CHARLESTON - The Women’s Caucus of the West Virginia House of Delegates is hosting 10 women legislators and political leaders from around the world this week as part of a conference arranged by the Washington D.C.-based Women’s Democracy Network.

“We are delighted these women are traveling to Charleston to learn more about our legislative process and interact with women leaders here in West Virginia,” Delegate Meshea Poore said.

The goals of the Women’s Democracy Network are:

• To formalize a network of women who have gained experience in political and civil society with women who struggle to take part in the democratic development of their countries so that they might engage in sharing experiences.
• To provide training and mentoring opportunities that address the specific needs of women within the regions of Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North America.

In a letter to attendees, Women’s Democracy Network Director Michelle Bekkering explained that thanks to the initiative of Delegate Poore, participants will be able to “job-shadow” the members of the bi-partisan Women’s Caucus.

“This unique opportunity will allow our participants insight into the duties and responsibilities of an elected official in the United States and increase their own capacity to govern effectively and democratically,” Bekkering said. “Through the further generosity of West Virginia leaders such as First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin and Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, our delegation will have the opportunity to meet with women leaders throughout Charleston to share their experiences and create lasting friendships.”

The following are expected attendees:

• Sabina Cudic, Member of Political Advisory Council of the Naša Stranka Party, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Lena Maryana Mukti, former Member of Parliament and ranking leader of the United Development Party, Indonesia
• Reem Badran, Member of Parliament, Jordan
• Tanja Tomic, Member of Parliament, Macedonia
• Maria Antonieta Perez Reyes, Member of Congress, Mexico
• Migeddorj Batchimeg, National Security Advisor to the President, Mongolia
• Jalila Morsli, Member of Parliament, Morocco
• Margriet Keijzer, Board Member of the Christian Democratic Appeal Party, the Netherlands
• Elizabeth Ativie, Member of the Edo State House Assembly, Nigeria
• Perry Aritua, Executive Director of the WDN Uganda Country Chapter, Uganda

Participants will join members of the House Women’s Caucus this evening at a reception hosted by First Lady Tomblin at the Governor’s Mansion. They will spend the entire day Tuesday, starting at 8:30 am, with the House Women’s Caucus at the Statehouse.

“This is such an exciting learning experience for all of us, and is truly an honor,” Poore said.