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                  IPU: Women Wield Too Little Political Power

   by Lisa Schlein

   As the world marks International Women's Day, a new report finds women
   globally wield little political power, hampering efforts to bring about
   positive social and economic change for women.

   The Inter-Parliamentary Union's launch of its "Women in Parliament
   2015: the Year in Review" report in Geneva showed women's participation
   in parliament has plateaued. For the second year in a row, the
   Inter-Parliamentary Union says women have put in a disappointing
   showing. Last year, it notes the number of women Members of Parliament
   increased by a low 0.5 percent in 58 national elections, to reach 22.6
   percent of women in parliament globally.

   At this snail's pace, IPU Director of Programs, Kareen Jabre said,
   women will not reach the 2030 target for equality as set out in the
   Sustainable Development Goals. In contrast, she said, more progress has
   been made concerning women parliamentary leaders, with nearly 18
   percent of Parliaments today being led by women speakers, including
   three newcomers.

   "Nepal, which is quite emblematic after the adoption of the
   Constitution in the country, Namibia, and UAE (United Arab Emirates).
   UAE being the first country--Arab country to have a woman speaker of
   Parliament," said Jabre, listing the newcomers.

   The report finds Latin America, with more than 27 percent of women in
   parliament, has made the most progress, with Sub-Saharan Africa not far
   behind.  Though a number of elections in African countries were marred
   by violence and conflict, the IPU says women MPs have increased their
   numbers by 0.7 percent to reach 23.2 percent.

   ''

   Jabre said the most progress has been made in Ethiopia and Tanzania due
   to quotas and other political incentives.

   "In Benin, we have noticed a very innovative campaign to encourage
   young women's political participation through social media.  So, this
   is also another interesting initiative that was noticed in Africa,"
   said Jabre.

   As in previous years, Rwanda has the highest proportion of female
   parliamentarians, with 65 percent of seats held by women.

   The IPU says overall, quotas remain one of the main tools for achieving
   progress in boosting the number of women MPs, but, it adds, quotas with
   teeth. It says sanctions must be applied and enforced where quota
   provisions are ignored.  Otherwise, it warns, women will not be elected
   in large numbers.
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   power/3225401.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/ipu-women-wield-too-little-political-power/3225401.html