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USAID Vows Renewed Support for Women in Nepal's New Democratic Process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2008
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded $1.8 million to the National Democratic Institute to support the role of women in Nepal's transition to democracy. The two-year program will strengthen the ability of elected women to engage effectively in the Constituent Assembly, Nepal's new constitution drafting representative and legislative body, and to effectively represent their constituencies.

The program will develop a Women's Leadership Academy for newly elected women in the Constituent Assembly as well as for other politically-engaged women in the community to provide courses on the constitution drafting process and the fundamentals of democratic politics.

At the opening of the academy, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Nancy J. Powell said, "I am honored to stand among you and express the support of the US Government to the Women's Leadership Academy. Your commitment to public service is an inspiration to women everywhere. With your initiative and conviction you have helped bring Nepal to this historic point, and with your resolve and hard work you will lead Nepal through this remarkable transition."

Those women who complete the Leadership Academy program will be assisted in the management of community dialogues and the development of strategies to specifically meet their districts' needs. Mock parliament sessions led by women politicians will also be supported through the program, allowing local level debate on constitutional issues.

The program will also assist the Inter-party Women's Alliance to advocate for women's concerns in drafting the new constitution and to establish new offices in 33 districts. Approximately 750 women including parliamentarians, local political party leaders, and civil society leaders are expected to benefit from the program.

USAID's efforts in Nepal are helping to support a smooth transition to a fair democratic process that will provide equal representation to all members of society.

For more information about USAID and its programs in Nepal, visit www.usaid.gov.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.

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