Civil Society

UNITED NATIONS 25 September 2024 (IDN) — The first eight months of 2024—described as a “super election year”—have seen limited progress in women’s representation in parliaments worldwide.

or Zoe Lefkofridi, a professor of politics and gender at the University of Salzburg in Austria, there cannot be real democracy without gender equality.  But past progress cannot be taken for granted. Despite significant steps in Europe towards gender equality, opposition seems to be on the rise.

“The EU has been a pioneer in promoting women’s rights, especially concerning employment,” said Lefkofridi. “However, we’re observing worrisome developments in certain EU countries, as well as the US.”

Afghan women earned the right to vote more than a century ago. Today, under Taliban rule, they are practically erased from public life and even banned from singing. 

These were just some of the chilling observations and testimony from Afghan women, together with supporters from around the world, who convened at UN Headquarters on Monday to discuss inclusion and women’s rights going forward.

Despite making up over half the voters and workforce, women are starkly underrepresented in Sri Lanka's political landscape. The 2023 presidential election features no female candidates, highlighting the deep-seated patriarchal structure that impedes women's political participation. Efforts like quota systems and training programs show progress but are not sufficient for lasting change.