Male-dominated power
structures and traditional masculine models of exercising power often create
obstacles to women’s participation, excluding them from the political process
inside and outside political parties. However, in a number of countries,
political parties have adopted strategies and concrete measures to create a
supportive party environment for women and enhance their participation within
their internal structures and decision-making processes. Political parties can
develop internal policies and legal frameworks to ensure that women’s voices
are heard and that they are fairly represented at all levels within the party.
They can adopt measures to promote women’s representation in decision-making,
such as internal quotas for women in governing boards and other elected bodies.
Women’s wings can also play an important role in integrating women’s voices and
interests in internal decision-making, giving visibility to the issue of gender
equality and serving as platforms to foster female leadership. Moreover,
political parties can mainstream gender equality in policy development, by
supporting public policies that advance human rights for women.[1]
[1] UNDP and NDI (2012): op.
cit.
