I am very pleased to be taking part in this discussion today- as a woman politician and a member of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality committee of the European Parliament, ensuring equality at a political level is very important to me.
First of all, I would like give some facts and figures about women in politics in the EU.
At the European level, only around 33% of the members in the European Parliament are women. At local level, the situation is almost as discouraging. Currently only 25% of local councillors are women and although we are proud that Wales is leading the world in gender equality in our National Assembly, we certainly don't shout this loudly enough.
On average in politics, women hold about a fifth of elected positions. Many factors can be given as a reason for this, such as low media coverage for women politicians and the long and irregular hours politicians are required to work which causes problems with family life and childcare. But most politicians and the majority of the top decision-making posts are held by men. In the European Commission for example, there are 10 female EU Commissioners compared to 17 male Commissioners.
According to the latest Eurobarometer published this month, over 70% of the electorate believe that men dominate the political scene and agree that women could bring a different perspective to politics. Different mechanisms have been tried and tested to ensure gender parity in Welsh politics. Examples are all women short-lists, 'twinning' (meaning 'joining two constituencies, selecting best man and best woman, then deciding which seat to contest) and 'zipping' (which means electing a list of men and a list of women on basis of ability, then 'zip' the two list together to have man/woman or woman/man on final list). These of course require strong party support in order to be effective in correcting gender imbalance. However, interestingly, recent studies show that women prefer solutions whereby more women are encouraged to enter politics.
Studies show that by having women politicians taking leadership roles, women's political 'knowledge' increases and in turn more women become candidates and are elected. On International Women's Day a year ago, I along with other women politicians called on the European Union to appoint an envoy for women. This senior diplomat could ensure that policy decisions are right for women and raise awareness providing a good role model for other women. They could present proposals to the Council of Ministers and the European Commission and be held accountable by the European Parliament. They could spur on national governments to live up to their Millennium commitments. But foremost, they could ensure that Europe becomes accessible for women worldwide struggling to improve their social and economic situation and that of their community.
It is very difficult to influence decisions if women are left out of crucial discussions and decision-making. Structures for gender mainstreaming and ensuring compliance must be in place.
2009 is an excellent opportunity for the European Union to become more democratic - we will elect a new European Parliament, we will appoint a new European Commission led by its president, and a new president for the European Parliament. How many of the new Members of the European Parliament will be women, and will both of the top EU leaders wear a suit and tie?
A modern democracy requires gender equality; the equal representation of women and men in the making of decisions that affect all our lives. If it doesn't represent 52% of the population, it is no real democracy at all. That is why we have to constantly assess the situation, pushing for better policies and demanding real action.
Recently, I joined the European Women's Lobby to call for all decision-makers, individuals and organisations interested in the promotion of democracy and justice to support a campaign for immediate and long-term measures to ensure gender equality at both European and national levels to improve the functioning and quality of our political systems. Having members who represent a wider range of life' experiences will also enrich our democracy - it is not the case of having women to represent women or men only representing men,
We have called upon:
• All European and national political parties to act immediately to ensure the realisation of gender equality in their nomination procedure ahead of the election of the European Parliament in June – for example through their electoral lists and in the drafting of their programmes.
• Women and men in Europe to seize the current opportunity to speak up and cast their vote in 2009 with a view to advancing democracy, gender equality and justice.
• The EU Member States to fulfil their commitments to democracy and gender equality by ensuring the equal representation of women among the top jobs at EU level to be appointed in 2009.
I am also a member of the inter-institutional network of women, which includes high profile women like Margot Wallstrom, the European Commissioner for Communication. It was felt that if women across the EU institutions, MEPs, Commissioners and national Ministers were seen to be acting together, cross party, it could be seen as a critical signal to influence both the outcome in respect of any top appointments in countries like Wales. It will hopefully also mobilise our political parties and national governments to improve the turn-out of women at the European elections in June.
The talents, the ideas, the political commitment and the energies of women are vast resources for Welsh/European society. I know what being strong really means, it's not the loudest voice or the one you hear the most often, it's the one that speaks the most sense.
We can't lose the momentum in this fight against inequality. We need strong and effective action to move the agenda forward for real and lasting equality across Europe. I believe that in the past the European Union has been the world champion against discrimination and for laws on equality. It has to strengthen this role and to do that it has to show courage and determination.
It is frustrating for me as a politician to be putting the same arguments forward but unfortunately, we have to keep saying and repeating these things because they are all needed. If we are to tackle the serious imbalance of representation in politics and decision making at all levels in society, having this debate is essential.
Jill Evans ASE/MEP
