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Parliaments and Representatives

Democracy and the equal participation of men and women in the political arena are closely intertwined. No parliament or any decision-making body can claim to be representative without the participation of both men and women. As stated in the Universal Declaration on Democracy adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Member Parliaments in 1997, "The achievement of democracy presupposes a genuine partnership between men and women in the conduct of the affairs of society in which they work in equality and complementarity, drawing mutual enrichment from their differences."

Recent years have seen a steady increase in the number of women in parliament, though the world average of less than 22 percent remains far from the goal of parity between women and men. The election of women to the highest positions of state and government in several countries has also contributed to the changing face of politics.

While the road to election is a difficult one, the challenges for women do not stop there. Once women enter parliament or other bodies, they are faced with many new challenges. Parliament is traditionally a male-oriented domain where the rules and practices have been written by men. It is, therefore, an ongoing challenge to transform parliament into a gender-sensitive environment, to ensure that actions are gender-sensitive and to guarantee that gender is mainstreamed throughout the legislature.

The Role of Parliamentary Committees in Mainstreaming Gender and Promoting the Status of Women

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April 24, 2008

The Role of Parliamentary Committees in Mainstreaming Gender and Promoting the Status of Women

As part of its efforts to strengthen the capacity of parliaments to promote gender equality and respect for women's rights, the IPU organised a first seminar of parliamentary bodies dealing with gender issues.

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As part of its efforts to strengthen the capacity of parliaments to promote gender equality and respect for women's rights, the IPU organised a first seminar of parliamentary bodies dealing with gender issues.

The Rise of Women in Parliaments in Sub-Saharan Africa

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April 7, 2008

The Rise of Women in Parliaments in Sub-Saharan Africa

This consolidated response discusses factors stimulating the advancement of women in politics in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the highlighted factors include gender quotas in politics, national women’s movements, and the spillover effect of democratic values throughout the continent.

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This consolidated response discusses factors stimulating the advancement of women in politics in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the highlighted factors include gender quotas in politics, national women’s movements, and the spillover effect of democratic values throughout the continent.

Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender

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February 29, 2008

Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender

This tool seeks to highlight the importance of parliamentary oversight of the security sector and the benefits parliamentarians derive from integrating a gender perspective into their work.

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This tool seeks to highlight the importance of parliamentary oversight of the security sector and the benefits parliamentarians derive from integrating a gender perspective into their work.

Point of order, Mr Speaker: African Women Claiming Their Space in Parliament

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February 28, 2008

Point of order, Mr Speaker: African Women Claiming Their Space in Parliament

At the close of the millennium, there is a wave of invigorating air sweeping across the African continent. The refreshing breeze can be felt in the form of women smashing the gendered 'glass ceiling' in a bid to overcome the cultural and structural barriers that impede their political careers.

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At the close of the millennium, there is a wave of invigorating air sweeping across the African continent. The refreshing breeze can be felt in the form of women smashing the gendered 'glass ceiling' in a bid to overcome the cultural and structural barriers that impede their political careers.

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The Role of Parliaments in Financing for Gender Equality

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The Role of Parliaments in Financing for Gender Equality

During the 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which will consider as its priority theme Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women, the Inte

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National Machineries for Women in Development: experiences, lessons and strategies

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November 1, 2007

National Machineries for Women in Development: experiences, lessons and strategies

This report   includes salient point s  and recommendations from the BRIDGE 1996 report on National Machineries for Women (NWMs), updated with more recent thinking, policy and practice. Also included  are summaries of some best practice examples.

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This report   includes salient point s  and recommendations from the BRIDGE 1996 report on National Machineries for Women (NWMs), updated with more recent thinking, policy and practice. Also included  are summaries of some best practice examples.

Putting Gender Back on the Policy Agenda: Gender Equality and Political Participation in the Russian Federation

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October 11, 2007

Putting Gender Back on the Policy Agenda: Gender Equality and Political Participation in the Russian Federation

This article discusses the implications of unequal political representation and participation of women and men in the Russian Federation. It also describes the importance of including gender issues in the Russian policy agenda for achieving true democracy and building gender-equitable society.

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This article discusses the implications of unequal political representation and participation of women and men in the Russian Federation. It also describes the importance of including gender issues in the Russian policy agenda for achieving true democracy and building gender-equitable society.

Tips for Meeting with Your Elected Representative

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October 4, 2007

Tips for Meeting with Your Elected Representative

This guide provides tips on contacting and raising social issues with local elected representatives.

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This guide provides tips on contacting and raising social issues with local elected representatives.

Event

Conference: "Women making a difference in parliament"

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Conference: "Women making a difference in parliament"

This conference is the second of a series of regional events organized by the IPU aimed at providing a forum for women parliamentarians and women political decision makers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,

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