The Role of Parliaments in Advancing Gender Equality and Women in Politics in South-East Europe
When
Where
Organized by
The 2021 Regional Conference of Women Parliamentarians in South-East Europe (SEE) will be hosted by the Parliament of Montenegro, under the title: “The Role of Parliaments in Advancing Gender Equality and Women in Politics in SEE”. The event is co-organised by ODIHR and the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. The cross-party online conference will bring together around 45 women parliamentarians from the entire region alongside international experts and parliamentarians from other parts of the OSCE region.
Objectives
This conference will provide women parliamentarians with the opportunity to:
- discuss lessons learned, challenges and opportunities on making their parliament gender sensitive
- advance their awareness of violence against women in politics and how parliaments can help
- exchange good practices around inter-institutional cooperation and networking
Why it is important
Over the last three decades, women have made significant advancements into political life across the OSCE region. Today, women make up 29 per cent of members of parliaments, with Nordic countries holding the highest average of over 42 per cent. For comparison, the average in South-East Europe is at little over 30 per cent.
Women parliamentarians play a key role in channeling women’s interests and needs into the political arena, making sure that parliaments produce gender-responsive policy outcomes for the benefit of all women and men. Exchange, networking and peer learning have proven to be effective tools in supporting women parliamentarians.
Registration
On this occasion, the event is not open to the general public.
In case of questions, please reach out to Saša Gavrić, ODIHR's Gender Officer, sasa.gavric@odihr.pl.
Background
ODIHR and the OSCE field operations in South-East Europe are collaborating regularly in hosting meetings and conferences of women members of parliament (MPs), with the aim to network, exchange best practice and strengthen co-operation.