Women in Politics: The Journey Towards Equal Representation This week we celebrate the European Gender Equality Week. One hundred years after women in many EU countries first gained the right to vote or entered parliamentary roles, gender balance in politics remains an elusive goal. While progress has been made—such as the European Parliament achieving one of the most gender-balanced representative assemblies globally—women are still significantly underrepresented in many areas of political decision-making. The Case for Gender Equality in Politics The benefits of gender balance in politics extend far beyond representation. It strengthens democracy, fosters innovation, and ensures that policies reflect the needs of society more holistically. Political parties, institutions, and governments all stand to gain from equitable gender participation, both in public perception and in decision-making quality. Persistent Challenges The obstacles women face are multifaceted and deeply rooted in societal structures. Among these, violence against women active in politics stands out as a critical barrier. Female politicians endure both political violence and gender-based violence, discouraging many from pursuing or continuing in political careers. Additionally, disparities in campaign funding and the lack of support networks further exacerbate these challenges. Strategies for Change The European Union has committed to achieving gender balance in political participation through robust initiatives: ◾️ Legislation and Policy: Adoption of electoral quotas in some Member States has proven effective in closing the gender gap. The EU Directive on combating violence against women aims to create minimum standards across Member States for addressing gender-based violence. ◾️ Supportive Frameworks: The EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention signals its dedication to combating violence against women. Ongoing efforts to regulate online harassment as part of broader cyber-violence legislation provide critical support for women in digital political spaces but political parties, parliaments, and institutions, apart from platforms should take responsibility as well. ◾️Civic and Institutional Efforts: Civil society, media, and political parties play a crucial role in reshaping narratives and empowering women to enter and thrive in politics. Educational programs and mentorship initiatives are essential for fostering the next generation of women leaders. Moving Forward Achieving gender parity in politics is not just an issue of fairness—it’s a democratic imperative. Addressing structural barriers, ensuring safe environments, and fostering inclusive policies are vital steps toward realizing this goal. The EU's steadfast commitment to these principles is paving the way for transformative change, but it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders—governments, institutions, and citizens alike. #WomenInPolitics #GenderEquality #Democracy
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