What's New at The Connections Group

Kuwait City, April 18 – 26, 2008: The Connections Group in partnership with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) conducted candidate trainings in preparation for the May 17, 2008 Parliamentary elections in Kuwait.

Cathy Allen and a team of trainers in association with the Connections Group and in partnership with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) conducted candidate trainings in preparation for the May 17, 2008 Parliamentary elections in Kuwait. With women having gained the right to vote and run as recently as 2005, with a new 5-constituency program, and with just little over a month to campaign, there was a lot of campaign ground to cover in a short amount of time.

Consultants Cathy Allen, David Heurtel, Suzanne Hartman and Eleanor Licata conducted one-on-one trainings on issues of message, targeting, image, voice and resource management with 15 out of the 28 women running for office. The second phase of training focused on coalition building with the liberal National Democratic Alliance including Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, the only woman ever to gain the support of one of Kuwait’s political coalitions. The second stage also worked towards creating an electoral plan and mobilizing volunteers for Election Day.

Although post-election no woman candidates were elected to office, significant gains were made and the positive results of our work were evident throughout the election process from new tactics for campaign kick-offs, speech delivery and coalition building to re-shaping how candidates think of themselves and their role appealing to voters. Other measurable indicators of progress:

• Dr. Aseel Awadi came in 11th in her district.
• Women’s turnout was up from 44% in 2006 to 50% in 2008.
• Candidates of both genders had cadres of women activists and volunteers out at polling stations, handing out water, food and last-minute flyers.
• Of the five women who received more than 2,000 votes, three: Salwa Jassar, Aseel Awadi and Thikra Rashidi participated in candidate trainings.
• A strong cadre of women candidates are already making preparations to run and win in the next Parliamentary elections.