The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Government of France will work together to strengthen democracy and women's political and economic participation, according to an agreement signed today at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC.
As per the agreement, France will contribute US $1 million to OAS programs over 2 years.
Upon signing the agreement, the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro said, "Strengthening democracy is the cornerstone of the work of the OAS. Without women there is no democracy. It is necessary to highlight what women have meant for democracy in our hemisphere, not only as voters, but also as leaders, as defenders of democracy, as promoters of critical agendas for the development, well-being and human rights of our people."
For his part, the Chargé d ´Affairs of the French observer mission to the OAS, Antoine Michon, said his country would provide $ 1 million dollars to the OAS over the next two years through the project, a sixfold increase of its annual support. "French diplomacy and the OAS are united in the promotion and protection of women's rights, to create societies in which equality of gender is not just an aspiration, but a reality. We also share the conviction that solid and transparent elections are essential for the legitimacy of governments and the empowerment of citizens."
In addition to its support for women's political and economic participation, the agreement provides additional financial support for OAS electoral observation missions and efforts to follow up on recommendations made by the missions designed to improve electoral processes.
Reference: FNE-144021
