The number of seats held by women in the European Parliament increased from 31% to 35% this year. The world-wide average of women’s representation in parliamentary seats is, however, only 18%, a number far from the United Nations target of 30%.
According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women’s access is affected by different factors. The attitudes about the role of women in society and bias among the voters are two reasons; but, electorate arrangements (such as the party systems) together with political will are the most important factors. It has been proven that women are elected in greater numbers in systems of proportional representation than they are in majority electoral systems.
Electoral law with quotas can direct political parties to ensure that a certain proportion of their candidates are women. Some states have achieved positive results through a combination of strategies, such as providing skills-training for women or assistance in running electoral campaigns.
What is the situation in your country? What are the most important factors? What strategies are being used? What else could be done to increase women’s participation?
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