Khurelbaatar Bulgantuya
This interview was conducted during the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2024 with support from UNDP Mongolia.
Women’s Political Participation in Mongolia
In recent years, there has been a trend of progressive legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the role of women in politics, resulting in more women entering Mongolian politics. However, women’s political participation and role in decision-making remain below the global average. In 2024, the Global Gender Gap Index ranked Mongolia 120th out of 146 countries.
The Role of the Development Sector in Promoting a Gender-Inclusive Political Space
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has played a pivotal role in advancing gender-inclusive political participation in Mongolia through advocacy, capacity-building, and research. One significant achievement of these efforts is Mongolia’s adoption of a 30% gender quota for the 2024 elections, with an even more ambitious target of 40% set for the 2028 elections. These milestones were made possible through sustained advocacy by UNDP and KOICA, along with strong support from Mongolia's political leadership.
UNDP has concentrated its efforts on creating a more equitable electoral system, ensuring that every vote counts, while also pushing for inclusive funding mechanisms that promote gender equality within political parties. By advocating for these systemic changes, UNDP aims to increase women's representation in decision-making positions at the national level.
Another critical focus area has been addressing the growing issue of online violence against women in politics, a global challenge that threatens the safety and participation of women parliamentarians. UNDP has raised awareness of this issue and emphasized the importance of fostering a safer, more supportive environment for women in politics to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions valued. These multifaceted initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to fostering gender equality and politically empowering women in Mongolia.
This interview with Honourable Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar (MP) sheds light on the significant challenges faced by women politicians, including online harassment, insufficient financial support, and limited opportunities within the political landscape. It emphasizes the critical need for legislative support and the importance of building partnerships to foster a more inclusive environment. Additionally, the interview highlights the pivotal role that political parties can play in promoting gender inclusivity and ensuring that women have a meaningful voice in the political arena. On 28th June 2024, Mongolia held its parliamentary election. A record 32 women were elected, representing 25.4% of the new Parliament. Hon. Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar MP was re-elected and appointed Deputy Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia.
This interview was conducted during the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2024 with support from UNDP Mongolia.
Women’s Political Participation in Mongolia
In recent years, there has been a trend of progressive legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the role of women in politics, resulting in more women entering Mongolian politics. However, women’s political participation and role in decision-making remain below the global average. In 2024, the Global Gender Gap Index ranked Mongolia 120th out of 146 countries.
The Role of the Development Sector in Promoting a Gender-Inclusive Political Space
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has played a pivotal role in advancing gender-inclusive political participation in Mongolia through advocacy, capacity-building, and research. One significant achievement of these efforts is Mongolia’s adoption of a 30% gender quota for the 2024 elections, with an even more ambitious target of 40% set for the 2028 elections. These milestones were made possible through sustained advocacy by UNDP and KOICA, along with strong support from Mongolia's political leadership.
UNDP has concentrated its efforts on creating a more equitable electoral system, ensuring that every vote counts, while also pushing for inclusive funding mechanisms that promote gender equality within political parties. By advocating for these systemic changes, UNDP aims to increase women's representation in decision-making positions at the national level.
Another critical focus area has been addressing the growing issue of online violence against women in politics, a global challenge that threatens the safety and participation of women parliamentarians. UNDP has raised awareness of this issue and emphasized the importance of fostering a safer, more supportive environment for women in politics to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions valued. These multifaceted initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to fostering gender equality and politically empowering women in Mongolia.
This interview with Honourable Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar (MP) sheds light on the significant challenges faced by women politicians, including online harassment, insufficient financial support, and limited opportunities within the political landscape. It emphasizes the critical need for legislative support and the importance of building partnerships to foster a more inclusive environment. Additionally, the interview highlights the pivotal role that political parties can play in promoting gender inclusivity and ensuring that women have a meaningful voice in the political arena. On 28th June 2024, Mongolia held its parliamentary election. A record 32 women were elected, representing 25.4% of the new Parliament. Hon. Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar MP was re-elected and appointed Deputy Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia.