NDI - National Democratic Institute - Romania

NDI has supported the development of active and sustainable NGOs in Romania since 1990. As a result of NDI efforts, groups such as the Pro Democracy Association and the Resource Center for Public Participation (CeRe) are promoting the public interest in election processes and political financing. These and other grassroots civic groups trained by NDI are changing the face of local politics through their issue organizing work, and as a result, many politicians are responding with their own outreach to civil society and citizens through constituency outreach offices and other means.Women and Roma Political ParticipationLarge segments of the population, such as women and Roma, are disproportionately excluded from the country’s political leadership and socioeconomic advances, and strive to make their voices heard in decision-making. NDI has assisted women and Romani political activists to strengthen their political profiles. With National Endowment for Democracy funds, NDI worked with political parties to assess the role of women within each party and develop strategic action plans to recruit and promote women to leadership positions. With NED and Open Society Institute funds, NDI is conducting a political leadership training series for Romani activists from around the country who can bring tangible improvements to their communities.