Expert group meeting "equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes, with particular emphasis on political participation and leadership"

Abstract

This paper discusses the participation of women in the political life of a nation constitutes an important step towards democratization. Among other things, women's participation ensures diversity in contributions to policy-making and can offer new perspectives and development priorities. Despite political recognition of the fundamental right of women and men to participate in political life, the gap between de jure and de facto equality in the area of power and decision-making remains wide. Women are underrepresented at most levels of government, especially in ministerial and other executive bodies, and have made slow progress in attaining political power in legislative bodies.