IRI Honors Uganda’s Beatrice Kiraso and Russia’s E...

Washington, DC - The International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing democracy and freedom globally, hosted the annual Women's Democracy Network's (WDN) Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Award ceremony on March 3, 2026. The event celebrated the achievements of WDN's 2026 and 2025 honorees, Beatrice Kiraso and Evgenia Kara-Murza, and marked the Network's 20^th anniversary.

"We are proud to honor the tenacity and courage of these two esteemed leaders," said Daniel Twining, IRI's President. "Beatrice's steadfast commitment to women's political leadership and transparent governance has helped hold leaders accountable and strengthened democratic practice in Africa, fostering greater stability and civic engagement. Evgenia, at great personal risk, has become a powerful voice for freedom and justice in Russia, standing with those who refuse to live in fear and believe in a future grounded in dignity and liberty."

Kiraso, the 2026 honoree, was a two-term Member of Parliament in Uganda, who also served as Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community and is the CEO of Policy Evaluation Consultants. She was recognized for tirelessly advancing women's political participation and fostering democratic governance in Uganda and East Africa. Kara-Murza, the 2025 honoree, is the advocacy director of the Free Russia Foundation and became one of the leading figures of the Russian pro-democracy movement. She was recognized for her leadership in advocating for political prisoners, anti-war activists, dissidents, journalists, and other Russians fighting for freedom.

"I'm proud to be identified as one who exemplifies what the Women's Democracy Network stands for," said 2026 honoree Beatrice Kiraso. "Today, I feel even more resolve to strive to transform communities and society so they can develop and turn individual courage into collective democratic power that changes lives and strengthens governance."

"I've been incredibly lucky and blessed to know, work with, and learn from the most fearless, indomitable women leaders of today," said 2025 honoree Evgenia Kara-Murza as she recognized Russian women who have put everything on the line for democracy. "They are my inspiration. My compatriots who even today make me proud to be a Russian. And it is to them, to their resilience, to their courage, to their struggle that I want to dedicate this award."

The ceremony highlighted a core principle understood by Dr. Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, for whom this award is named: democracy must be defended, and women play a unique and essential role in that defense. For 20 years, WDN empowered, connected, and elevated more than 12,000 women leaders across 130 countries in their fight for liberty. Like Kiraso and Kara-Murza, WDN members have changed laws, won elections, started movements, and mentored the next generation of democratic leaders.

"We have amazing women who are remarkable abiders of thought and action. They are examples of what is needed in this world," said Constance Berry Newman, IRI Board Member.

About IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing democracy and freedom globally, strengthens democracy across the world by empowering citizens, bolstering democratic governance, and making leaders more accountable to their people. For over 40 years, we have helped people and elected officials foster healthy democratic competition, increase transparency and accountability in government decision-making, and promote involvement in civic and political life. For more information, please visit our website at iri.org.

About WDN

Established by IRI in 2006, the Women's Democracy Network (WDN) empowers women to participate in the political process and equips them with the skills needed to assume greater leadership roles in government, political parties, and citizen groups. WDN connects aspiring and accomplished women leaders across the globe, creates forums for sharing ideas and experiences, and provides technical training and critical resources.

About the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Award

The Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Award recognizes honorees for their commitment to increase women's political and civic participation within their own communities and on behalf of women worldwide. A long-time board member of IRI and the first woman to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Kirkpatrick was a strong advocate for women's participation in politics.