Women's Leadership

PETALING JAYA: The statistics department reported better gender equality overall in 2022, but noted a clear challenge faced in women’s political empowerment, which remains alarmingly low.

Chief Statistician Uzir Mahidin said the women’s political empowerment subindex scored the lowest at 10.2%, emphasising the urgent need for increased female participation in political spheres.

In a live event discussing the impact of women’s power, or Nari Shakti, in politics, female representatives from various political parties, including Sunita Duggal, Amee Yajnik, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Sushmita Dev, express their perspectives on the changing political landscape. The conversation revolves around women’s leadership and their inherently transformative roles in politics.

Gender Equality and the Role of Men

IT’S the responsibility of political parties to ensure that more women take part in local and national elections, says Assistant Foreign Minister and Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua.

Additionally, Ms Qereqeretabua said making political life safer for women was crucial.

The Standing Committee on State Structure of the Parliament, in cooperation with the UN Promoting Gender Equality and Women's Participation in Decision-making project, organized the First Conference of Women Parliamentarians on September 7, 2022.

The Conference of Women Parliamentarians 2023 is to be organized in Chinggis Khaan Hall at the State Palace on December 12, 2023, Montsame notes.

A noteworthy trend is emerging in Indian democracy, where women are choosing to participate in the electoral process. As the percentage of women voters rises across India, it is yet to be seen how future elections will be impacted.

New Delhi: In recent times, virtually every political party in India has included a dedicated section in its election manifesto, pledging to engage and attract female voters. Does this signal a significant shift in Indian society?

It is truly disheartening to observe the glaring absence of female candidates vying for political office in the upcoming general elections. Despite Bangladesh having been led at different times by two women since 1991 besides the years of the caretaker regime, the paltry representation of women remains a stark reminder of the uphill battle for true inclusivity.

One of the first few countries to introduce suffrage for women and their election to office, Türkiye marks the 89th anniversary of the constitutional amendment, with more women in political offices though they are still outnumbered by men.

Nakiye Elgün’s message was simple: “We are a whole.” One of the first female lawmakers of the Turkish Parliament, Elgün noted in her speech in 1935 that men and women worked together in many fields but they were “honored” to be part of Parliament.