Above: Supporting other women in public life is vital , and a culture of helping each other up the “ladder” should be encouraged. Opposite page: Delegates from Malaysia at the Workshop.
for women’s representation in Chambers/Houses. The workshop benefited from
hearing case studies from India and South Africa in particular of Chambers with legislated quotas for women’s representation. The specific targets for representation vary between jurisdictions, taking into account electoral methods, history and current circumstance. Overall, the workshop heard that
quotas or specific affirmative action requirements are beneficial. That said, some jurisdictions noted that such policies can lead to criticisms that candidate selection is not merit- based. It can even cause friction within parties that actively promote the policy if there is a perception that women in the party gain an unfair advantage over men in the party. However, on the whole, the
workshop noted that this is a false argument. Hon. Noxolo Abraham- Ntantiso, MPL, of Eastern Cape argued that political structures seem prepared to take risks with men candidates but she said they make women prove themselves regardless. Some jurisdictions noted in
particular the successes in Indian and African regions as good examples of how quotas have supported women into political roles. Members from many jurisdictions
reported weak legal frameworks around electoral representation, and some regulation could promote gender equality in representation, said Hon. Justice Dr Patrick Matibini, SC, MP, of Zambia. Structured programmes to
support women can and do work, and several case studies demonstrate this, said Hon. Joseph Madonsela,
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MP, of Swaziland. Affirmative action policies have resulted in women in leadership role as MPs, judges and ambassadors, with benefits to civil society, said Hon. Virgilia Matabele, MP, of Mozambique. The workshop heard from Ms Boyd Knights that percentage quotas alone do not always work and need to be based in a system of practical support for women.
Training and support Parliamentary and leadership roles can be very challenging, and nothing quite prepares anyone for it. Parties could provide tailored training and mentoring for women MPs. Hon. Dato’ Noraini Ahmed,
MP, of Malaysia said that in public life a Member’s private life can be examined in the media so learning how to deal with this is important.
On the face of it, political life can seem very adversarial with many disincentives for women. Parties, and perhaps the CWP,
have a role to play in explaining to women the richly rewarding work of constituency work and committee work to encourage their interest, said Baroness Scott of Needham Market, a Member of the United Kingdom House of Lords. The workshop heard from Hon.
Jean Sendeza, MP, of Malawi that objectives set out in manifestos are commendable but reality can be different. The CPA and the CWP could work to improve things on the ground through training and education. Hon Sajith Premadasa, MP,
of Sri Lanka suggested that there needs to be practical outcomes from workshops such as this, such an