Partner News

In October 2017, Liberians will head to the polls to vote, as President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female Head of State, completes her second and final term tenure this year.

Women constitute half of the over two million people who have registered to vote, according to Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC). UN Women is working with Liberian civil society organizations, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the NEC and the media to boost women’s political participation.

Forty-year-old A.D. Scott, running for a parliamentary seat, knows first-hand the challenges of contesting an election as a woman. This is her second attempt at the parliamentary elections since being defeated in 2011. Recently, Scott participated in a training supported by UN Women, where she learned negotiation skills and how to build a supportive constituency. 

“I am running for election because of my passion to serve. The legislature [parliament] is an important space to champion the cause of the community, especially the youth and women,” says Scott.

Prior to the 2011 elections, Scott says she had dedicated years of service to her constituency and had demonstrated strong leadership and integrity: “I had been running a free school for kids and worked to improve access to safe drinking water in communities. I was very visible, but the campaign was tough, and I lost.” She thinks that deeply held traditional beliefs about women’s role as home makers make it particularly difficult for women candidates. When Scott first entered politics, many of her relatives and friends advised her to quit.

Although Liberia has had a woman President for twelve years and women account for more than half of the country’s population, they remain largely underrepresented in decision-making and governance processes. For example, women comprise around 12 percent of members of parliament.

For the upcoming elections, efforts are underway to ensure that political parties adhere to Section 4.5 of Liberia’s New Election Law, which calls for no less than 30 per cent representation of each gender on the lists of candidates submitted by political parties.

“While all but four of the major political parties have signed an agreement to ensure that they would have at least 30 per cent women candidates on their lists, we cannot take it for granted that parties will comply,” cautions Mahmoud Koroma, UN Women Liberia Programme Manager on Governance and Women’s Political Participation. Therefore, UN Women continues to engage with national partners to boost women’s participation as candidates and voters.

Recently, UN Women supported a three-day training on election strategies organized by Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Women’s Political Forum in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. Addressing 50 aspiring women candidates at the training, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said: “Be strong, be courageous, set your course and stay your course. Don’t be deterred by the difficulties you are facing…imagine that those stumbling blocks along the way will become stepping stones.”

Thirty-seven-year old aspirant Christine Juah Settor Dennis was inspired and optimistic after the training: “I understand the issues in my electoral district— we don’t have many teachers; the roads are damaged and our healthcare system is poor. I know how to convince my constituents that working together, we can derive better solutions when I am elected to represent them.”

Recent data from Liberia’s NEC shows that of the total number of registered voters, 49 per cent are women. For 43-year-old Annie W. Emmons, a private security officer and mother of four children, the upcoming elections are an opportunity to vote for candidates who will address the pressing needs of her family and community, such as improving the healthcare and education systems and addressing the issue of violence against women, especially rape. 

“All women need to vote for candidates with integrity who are able to speak for us,” says Emmons.

The upcoming national election in October presents an opportunity to advance the gains made in promoting women’s political leadership. Liberian women are ready and eager to engage. Those who are advocating for inclusive politics have developed a new slogan from the local Kpelleh vernacular— ‘Kukaju’—which means “we inside.” 

UN Women’s work on promoting women’s political participation in Liberia is generously funded by the Governments of Canada and Sweden.

Source: UN Women

In October 2017, Liberians will head to the polls to vote, as President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female Head of State, completes her second and final term tenure this year.

Women constitute half of the over two million people who have registered to vote, according to Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC). UN Women is working with Liberian civil society organizations, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the NEC and the media to boost women’s political participation.

Forty-year-old A.D. Scott, running for a parliamentary seat, knows first-hand the challenges of contesting an election as a woman. This is her second attempt at the parliamentary elections since being defeated in 2011. Recently, Scott participated in a training supported by UN Women, where she learned negotiation skills and how to build a supportive constituency. 

“I am running for election because of my passion to serve. The legislature [parliament] is an important space to champion the cause of the community, especially the youth and women,” says Scott.

Prior to the 2011 elections, Scott says she had dedicated years of service to her constituency and had demonstrated strong leadership and integrity: “I had been running a free school for kids and worked to improve access to safe drinking water in communities. I was very visible, but the campaign was tough, and I lost.” She thinks that deeply held traditional beliefs about women’s role as home makers make it particularly difficult for women candidates. When Scott first entered politics, many of her relatives and friends advised her to quit.

Although Liberia has had a woman President for twelve years and women account for more than half of the country’s population, they remain largely underrepresented in decision-making and governance processes. For example, women comprise around 12 percent of members of parliament.

For the upcoming elections, efforts are underway to ensure that political parties adhere to Section 4.5 of Liberia’s New Election Law, which calls for no less than 30 per cent representation of each gender on the lists of candidates submitted by political parties.

“While all but four of the major political parties have signed an agreement to ensure that they would have at least 30 per cent women candidates on their lists, we cannot take it for granted that parties will comply,” cautions Mahmoud Koroma, UN Women Liberia Programme Manager on Governance and Women’s Political Participation. Therefore, UN Women continues to engage with national partners to boost women’s participation as candidates and voters.

Recently, UN Women supported a three-day training on election strategies organized by Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Women’s Political Forum in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. Addressing 50 aspiring women candidates at the training, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said: “Be strong, be courageous, set your course and stay your course. Don’t be deterred by the difficulties you are facing…imagine that those stumbling blocks along the way will become stepping stones.”

Thirty-seven-year old aspirant Christine Juah Settor Dennis was inspired and optimistic after the training: “I understand the issues in my electoral district— we don’t have many teachers; the roads are damaged and our healthcare system is poor. I know how to convince my constituents that working together, we can derive better solutions when I am elected to represent them.”

Recent data from Liberia’s NEC shows that of the total number of registered voters, 49 per cent are women. For 43-year-old Annie W. Emmons, a private security officer and mother of four children, the upcoming elections are an opportunity to vote for candidates who will address the pressing needs of her family and community, such as improving the healthcare and education systems and addressing the issue of violence against women, especially rape. 

“All women need to vote for candidates with integrity who are able to speak for us,” says Emmons.

The upcoming national election in October presents an opportunity to advance the gains made in promoting women’s political leadership. Liberian women are ready and eager to engage. Those who are advocating for inclusive politics have developed a new slogan from the local Kpelleh vernacular— ‘Kukaju’—which means “we inside.” 

UN Women’s work on promoting women’s political participation in Liberia is generously funded by the Governments of Canada and Sweden.

Source: UN Women

In October 2017, Liberians will head to the polls to vote, as President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female Head of State, completes her second and final term tenure this year.

Women constitute half of the over two million people who have registered to vote, according to Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC). UN Women is working with Liberian civil society organizations, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the NEC and the media to boost women’s political participation.

Forty-year-old A.D. Scott, running for a parliamentary seat, knows first-hand the challenges of contesting an election as a woman. This is her second attempt at the parliamentary elections since being defeated in 2011. Recently, Scott participated in a training supported by UN Women, where she learned negotiation skills and how to build a supportive constituency. 

“I am running for election because of my passion to serve. The legislature [parliament] is an important space to champion the cause of the community, especially the youth and women,” says Scott.

Prior to the 2011 elections, Scott says she had dedicated years of service to her constituency and had demonstrated strong leadership and integrity: “I had been running a free school for kids and worked to improve access to safe drinking water in communities. I was very visible, but the campaign was tough, and I lost.” She thinks that deeply held traditional beliefs about women’s role as home makers make it particularly difficult for women candidates. When Scott first entered politics, many of her relatives and friends advised her to quit.

Although Liberia has had a woman President for twelve years and women account for more than half of the country’s population, they remain largely underrepresented in decision-making and governance processes. For example, women comprise around 12 percent of members of parliament.

For the upcoming elections, efforts are underway to ensure that political parties adhere to Section 4.5 of Liberia’s New Election Law, which calls for no less than 30 per cent representation of each gender on the lists of candidates submitted by political parties.

“While all but four of the major political parties have signed an agreement to ensure that they would have at least 30 per cent women candidates on their lists, we cannot take it for granted that parties will comply,” cautions Mahmoud Koroma, UN Women Liberia Programme Manager on Governance and Women’s Political Participation. Therefore, UN Women continues to engage with national partners to boost women’s participation as candidates and voters.

Recently, UN Women supported a three-day training on election strategies organized by Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Women’s Political Forum in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. Addressing 50 aspiring women candidates at the training, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said: “Be strong, be courageous, set your course and stay your course. Don’t be deterred by the difficulties you are facing…imagine that those stumbling blocks along the way will become stepping stones.”

Thirty-seven-year old aspirant Christine Juah Settor Dennis was inspired and optimistic after the training: “I understand the issues in my electoral district— we don’t have many teachers; the roads are damaged and our healthcare system is poor. I know how to convince my constituents that working together, we can derive better solutions when I am elected to represent them.”

Recent data from Liberia’s NEC shows that of the total number of registered voters, 49 per cent are women. For 43-year-old Annie W. Emmons, a private security officer and mother of four children, the upcoming elections are an opportunity to vote for candidates who will address the pressing needs of her family and community, such as improving the healthcare and education systems and addressing the issue of violence against women, especially rape. 

“All women need to vote for candidates with integrity who are able to speak for us,” says Emmons.

The upcoming national election in October presents an opportunity to advance the gains made in promoting women’s political leadership. Liberian women are ready and eager to engage. Those who are advocating for inclusive politics have developed a new slogan from the local Kpelleh vernacular— ‘Kukaju’—which means “we inside.” 

UN Women’s work on promoting women’s political participation in Liberia is generously funded by the Governments of Canada and Sweden.

Source: UN Women

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Data from the IPU shows the worrisome lack of representation of young people in parliaments. To commemorate International Youth Day 2017 (12 August), the IPU has asked young MPs worldwide to share their views on how to increase youth engagement in politics.

We are sharing these views through a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Young MPs provide examples of how they have reached out to youth in their communities, and ensured that their concerns and actions are integrated into parliamentary debates. This campaign is part of the IPU’s work in helping to increase the number of young MPs in parliaments worldwide. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy (UDD), adopted by IPU Member Parliaments in September 1997. Young MPs have played a pivotal role in advancing its principles.

IPU data from the 2016 Report on Youth Participation in National Parliaments shows that although those under 30 years of age make up half the world population, the number of parliamentarians in that age group is below 2 per cent. IPU data also shows that there are no MPs aged under 30 in nearly one-third of the world’s single and lower houses of parliament. In 73 per cent of countries, someone who is old enough to vote is not old enough to run for public office.

To address this, the IPU is promoting measures to increase the numbers of young MPs and empower youth to have more of an impact on parliamentary work. An example of this is through the Not Too Young to Run campaign, which the IPU launched with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and other partners in 2016. The IPU also provides platforms for young MPs to become engaged in global youth issues and coordinate action, such as the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The next Global Conference will take place in Ottawa, Canada on 17-18 November 2017.

Source: IPU

Malian MPs from across all political parties gathered at an IPU seminar in Bamako, Mali, to discuss gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The seminar, which was co-organized with the Parliament of Mali, took place on 25 and 26 July.

The seminar aimed to sensitize Malian MPs to their role in promoting SDGs and gender equality and to help them to identify strategies to better integrate these two issues into public policies and laws. Among the subjects discussed were: the role of parliaments in realizing the SDGs; the empowerment of women; gender equality as a key factor in the realization of the SDGs; and access to quality health services for all, especially women and children.

On the second day, participants broke up into groups to discuss, among other things, parliamentary mechanisms that would allow MPs to discuss issues related to the SDGs; the oversight role of parliamentary commissions; how best to connect with citizens, civil society representatives and academics; the mechanisms for integrating gender equality in the work of the Parliament; and opportunities to play a leadership role in the region in SDGs and gender equality. Mr. Amadou Cissé, President of the Committee on the SDGs and Vice-President of the IPU Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade, and Mr. Maleye Diop, UNDP Mali, presented the IPU’s self-assessment toolkit on SDGs.

In the outcome document, the Parliament said it would help to achieve the SDGs through oversight and budget allocation; effective communication on the goals with citizens; by mainstreaming gender in its structures, promoting women’s participation in decision-making posts, sensitizing men and boys to gender-based violence; and by ensuring budget lines for the delivery of basic health services.

Source: IPU

Malian MPs from across all political parties gathered at an IPU seminar in Bamako, Mali, to discuss gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The seminar, which was co-organized with the Parliament of Mali, took place on 25 and 26 July.

The seminar aimed to sensitize Malian MPs to their role in promoting SDGs and gender equality and to help them to identify strategies to better integrate these two issues into public policies and laws. Among the subjects discussed were: the role of parliaments in realizing the SDGs; the empowerment of women; gender equality as a key factor in the realization of the SDGs; and access to quality health services for all, especially women and children.

On the second day, participants broke up into groups to discuss, among other things, parliamentary mechanisms that would allow MPs to discuss issues related to the SDGs; the oversight role of parliamentary commissions; how best to connect with citizens, civil society representatives and academics; the mechanisms for integrating gender equality in the work of the Parliament; and opportunities to play a leadership role in the region in SDGs and gender equality. Mr. Amadou Cissé, President of the Committee on the SDGs and Vice-President of the IPU Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade, and Mr. Maleye Diop, UNDP Mali, presented the IPU’s self-assessment toolkit on SDGs.

In the outcome document, the Parliament said it would help to achieve the SDGs through oversight and budget allocation; effective communication on the goals with citizens; by mainstreaming gender in its structures, promoting women’s participation in decision-making posts, sensitizing men and boys to gender-based violence; and by ensuring budget lines for the delivery of basic health services.

Source: IPU