CLRAE Declaration on Women and Politics (1997) (English)
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities: Declaration on Women and Politics
STRASBOURG, 06.03.97 - On the occasion of the International Women's Day, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe is launching an appeal to all women and men throughout Europe.
The Congress is convinced that true democracy should not ignore half of the citizens of Europe in decision making processes. It is essential that women take an active part in political decisions at all levels: Local, Regional, National and European.
During this century, women have finally obtained the right to vote and to be elected in all European countries and their contribution to social and economic life has become progressively more and more important. On the eve of the 21st Century, it is now imperative that women become involved in decision-making at all levels in order that the interests of all citizens (women and men) are taken into account. It is a democratic issue as well as a question of justice.
In addition, in everyday life, women's experience is different from men's. They therefore develop their own interests, their own convictions and their own areas of responsibility, of which neither persons in positions of responsibility in cities and regions, nor society itself must be deprived.
The Congress, taking note of the low proportion of women involved in political life at local and regional levels, appeals to all competent authorities and, in particular to political parties and to citizens' associations, to include in their statutes mechanisms, such as participation quotas, in order to create a balance between the representation of women and of men and to achieve a true parity democracy.
Parity democracy can only be achieved through partnership between women and men. Political parties and local and regional authorities throughout Europe (and therefore men which are in the majority in them) have a specific responsibility to promote the involvement of women in political life. In addition, it is often women's first experience at municipal, city or regional level, which allows their competencies to be recognised with a view to their acceding to political posts at higher levels.