Equality in government
Women’s political participation is a Millennium objective in its own right. Empowering women in the political arena has the potential to change societies. Their involvement in governing bodies at the national and local levels leads to policies and legislation that are focused on women, children and families. But while formal barriers to entering national and local parliaments have been eliminated in virtually every country, this has been insufficient to address gender imbalances in governance. Even when political spaces and processes have opened up, the number of women in decision-making positions has not automatically increased. Beginning in childhood, women face discrimination that ranges from lower levels of education to prevailing social attitudes doubting their competence as decision-makers. This discrimination, as well as women’s significantly greater work burden, discourages and prevents women from entering politics and leaves them less time and energy for public life. Governments, in conjunction with women’s organisations and political parties, have a vital role in promoting women’s political empowerment. They do so by promoting gender-sensitivity among officials or establishing comprehensive policy forums, such as women’s ministries and equal opportunity bureaus. However, changed gender attitudes and practices in government and politics, even where successful, must be accompanied by adequate resources as well as the requisite skills. Women’s participation in national legislatures, local government and peace processes is not only transforming the politics of the present – it is also altering its future, as women in politics are changing prevailing attitudes towards women and girls in decision-making roles.
Women's Voices - Malaysia Women's Voices - Global Women & Children - The Double Dividend of Gender Equality |
