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.
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen is determined to achieve gender parity in her executive Commission amid resistance from member states. She is advocating for a balanced representation of men and women among EU commissioners.
Once celebrated for its progressive strides towards gender equality in politics, Nepal is now witnessing a troubling regression.
Once celebrated for its progressive strides towards gender equality in politics, Nepal is now witnessing a troubling regression.
Despite a consistent presence in Iraq's political arena for nearly two decades, Iraqi women have yet to achieve substantial influence in shaping the nation's laws and policies, analysts say.
If I’m asked to rank the centuries based on the importance and impact of constitutional amendments, I’d be hard pressed to choose between the 18th and the 19th. The Bill of Rights, passed at the tail end of the 18th century, is certainly special.
If I’m asked to rank the centuries based on the importance and impact of constitutional amendments, I’d be hard pressed to choose between the 18th and the 19th. The Bill of Rights, passed at the tail end of the 18th century, is certainly special.
Mid-way through a bumper election year, there are few gains for women in power
Mid-way through a bumper election year, there are few gains for women in power
Trends in political preferences in Finland increasingly follow those in other western countries, where many men seem to prefer traditional economical
In Ghana, the recent push for a gender equality bill is a crucial step toward enhancing women’s political representation.
In Ghana, the recent push for a gender equality bill is a crucial step toward enhancing women’s political representation.
The Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs Lara Edeko has urged women to participate in politics in order to contribute towards good leadership and nation building.