OSCE/ODIHR supports dialogue on promoting women’s participation in politics in Ukraine
Measures to promote women’s political participation in Ukraine were highlighted at a discussion in the Ukrainian capital organized by the Kyiv Dialogue Forum and supported by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 5 and 6 March 2013.
Parliamentarians, political party leaders, gender-equality experts and representatives from civil society and international organizations examined good practices and policy challenges in advancing women’s participation in politics, drawing from examples in Ukraine, Germany and other European countries.
Participants also noted the findings of the final report of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the 28 October 2012 parliamentary elections, which recommends a gender analysis of all existing and forthcoming election legislation. The report also encourages political parties to work towards putting forward gender-balanced candidate lists.
Opening the discussion, June Zeitlin, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Gender Issues, encouraged the participants in the Kyiv Dialogue Forum to “promote the equal participation of women and men in political parties by identifying concrete steps to achieve better gender-balanced representation in elected public offices at all levels of decision-making."
“It continues to be a real challenge for women to have their voices heard in Ukrainian politics,” said Iryna Gerashchenko, the Co-Chair of the Equal Opportunities Group in Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. “The Gender Equality Caucus in the Verkhovna Rada is an important avenue for advancing a more balanced political participation of women and men, and for promoting gender issues within the parliamentary agenda.”
Noting that equality between women and men is a fundamental aspect of a just and democratic society, Ajla van Heel, the Gender Officer at ODIHR, said that the Office stands ready to provide assistance and expertise to participating States in advancing women’s rights and gender equality.