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NDI’s ongoing qualitative research revealed that while Libyans were broadly supportive of women playing roles in public life, there was significant disagreement over what type of engagement is best-suited to women. Some participants in a study conducted in November 2011 were uncomfortable with women playing a leading role in politics and thought high-level positions were inappropriate or would conflict with women’s responsibilities to their families.

UNDP has designed a new project that will aim to build an enabling environment to boost women’s economic empowerment and political participation. Expected to launch in March, the project will support the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities and African countries to enhance youth and women’s political participation and representation; empower women economically; increase women’s productivity in agriculture; and integrate gender analysis in budgets, plans and reporting systems.

Michelle Bachelet remarks at lunch Seminar: ‘Women and Political Decision-Making’ hosted by the National Women’s Council of Ireland and the 50/50 Group. Dublin, Ireland. 21 February 2013.

(Source: UN Women)

In light of Pakistan’s fourth periodic report to the CEDAW Committee in Geneva on 12 February, UN Women spoke to the recently appointed Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW). The new and autonomous Commission became part of the constitution on 8 March, 2012. The Commission will function to protect and promote the social, economic, political and legal rights of women. It will work closely with provincial Governments to ensure that provincial commissions on the status of women are also established.

Nearly half of Ukrainians think there are too few women in elected office, according to a survey released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Ukrainians believe women politicians are better equipped than men to deal with many important policy issues, and they want political parties to address barriers to women’s political participation. Regardless of their age, education, or marital or parental status, the women surveyed believe that supporting qualified women candidates is important.