EIGE Report: on-line discussion “Women and Political Decision-Making
The strong commitment to gender equality in the political arena from the European Institutions, the energy and creativity being shown by civil society on this issue, and own commitment and interest all offer hope for achieving greater gender balance on different level of decision-making in Europe.
In the discussion we found instances of progress that were a source of encouragement. However, in many other instances progress was slow and in some cases was even being reversed. There was a fear of backlash especially in a context of recession where issues of gender equality have gone off the agenda. This poses a significant challenge.
By way of inspiration, we heard from three MEPs – Sirpa Pietikainen from Finland, Marusya Lyubcheva from Bulgaria, and Claudette Abela Baldacchino from Malta – who all demonstrated a strong and insightful support for the greater empowerment of women including through the use of quotas.
A wide spectrum of barriers was identified. The practice of political parties, the electoral system itself, the practice of democratic institutions, and the media were identified on the demand side. Low self-confidence, lack of resources, internalisation of stereotypes and inadequate opportunity to reconcile work and family life were identified on the supply side. This provides an agenda on which to engage the evident commitment to change in this area.