Activity 4: Electoral System

PARAGRAPH 182

Despite the widespread movement towards democratization in most countries, women are largely underrepresented at most levels of government, especially in ministerial and other executive bodies, and have made little progress in attaining political power in legislative bodies or in achieving the target endorsed by the Economic and Social Council of having 30 per cent women in positions at decision-making levels by 1995.

Globally, only 10 per cent of the members of legislative bodies and a lower percentage of ministerial positions are now held by women.

The equitable distribution of power and decision-making at all levels is dependent on Governments and other actors undertaking statistical gender analysis and mainstreaming a gender perspective in policy development and the implementation of programmes. Equality in decision-making is essential to the empowerment of women. In some countries, affirmative action has led to 33.3 per cent or larger representation in local and national Governments.

All Governments, national bodies, the private sector, political parties, trade unions, employers’ organisations, research and academic institutions, Sub-regional and regional bodies and non-governmental and international organisations:

(a) Take positive action to build a critical mass of women leaders, executives and managers in strategic decision-making positions;

(b) Create or strengthen, as appropriate, mechanisms to monitor women’s access to senior levels of decision-making.

PARAGRAPH 187

PARAGRAPH 192

Women and poverty

When women are poor, their rights are not protected and they face double discrimination, on account of their gender and economic situation. Women, their families, communities and economies suffer as a result.

Education and Training of Women

Education is essential for women to reach gender equality and become leaders of change. While women and girls today are far more educated than ever before, gaps remain. Educated women benefit entire societies, contributing to flourishing economies and the improved health, nutrition and education of their families. Education and training are also tools to help change harmful gender stereotypes. Whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or through unpaid domestic or care work at home, women make enormous contributions to economies. Gender discrimination means women often end up in insecure, low-wage jobs, and constitute a small minority of those in senior positions.

To ensure that women can contribute fully and benefit from the economy, UN Women runs multiple programmes for women’s economic empowerment and promotes women’s ability to secure decent jobs, own land, accumulate assets, and influence institutions and public policies determining growth and development. UN Women also works with partners to ensure that workplaces are free of violence and sexual harassment.

WAGES

At Least 50%

of the world’s women are in paid wage and salary employment, an increase from 40% in the 1990s

But women earn

10% - 30% LESS

For the same work