International Knowledge Network Women in Politics

New Partnership to Develop Knowledge Network of Women in Politics

Date: 11 April 2006

New York — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) have announced a new partnership to create an International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics called "iKNOW Politics." The announcement follows extensive consultations with women leaders worldwide on the critical needs of women in politics.

The goal of the network will be to increase the participation and effectiveness of women in political life by using a technology-enabled forum to stimulate dialogue, share knowledge and experiences on women's political participation, and provide access to critical resources and expertise. iKNOW Politics aims to serve the needs of elected officials, candidates, researchers, students and practitioners who desire a structured way of sharing resources, making contacts, collaborating, and learning about developments and events.

Plans are underway to launch the network and its website in the fall of 2006.

For more information, please contact the programme coordinator, Violet Awotwi at vawotwi@indi.org , tel: +1 202-728-5657.

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From: Project Coordinator, International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics)

On behalf of National Democratic Institute (NDI), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), I would like to introduce the International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics). iKNOW Politics is a joint project initiated to enable women to share information about women's roles in political life-as voters, candidates, political party activists, and government representatives- by providing a medium through which users can provide mutual support, exchange information and lessons learned and access a robust repository of information and contacts.

We are writing to you because we are aware of your interest and commitment to women's participation in politics. As part of the development of iKNOW Politics, we are attempting to assess the needs of potential users and members of the network. With this assessment, we hope to build a robust network that is driven by the needs of our members.

Please complete the brief questionnaire enclosed. Your candid and thoughtful reply will help our assessment. Most people are able to complete the questionnaire in less than fifteen minutes. Your individual responses and any comments will be confidential. The results are tabulated and compiled, and we will issue a report which will be available on request.

Please complete the questionnaire by May 8, 2006. Contact Violet Awotwi with questions either by email at violet@iknowpolitics.org or by telephone +1 (202) 728-5657.

Here is a link to the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?A=126365951E82128

iKNOW Politics Needs Assessment Survey

1. Brief Introduction to iKNOW Politics and this survey

The iKNOW Politics program seeks to advance women in politics worldwide by providing an on-line workspace designed to serve the needs of elected officials, candidates, researchers, students and practitioners interested in advancing women in politics by supporting the process of accessing, creating and sharing knowledge.

This website also seeks to help people to share resources, make contacts, collaborate, and learn about developments and events.

The International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics “iKNOW Politics” – a network to advance women in politics worldwide – is an on-line workspace designed to serve the needs of elected officials, candidates, researchers and practitioners interested in advancing women in politics by supporting the process of accessing, creating and sharing knowledge. This website seeks to help members share resources, make contacts, collaborate, and learn about developments and events related to women in politics.

Please complete the following survey. The project team is clarifying the audience and their needs and translating these needs into requirements for the system that will guide it's design, features and operation. Your feedback is a key part of this process.


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