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As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

As a response to gender norms that continue to work against women’s entry into politics, 50 women across the eight provinces of the Solomon Islands are currently gathered in Honiara for the Second Practice Parliament for Women.

According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), these gender norms lay stronger emphasis on women’s role in the unpaid, domestic sphere.

In the 40-year history of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, it has only seen a total of four women MPs – two of which are current MPs, the Honourable Freda Tuki and the newly elected Honourable Lanelle Tanangada. 

In opening the Practice Parliament training, the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Honourable Ajilon Jasper Nasiu highlighted the National Parliament’s commitment for gender mainstreaming and gender equity in conducting its business.

“In February 2014, the National Parliament hosted a similar event bringing women leaders around the country. As hard and challenging the elections are, it is our pride and great achievement in seeing three of the participants make it through. At the national level we have Honourable Freda Tuki and Hon Lanelle Tanangada. At provincial level, we have Honourable Joycelyn Ipei and Honourable Roselyn Liata and Hon Jane Tozaka.”

“In 2017 the National Parliament launched its five-year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. For the first time in the history of our Parliament the Strategy Output 2.8 provides for Gender Mainstreaming in Legislation. Meaning that Parliament as the “oversight” arm of the State, ensures that an impact assessment on both men, women, girls and boys must be complied to when conducting the core functions of parliament.”

Honourable Nasiu added, “I take this occasion to acknowledge the governments and the people of New Zealand and Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The support demonstrates commitment towards regional stability especially encouraging reforms on equal opportunity for men and women in the Pacific including Solomon Islands.”

As of May 2018, women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in Forum Islands Countries since Independence, and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 7.5%.

Echoing a similar statement at the opening, the Country Manager for UNDP Solomon Islands, Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance for an equal playing field for women to participate effectively in politics.

“If a woman desires to have the honor to represent the people, she should be able to contest in a level-playing field. If there are barriers to that equal opportunity, we should work towards removing them such as by changing a law, reserving seats and/or providing facilities to support women candidates,” said Kubota.

“Through the five days, it is hoped the women leaders will all gain greater insights into the work of the National Parliament, an institution that we hope they will be a Member of if they do decide to stand for the upcoming general elections.”  

A concerted effort was made to target women from rural as well as urban areas.

The Practice Parliament for Women in the Solomon Islands was made possible through the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji funding through two Pacific regional projects under the Effective Governance programme, namely the Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific Island Countries Project (SLIP) Project funded by the Government of Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), funded by the Government of New Zealand.

National partners for the event are the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, the National Council of Women, Vois Blo Mere, Women’s Rights Action Movement, Young Women Christian Association, UNWomen and the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group. 

Source: UNDP.

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

[[{"fid":"13694","view_mode":"media_original","fields":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"}},"attributes":{"title":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi","class":"media-element file-media-original","data-delta":"3"}}]] 

Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

[[{"fid":"13693","view_mode":"media_original","fields":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"}},"attributes":{"title":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi","class":"media-element file-media-original","data-delta":"2"}}]] 

The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

[[{"fid":"13694","view_mode":"media_original","fields":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"}},"attributes":{"title":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi","class":"media-element file-media-original","data-delta":"3"}}]] 

Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

[[{"fid":"13693","view_mode":"media_original","fields":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"}},"attributes":{"title":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi","class":"media-element file-media-original","data-delta":"2"}}]] 

The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

[[{"fid":"13693","view_mode":"media_original","fields":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"}},"attributes":{"title":"A woman casts her vote in Lebanon's first parliamentary elections since 2009. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi","class":"media-element file-media-original","data-delta":"2"}}]] 

The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

[[{"fid":"13694","view_mode":"media_original","fields":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"media_original","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi"}},"attributes":{"title":"A woman shows off the electoral ink after voting in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, with her daughter. Photo: UN Women/Jean Safi","class":"media-element file-media-original","data-delta":"3"}}]] 

Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women 

In its highly anticipated parliamentary election in almost ten years, Lebanon saw a record number of women on the ballot. An unprecedented 113 women registered as candidates, and 86 of them made it to candidate lists. This was a whopping increase from 2009, when only 12 women candidates had registered.

The elections resulted in six women being elected to Parliament, reflecting hard-won victories, but also the long road ahead for women candidates. The outgoing parliament had only four women parliamentarians out of 128.

Paula Yaacoubian, one of the registered candidates, and the only woman from civil society to be elected to the Parliament, said: “This year women themselves took the initiative to participate as candidates, to push things forward,” adding that without a specific quota for women and with the prevailing attitudes that prefer male candidates, women didn’t make it to all party lists.

For Minister of State for Women Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, the high number of women candidates signals an important political momentum: “Lebanese women have shown courage and perseverance [as] expressed by the high number of women candidates…The process will not stop following the elections, but will develop [further] to achieve the results we hope for in the interest of society, the institutions and Lebanon.”

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Lebanon is often considered a liberal country in the Middle East region, with a vibrant feminist movement. However, Lebanese women have mostly remained on the sidelines of political power. In the last five parliamentary elections the number of women elected ranged from three to at most six [1]. There is just one woman serving in the ministerial cabinet out of 29 members, and at the local level, women constitute less than 5.5 per cent of council members.2The electoral law does not include any “Temporary Special Measures”, such as special quota system for female candidates.

The slow progress in women’s political participation stems from deep-rooted gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey(IMAGES) in the Middle East and North Africa coordinated by Promundo and UN Women, found 32 per cent of men and 65 per cent of women in Lebanon contend that the belief that “men and women are equal” is not a part of Lebanese tradition and culture.

Ahead of the 2018 elections, UN Women, in partnership with the UNDP- and the European Union, joined efforts with the Office of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in Lebanon to launch the Roadmap for Political Empowerment and Leadership of Women in Lebanon.

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The Roadmap, launched in January 2018, is a programme that advocated with political party leaders to promote women’s participation in the elections, and at the same time, worked with women leaders and women candidates to strengthen their campaign skills. Additionally, it supported the creation of a awareness campaign in the media under the theme, "Half the society, half the parliament", which promoted positive portrayal of women in politics and encouraged political parties to endorse women candidates in electoral lists.

Patricia Elias Smida, a candidate who attended a training of the programme but didn’t win, was not surprised by the overall election result. “Parliamentary elections in Lebanon require huge financial means,” she said. “A quota for women is crucial to change women’s entry into politics... special measures, such as free media placements for women candidates, are also needed.”

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Reflecting on the election results, Begona Lasagabaster, Special Representative of the Regional Director of UN Women congratulated the elected women and said, “I am especially thankful to the women candidates who registered and ran. Knowing the challenges and obstacles you faced, your brave and courageous fight is truly inspiring. History will remember you.”

Ms. Lasagabaster reiterated that UN Women will continue its efforts to advocate for gender balance in all decision-making positions; in the national institutions, but also in universities, private sector and trade unions in the country.

Notes

[1] European Union Election Observation Mission Lebanon Parliamentary Elections Preliminary Statement, 2018

[2] UNCT Lebanon SDGs brochure

Source: UN Women