During June 13-16, 2008, the International Republican Institute's (IRI) Eurasia Division and Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) hosted a Leadership and Communications Training program for Regional Women Activists in Vilnius, Lithuania. The program, focusing on message development and delivery, was attended by 21 participants from Georgia, Ukraine

and Moldova and was particularly relevant as many of the participants plan to run as candidates in their countries’ future elections. On the second day of training, they had an opportunity to record a stump speech for their campaign, which was then critiqued. The training seminar gave the activists a rare opportunity to network with other women from the region who are also interested in political activism and face similar challenges in achieving their goals. In addition, participants were addressed by Ms. Agne Zuokiene, a prominent Lithuanian social activist, and Ms. Dalia Kutraite-Giedraitiene, director of a public relations consulting firm. These Lithuanian women were able to share their own experiences as women who achieved positions of leadership in post-independent Lithuania. Conference participants were energized by the seminar and expressed interest in future IRI network and training opportunities.