Minority Leader Patricia Morgan Travels to Thailand to Help Women Candidates International Republican Institute Seeks to Strengthen Developing Democracies

STATE HOUSE — House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan (R-District 26, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), recently returned from a trip to Bangkok, Thailand, where she helped train women who are interested in running for Parliament.
Representative Morgan taught sessions on policy development in conjunction with the International Republican Institute.
«I have been a volunteer with IRI and their Women’s Democracy Network for over 12 years,» explained Representative Morgan. «The goal of this training was to help and encourage woman in developing democracies to run for elective office and participate in strengthening democratic governance in their countries. As it is here at home in the United States, women bring a unique and vital perspective to public policy, which will benefit their country’s political process.»
“I have been honored to serve IRI and the Women’s Democracy Network in Ukraine, Jordan, Turkey, Serbia, Moldova and now Thailand. I have found the women in each country to be earnest and committed to making their country a better place for their citizens to live by engaging in democratic rule. Getting to know them and sharing with them the knowledge I have gained in my years in politics has been very rewarding.» she continued
«This training in Thailand was focused on preparing the participants for elections which are expected to be held in 2018. They have an enthusiasm for governing that is gratifying to witness. I plan to stay in touch and continue to provide advice and support.»
«In addition to the policy development training, I was invited to participate in a forum for the Southeast Asian Youth Leadership Program at the United States Embassy. At the invitation of Ambassador Glyn Davies, I joined the Permanent Director of the Interior Ministry, the highest ranking women official in Thailand and the Ambassador to Thailand from Bangladesh. We spoke to young college aged women about the promise and responsibility of becoming leaders. They were engaged and eager to hear our comments and peppered us with questions. With continued determination, their futures will be bright.»
The International Republican Institute’s mission statement: A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, the International Republican Institute advances freedom and democracy worldwide by helping political parties to become more issue-based and responsive, assisting citizens to participate in government planning, and working to increase the role of marginalized groups in the political process – including women and youth.