Despite the introduction of a quota to ensure women make up 20 per cent of Armenia’s parliament, the reform has failed to have much effect, with only half that percentage winning seats in the May 6 election.
Fourteen women out of the 131 members of parliament represent an increase on the 12 who had seats before the election, but analysts say a substantial improvement on that figure is not on the horizon.
They blame a lack of official support for getting more women into public life, in part because there is not enough grassroots pressure to prompt it, and also the fact that few women enjoy the financial independence to allow them to run for office.
Read the complete story at Institute for War and Peace Reporting, published 29 June 2012.
Despite the introduction of a quota to ensure women make up 20 per cent of Armenia’s parliament, the reform has failed to have much effect, with only half that percentage winning seats in the May 6 election.
Fourteen women out of the 131 members of parliament represent an increase on the 12 who had seats before the election, but analysts say a substantial improvement on that figure is not on the horizon.
They blame a lack of official support for getting more women into public life, in part because there is not enough grassroots pressure to prompt it, and also the fact that few women enjoy the financial independence to allow them to run for office.
Read the complete story at Institute for War and Peace Reporting, published 29 June 2012.