OSCE Office co-hosts meeting on women's participation in elections in Armenia

YEREVAN, 11 July 2006 - The role of women in the electoral process and their participation in politics is the focus of a meeting that opened today in the Armenian capital.

Participants at the event, co-hosted by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), are discussing the progress made and obstacles still facing women in Armenia in this respect.

"Women in Armenia still have limited participation in politics and decision-making," said Blanka Hancilova, Democratization Officer at the OSCE Office. "We need to encourage women to play a more active role in elections, and make sure they have a stronger voice in Armenian politics. This forum is a step in that direction."

The Women's Leadership Forum of Armenia, which unites representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as political parties and non-governmental organizations, was established in March this year by the NDI.