-week Institute included sessions on transformational leadership, the Federation's constitution, international instruments, effective communication, gender policy and planning as well as surmounting challenges to leadership.
The Institute was highly successful with 15 of its 40 participants gaining certificates of distinction. Keynote speaker at the event will be Ms. Laverne Caines, Corporate Communications Manager at Cable and Wireless.
The Democratic Institute was made possible by funding from the Australian High Commission as part of their mission to promote gender equality and social justice. The Federation currently has no women elected to parliament although there were several female candidates in the last elections.
The Democratic Institute hopes to address the issue by raising the numbers and capabilities of women who aspire to such offices.
Director of Gender Affairs, Ingrid Charles-Gumbs said other Caribbean countries have conducted a similar institute and have seen a marked increase in successful female candidates. She said the institute would continue as a means of raising the rating of the Federation among the International community as regards the inclusion of women in politics.
She added that although the focus is on females; males are welcome to attend and did participate in this Democratic Institute.
Persons with keen interest in the next session of the Institute are invited to attend the graduation ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate the conclusion of the first Democratic Institute of the Federation.
For further information please contact the Department of Gender Affairs at 465-2521 ext 1020.
