Promoting
free, fair and transparent elections and a return to civilian rule
in Guinea is a driving goal for USAID. With elections scheduled
for the end of 2009, USAID teamed up with the National Democratic
Institute to organize an intensive political retreat July 2 –
5 in Conakry to reinforce political party activity and encourage
women to run for office.
For
years, women in Guinea were discouraged from active political participation,
and few attained positions of prominence in the government. USAID
aims to change this tendency by familiarizing women with the political
process while emphasizing that viable and representative democracy
requires the participation of all segments of society. One of the
underlying goals of the retreat was to emphasize to women their potentials
to make an enormous difference as both voters and candidates.
Five
regional and two international experts were on hand to discuss such
topics as campaign management, voter mobilization, and public speaking.
The experts teamed up with eight Guinean counterparts who adapted
principles of political organization to the local context.
The
84 women who attended the retreat in Conakry, found time to speak
to party leaders and form their own ideas about the role of political
parties in a democratic transition. They also experienced practicing
their political skills in a mock setting.
“Thanks
to USAID, we can work together to make things different,” said
one of the women. “We all share our information and will participate
in this transition as active members of the society.”
The
recent election in Mali was brought up as a successful example to
imitate. Mali’s Minister of Defense, who participated at the
retreat, underlined the importance of collaboration among political
parties, military and civil society. He noted that through sound communication
between leading players, Mali completed its transition in only 14
months.
Radio
journalist Mohamed Drome was particularly inspired by the retreat.
“My next goal is to explain over the radio in French and English
the role of women in a democratic society.” Drome and other
reporters who make up Guinea’s nascent media have an important
role to play in the coming elections. “We have to report accurately
and provide the best possible information so that people are informed
about voting procedures and issues.”
Like
many who attended the retreat, Drome better understands that women
represent the hub of family life and without their political involvement
Guinea will fall short of achieving a democratic society.
This
message, however, was not confined to Conakry. From July 13 to the
17 similar political retreats were held in seven difference regions
of Guinea, with many of the same positive results.
In
the provincial capital of Labe’ for example, 50 women from 12
different political parties took part in the two-day retreat. Mariama
Diallo who attended the retreat was one of many who left inspired
to change things for women. “I want to inform women in villages
about their rights so that they will not be marginalized anymore,”
said Diallo. “I want to enjoy politics and help build health
centers in the villages where now there are none. Women need to meet
and exchange ideas for a better future. I will promote this.”
