From November 18-21, iKNOW Politics participated in the International Conference on Decentralization, local power and women’s rights hosted by IDRC (International Development Research Centre), the Government of Mexico, and UNDP Mexico.
Over 500 representatives of civil society groups, researchers, national women’s organizations and government from 50 different countries attended the IDRC conference. iKNOW Politics was presented to the plenary, and brochures and other materials were distributed at the resource fair. The iKNOW Politics project manager, Anita Vandenbeld, also participated in the policy recommendations working group on the conference outcome document. This document reflects several key findings, including the fact that while local governance is often touted as the entry point for women in politics, decentralization itself does not automatically mean greater inclusion of women in decision-making; and the fact that quotas are a good start but are insufficient for women to participate effectively. The recommendations addressed women’s needs at all stages of their political careers, from political aspirants (they are thinking of running) to candidates to elected politicians. Some recommendations include: • raising awareness of democratic rights for active voting • creating role models by publicizing women’s success stories • quotas and reserved seats • gender quorums at meetings • skills building • remuneration for work on local councils • incentives for parties to recruit women • support networks and access to information iKNOW Politics has created a discussion circle on Decentralization and Women’s Political Participation to facilitate an ongoing exchange of ideas among conference participants and others.
From November 18-21, iKNOW Politics participated in the International Conference on Decentralization, local power and women’s rights hosted by IDRC (International Development Research Centre), the Government of Mexico, and UNDP Mexico.
Over 500 representatives of civil society groups, researchers, national women’s organizations and government from 50 different countries attended the IDRC conference. iKNOW Politics was presented to the plenary, and brochures and other materials were distributed at the resource fair. The iKNOW Politics project manager, Anita Vandenbeld, also participated in the policy recommendations working group on the conference outcome document. This document reflects several key findings, including the fact that while local governance is often touted as the entry point for women in politics, decentralization itself does not automatically mean greater inclusion of women in decision-making; and the fact that quotas are a good start but are insufficient for women to participate effectively. The recommendations addressed women’s needs at all stages of their political careers, from political aspirants (they are thinking of running) to candidates to elected politicians. Some recommendations include: • raising awareness of democratic rights for active voting • creating role models by publicizing women’s success stories • quotas and reserved seats • gender quorums at meetings • skills building • remuneration for work on local councils • incentives for parties to recruit women • support networks and access to information iKNOW Politics has created a discussion circle on Decentralization and Women’s Political Participation to facilitate an ongoing exchange of ideas among conference participants and others.