The World of Parliaments His Views on the 120Th IPU Assembly, to Be Held in Addis Ababa

I Inter-Parliamentary Union April 2009 • No. 33 P THE WORLD U

Quarterly Review OF PARLIAMENTS

The Speaker of the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives said: “Our goals: peace, democracy and development” Mr. Teshome Toga, Speaker of the House of Peo- ples’ Representatives of Ethiopia, gave The World of Parliaments his views on the 120th IPU Assembly, to be held in Addis Ababa. See interview on pages 2 and 3. ◗

In this issue

IPU President tours Middle East...... 4 Photo: IPU/F.Glatz “We try to ensure that Ethiopian adolescent girls and young women are not left behind and that they also participate in the democratization and development process”, said Speaker Toga.

Marshalling support Photo: Presidency of the Palestinian Authority IPU President Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab met with the President of the Palestin- ian Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas. for a safer world Nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and security are th Achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world: themes that will be debated by legislators at the 120 IPU How parliaments can help Assembly. In this issue of The World of Parliaments, the by Mr. Sergio Duarte United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Af- United Nations High Representative for fairs, Mr. Sergio Duarte, gives his views on how to tackle Disarmament Affairs...... 5 these challenges, while the Speaker of the House of Peoples’ NRepresentatives of Ethiopia, Mr. Teshome Toga, elaborates on the main issues on the agenda of the Addis Ababa As- sembly. Security is a serious concern, especially for women Violence against women during periods of conflict: in conflict zones. Ms. Eve Bazaiba Masudi, Senator and The case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Chair of the Senate Committee on Socio cultural Affairs of by Ms. Eve Bazaiba Masudi the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), describes the Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on dramatic situation of women in her country. This issue of Socio-cultural Affairs of the Democratic Republic the IPU Quarterly Review is also largely dedicated to the of the Congo (DRC)...... 6 analysis of the statistics on Women in Parliaments, following elections held in 2008. ◗

The World of Parliaments 1 April 2009 • No. 33 THE INTERVIEW

Mr. Teshome Toga, Speaker of the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives “Our goals: peace, democracy and development”

Mr. Teshome Toga, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of Ethiopia, gave The World of Parliaments his views on the next IPU Assembly, to be held from 5 to 10 April 2009 in Addis Ababa. Photo: IPU/F.Glatz

Q: Why did Ethiopia decide to host the an undemocratic, unstable situation weapons and the Comprehensive Nu- 120 th IPU Assembly? of conflict to what we have today. At clear-Test-Ban Treaty because a nuclear the same time we had to move from a weapon is a weapon of mass destruction. T.T.: For two reasons. Last year, we cel- central economy to a market economy. ebrated the Ethiopian Millennium and Different views prevail and many legis- Peace, democracy, good governance we wanted to have the IPU celebrate it lators from less developed countries feel and development are the major national with us. For certain reasons, we agreed that there are double standards in this to pave the way for our South African goals that we are trying to achieve. We area. All governments should sign the counterparts to host the Assembly in defined our strategies to achieve peace Treaty. Parliamentarians should make an Cape Town last year, thereby allowing through institutional mechanisms and effort to convince national parliaments us to host the 120th Assembly in April legal frameworks to have a multiparty that have not yet ratified the Treaty to this year. The second reason is that the parliamentary democracy in Ethiopia, to do so in order to facilitate its entry into Ethiopian Parliament has been a Mem- eradicate poverty and develop our na- force. ber of the IPU for over 50 years, and we tion. The efforts we have made over the past fifteen years are bearing fruits and Q: The third item is related to freedom felt that it was time for us to host an of expression and the right to informa- IPU Assembly. the parliament plays a very important role in this regard. But implementing tion. What can legislators do to defend Q: What for you is the added value of policies requires a lot of resources. Giv- these two pillars of democracy and to an IPU Assembly? en the current crisis, parliaments should support some of their colleagues whose rights are not respected? T.T.: The IPU Assemblies represent the play a greater role and the choice of this largest parliamentary forum globally. item for debate at the Assembly in Addis T.T.: The first thing is to recognize that These important forums for parliamen- Ababa is highly relevant. these are fundamental freedoms which tarians from the world over give us the Q: How do you implement democracy, should be respected by all countries and opportunity to deal with relevant issues good governance and development? governments. Legislators should create and to meet with colleagues from dif- an enabling environment and pass ap- ferent parliaments. When you network T.T.: In Ethiopia, we have a highly de- propriate laws to defend them. In my and meet with members of other na- centralized administrative system that country, we recently enacted a law on tional parliaments, you complement the allows for the participation of all citi- the mass media and the right to infor- overall relations between two countries. zens. We are working to ensure that mation. As legislators, we should ensure Parliaments are the representatives of peace and multiparty parliamentary that these laws are implemented for all people and it is important that people democracy take root in order to build a citizens. In building democratic institu- have good relationships. democratic culture. tions, if people do not have access to Q: The general debate of the Addis Q: The Assembly will also address these two pillars of democracy, other Ababa Assembly will focus on the role the question of advancing nuclear rights cannot be respected. Under every of parliaments in building peace, de- non-proliferation and disarmament, national constitution there are guaran- mocracy and development in times of and securing the entry into force tees that recognize these freedoms, but crisis. Can you share with us the Ethio- of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- sometimes it is difficult to implement pian experience in this field? Ban Treaty: What can be the role of these rights. Legislators have an impor- parliaments in this respect? tant oversight role to play to ensure that T.T.: Two decades ago, we found our- they are respected. selves in a situation of conflict and T.T.: This is an issue of concern to all of instability. We had to struggle for a us. As parliamentarians, we have been Q: What about legislators whose long time to make the transition from advocating non-proliferation of nuclear rights are not respected?

The World of Parliaments 2 April 2009 • No. 33 EDITORIAL

T.T.: The IPU has a track record of fighting for the rights of colleagues whose rights are not respected. National parlia- Education and development: ments have an obligation to respect the the new passwords of women rights of elected parliamentarians, their participation in the work of parliament Some days prior to International Women’s Day, we called the correspondent and their immunity. The IPU provides a of a newspaper at the United Nations Office in Geneva to alert him to the forum to express our solidarity and sup- latest IPU statistics on women in parliaments. His response was emblem- port to these colleagues. Its Committee atic: “I will see what space my newspaper can give to your story. You know on the Human Rights of Parliamentar- that the international media will have to run after two important women ians has been working hard. The IPU on the same day: Hillary Clinton and Micheline Calmy-Rey”. They are re- should continue to express itself. It has spectively the new US Secretary of State and the Swiss Foreign Minister. done a good job and I encourage the Two women were making headlines in Geneva, while in Paris another wom- Committee on the Human Rights of Par- an Prime Minister was being received by French President Nicolas Sarkozy: liamentarians, which is one of the most Ms. Ioulia Timochenko. Not to mention a women President in Iceland, called important Committees within the IPU on to save her country from complete financial disaster. In other regions too structure, to continue to address this male strongholds are being conquered by women, such as Latin America, problem. where the Presidents of Argentina and Chile, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Q: The delegates will also have and Michelle Bachelet, hold power, or Asia, where two women candidates an opportunity to attend a panel were fighting for supreme power in Bangladesh: Sheikha Hasina and Begum discussion entitled “Adolescent Khaleda Zia. girls: The girls left behind?” Could This breakthrough of women in politics is not only evident at the execu- you elaborate on the problems that tive level but also at the parliamentary level. Ethiopian adolescent girls are facing? The latest IPU analysis and statistics shows that the world average of T.T.: Ethiopian girls are facing more or women members across all parliamentary chambers reached an all-time less the same problems as other girls high of 18.3 per cent, following elections held in 2008. Although only one in developing countries. The traditional out of five parliamentarians elected was a woman, the trend is clear: wom- perception of women has a very nega- en are slowly but surely climbing to the highest ranks of power. tive impact on the development of ado- In the words of Ms. Rose Mukantabana, Speaker of Rwandan Chamber lescent girls. The fundamental problem of Deputies - the parliamentary chamber with the highest percentage of is that traditional culture has imposed elected women legislators in the world (56.3%) - the novelty is that wom- a norm whereby adolescent girls should en have a new password to open the door to the most hallowed of halls: confine themselves to household activi- development and education. Two words that adolescent girls and women ties. The general view is that girls cannot victims of female genital mutilation (FGM) intend to use to fight this harm- achieve what boys can. Once the girls ful practice until it is eradicated. The same words that women in the Gulf are confined to the house, the next step States and in all corners of the world are committed to using to obtain is to get them married at a young age their rights in the name of equality for a fairer and safer world, one free so they can start their own family. Their of nuclear threats. But this is another challenge that women and men will participation in development activities have to tackle. is also very limited although they con- L.B. tribute a lot to household development, but that is not recognized. In Ethiopia, Q: You mentioned cultural perceptions. cation, supported by family laws to pro- in the past decade and a half, we have How would you handle this issue? tect women and adolescent girls, can we recognized that adolescent girls should really convince people. T.T.: First through education, not only be empowered as stipulated in our Con- for girls but also for boys and adults. I Q: Is Ethiopian society ready to tackle stitution, which provides for equality of traditional practices? men and women. We recognize that ad- am referring to civic education, wherein olescent girls should have equal oppor- the role of the media is important. In T.T.: There has been some encouraging tunities and access to education. Girls addressing HIV/AIDS or problems re- progress. Gradually, society is opening usually depend either on their husbands lated to harmful practices, we must up. Everybody cannot be placed in the or their families for their income so it have public debate so that all sectors of same basket. Among youth there is an is also important to empower them fi- society can share their views. We must awareness and understanding of the nancially. We have a policy that ensures ensure that society and all “owners” of problem. For older people, however, it their active participation in our devel- culture take part in the discussion, in will take more time to let go of tradition. opment effort both in rural and urban terms of the impact such traditions have Regarding HIV/AIDS, traditional, reli- areas. We try to ensure that adolescent on adolescent girls and on the commu- gious and other leaders have played an girls are not left behind and that they nity as a whole. Imposing laws or poli- important role in educating people and also participate in the democratization cies on communities has never achieved dispelling myths and society is opening and development process. much. Only through dialogue and edu- up.◗

The World of Parliaments 3 April 2009 • No. 33 PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY

IPU President tours Middle East

After convening the Executive Com- mittee in a special session in Janu- ary to discuss the crisis in Gaza, the IPU President decided to go there in March to verify the situation on the ground for himself. Entering Gaza on 3 March, he saw the results of Op- Aeration Cast Lead all around him. Hospitals and schools were in ruins; the once vibrant industrial area in the north was reduced to heaps of smashed concrete and twisted metal. On all sides lay the rubble of ordinary Photo: IPU people’s homes that had been shelled The IPU President visiting a hospital in Gaza. to pieces by tanks and F16s. Minis- tries and government offices lay in Palestinian Refugees in the Near East needed. Dr. Gurirab voiced a new call ruins. The American School in Gaza (UNRWA) operations in Gaza. Ging to the Israeli Government to lift its had taken a direct hit, and shells had briefed the IPU delegation on how blockade so that basic humanitarian landed in the United Nations com- UNRWA had coped during and after supplies for the people of Gaza could pound. At a loss for words, Dr. Gurirab the violence. They concurred on the enter the territory and the laborious expressed his shock at the destruction need to establish the full truth about work of reconstruction could begin. visible everywhere. He was appalled, what had happened during the con- He reiterated his conviction that we he said, at the suffering that had been flict, and to ensure that proper reck- must find a way to put an end to the inflicted on the Palestinian people in oning is done vicious cycle of construction, destruc- Gaza, and especially the thousands of There can be no hope of doing any- tion, re-construction and renewed innocent women and children who, thing to assist the people of Gaza if destruction on the Palestinian terri- once again, had been caught in the food and supplies cannot even enter tories. line of five. the territory. Construction materials The President talked with political Dr. Gurirab went on to meet with and spare parts for generators, sew- leaders of Hamas and with members John Ging, Director of the United Na- age plants, power infrastructure and of the Palestinian Legislative Coun- tions Relief and Works Agency for medical equipment are all desperately cil (PLC) in Gaza. Himself a politician tempered by a long struggle for nationhood, he stated his conviction that a solution to the conflict could only be found by the parties meet- ing around the negotiation table, not on the battlefield. He also outlined IPU’s work in defence of the human rights of the Palestinian members of parliament detained in Israeli prisons, saying that the IPU was doing eve- rything in its power to secure their release from unlawful detention. He added that he was looking forward to starting activities to provide technical support to the Legislative Council as soon as possible.

Talks in the Middle East

Photo: IPU At the Sharm el-Sheikh international The American School in Gaza took a direct hit. conference to support the Palestinian

The World of Parliaments 4 April 2009 • No. 33 NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION economy for the reconstruction of Gaza, Dr. Gurirab met with Achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world: the President of the Palestinian How parliaments can help Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas. On 5 March he was received in by Mr. Sergio Duarte Ramallah by the Prime Minister United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs of the Palestinian National Au- thority, Dr. Salam Fayyad, and Palestinian leaders. The President A world without nuclear weapons: also met with Mr. Saeb Erakat, what a great achievement that would Head of the Palestine Liberation be. And this is no fanciful “utopia.” It Organization Negotiations Af- is a goal that is finally getting serious fairs Department, to talk about attention across the globe and at high the prospects for peace. levels. This is more, much more, than Dr. Gurirab was received at the just a noble “ultimate” goal, but a his- Palestinian Legislative Council Atoric process. At long last, the world by the President of the Fatah may well be starting to take its first parliamentary block, Mr. Azzam tentative steps across the great bridge Alahmad, and several members between disarmament words and dis- of the legislature, where he em- armament deeds. phasized the need for the Pal- The United Nations, of course, has estinian parties and factions to been pursuing this goal throughout its reconcile their differences and existence, given its specific mandates establish a unity government. in the Charter, which the General As- Photo: United Nations He was also presented with sembly elaborated in its first resolu- a petition by 1,500 residents of tion in 1946 to include the goal of These, of course, are only a few of the Al Bustan neighbourhood eliminating all “weapons adaptable to such initiatives. Noting that the doc- in East Jerusalem, who had re- mass destruction.” Today, 189 States trine of nuclear deterrence has “proven ceived eviction orders to make have acceded to the Nuclear Non- to be contagious,” UN Secretary- way for the demolition of their Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which in- General Ban Ki-moon outlined his own cludes nuclear disarmament amongst homes. five-point proposal for nuclear disar- its goals. Even recognizing the dif- Amman and Cairo were also mament in a major speech last October ficulties ahead, the global norms of among the stops on the IPU before the EastWest Institute. In brief, disarmament and non-proliferation President‘s itinerary. In Amman he called for the following: continue to enjoy widespread support he spoke with the Speaker of the throughout the world. 1. All NPT States Parties, especially the Jordanian Parliament, Mr. Ab- The outpouring of support for nuclear-weapon states, should ful- dulhadi Majali, and in Cairo he progress in nuclear disarmament has fil their obligation under the treaty was received by Dr. Ahmed Fathy come from a surprisingly wide vari- to undertake negotiations on dis- Sorour, Speaker of the Egyptian ety of sources, both governmental armament, whether focused on a Parliament. He concluded his and non-governmental. Four former single convention or a framework tour of the Middle East by ad- US statesmen—George Shultz, William of separate, mutually reinforcing in- dressing the Conference of the Perry, Henry Kissinger, and Sam Nunn— struments. He also called for deep Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union did a great service by authoring op-eds reductions in the nuclear arsenals in Muscat, chaired by the new in the Wall Street Journal in 2007 and of the Russian Federation and the President of the Arab Inter-Par- 20 08 on this is sue. We have seen similar United States, who hold the most liamentary Union, the Speaker of op-eds by other distinguished quartets such weapons. the Shura Council of Oman, Mr. in Italy, Germany, and the United King- 2. The Security Council’s permanent Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Issai. dom. We have seen detailed proposals members should commence discus- He met the Speakers and lead- from the Weapons of Mass Destruction sions on security issues in the nu- ers of parliamentary delegations Commission chaired by Hans Blix, and clear disarmament process. They from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, are awaiting the recommendations of could unambiguously assure non- Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the new International Commission on nuclear-weapon States against the Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disar- use or threat of use of such weapons. the UAE. Dr. Gurirab also ex- mament, established by Australia and They could also consider convening changed views with the Speaker Japan. Additional disarmament initia- a summit just on nuclear disarma- of the Palestine National Council tives have long been introduced in UN ment, a subject the Council has not (PNC), Mr. Salim Al-Zanoon. ◗ General Assembly resolutions. addressed in many years.

The World of Parliaments 5 April 2009 • No. 33 NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION

3. The world needs to strengthen the the elimination of other WMD, new tary Union, Parliamentarians for Nu- “rule of law” in disarmament. The efforts against WMD terrorism, re- clear Non-Proliferation and Disarma- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban ductions in conventional arms pro- ment, and Parliamentarians for Global Treaty should enter into force soon. duction and trade, and new weapons Action. Multilateral negotiations should bans, including missiles and space Parliaments can also help to inspire commence on a fissile material weapons. their national governments to action in treaty. The nuclear-weapon States numerous ways, by encouraging them Parliaments everywhere have enor- should adhere to the protocols to the to launch their own disarmament initi- mous important roles to play in ad- various regional nuclear-weapon- atives, hosting meetings, funding stud- zone treaties, and the establishment vancing this global goal, well beyond ies, promoting diplomatic dialogue, of such a zone in the Middle East their responsibilities in ratifying trea- raising the issue in high-level official should be actively pursued, in ac- ties and approving their implement- speeches, and countless other such ac- cordance with commitments made ing legislation. They approve budgets. tivities. at the 1995 and 2000 NPT Review They help set national priorities. They Perhaps Jayantha Dhanapala, a Conferences, and long endorsed by can work to ensure the basic consist- former UN Under-Secretary-General the UN General Assembly. ency between domestic legislation and for Disarmament Affairs, put it best international commitments relating to by once telling an All-Party Group of 4. The nuclear-weapon States should disarmament and non-proliferation. the UK House of Commons that parlia- make public more information on They serve as a forum for debate and ments “help to give disarmament not what they are doing to implement for representing the views of constitu- only vision, but also some backbone, their disarmament commitments, ents. They can work to forge common muscle, and teeth”. thereby helping to strengthen both positions among political parties, while He was absolutely right. Parliaments accountability and transparency. also promoting cooperation among are indispensable to disarmament. ◗ 5. The world should pursue several different parliaments, with the help of complementary measures, including organizations like the Inter-Parliamen-

Violence against women during periods of conflict: The case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

by Ms. Eve Bazaiba Masudi Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Socio cultural Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Lying at the centre of the African en, “the term ‘violence against women’ continent, and covering an area of means any act of gender-based violence 2,345,000 km2, the DRC is home to that results in, or is likely to result in, some 60 million inhabitants, 52 per physical, sexual or psychological harm cent of whom are women. The coun- or suffering to women, including threats try’s coveted natural resources, far of such acts, coercion or arbitrary dep- from enriching the country, have been rivation of liberty, whether occurring

Lthe cause of repeated wars and inde- in public or in private life.” In the DRC, Photo: Senate of the RDC scribable suffering. women have endured, and in some sexual violence. Such violence—during For more than a decade, or more cases continue to endure, situations and in the aftermath of conflict—takes precisely since 1996, the DRC has been worse than those described in this def- the basest forms of cruelty: individual tormented by a hellish cycle of armed inition. Displaced or itinerant women conflict concentrated largely in the are among the most affected, togeth- or collective rape; penetration of the country’s eastern provinces: North er with disabled and elderly women. vagina with sharp objects, sticks, or and South Kivu, Maniema and North other devices; abduction into sexual Katanga. These conflicts have been Sexual violence and impunity slavery; and forced incest (between accompanied by grave human rights in the DRC brothers and sisters, sons and mothers, violations—victimizing women and fathers and daughters). children in particular. The problem of violence against Con- The perpetrators of such atrocities According to the Declaration on the golese women in situations of armed can be counted among the ranks of Elimination of Violence against Wom- conflict relates in large measure to lawless armed groups as well as regular Cont’d on page 7 The World of Parliaments 6 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT Cont’d from page 6 armed forces operating in the country. repeat their crimes, sometimes against The DRC has been a theatre of war for the very same victims. Such impunity Women in more than 10 regular armies and armed represents an indictment of the coun- rebel groups for at least seven years— try’s judicial authorities, which have all Parliament in 2008: some rebelling against, others allied the domestic and international legal All-time high of with, the government in power. instruments they need to effect the 18.3 per cent Even peacekeeping soldiers with punishment required. MONUC (the United Nations Mission in the DRC) have taken advantage of Solutions for the eradication of According to the latest IPU sur- women’s vulnerable position in conflict sexual violence against women vey, the world average of women situations to obtain sex, in some cases members across all parliamenta- with young girls. In devising strategies to combat this ry chambers reached an all-time The victims range in age from three scourge, it is important to take victims’ high of 18.3 per cent, following months to 80 years.1 The causes are concerns and priorities into account. elections and parliamentary re- several— from shameless, obsessive From their standpoint, urgent priority newals in 2008. One out of five and egotistical sexual need; to belief in should be assigned to clinical, followed parliamentarians elected was a obscure fetishistic practices as a sup- by judicial and economic, interventions. woman. posed source of invincibility; to venge- Security concerns, pending a definitive For the past five years, women ance and humiliation of the “enemy”, cessation of hostilities in the areas still have increased their share of using rape as a weapon of war. subject to open conflict, should also seats in 60 per cent of parlia- The consequences are varied as well: receive priority. - physical (haemorrhaging, laceration The law criminalizing sexual violence mentary renewals, while stagna- of the vagina or fistulas, lower limb was adopted by Congolese legislators tion or setbacks have occurred in paralysis) resulting in death for in September 2006. Provisions in the 40 per cent of chambers re- most victims; law included amendments to the DRC’s newed. Fifteen per cent of - psychological (rejection by society, Penal Code to expand and clarify the parliamentary chambers have shame, self-denial, mental depres- definition of rape—to eliminate ambi- reached 30 per cent or more sion, suicidal tendencies and other guity and to punish all forms of rape women members. Forty per forms of trauma); more heavily. cent of these chambers are in - unwanted pregnancies, abortions; This represents an effort by the DRC Europe, one-third in Africa and - high rates of HIV/AIDS and other to combat impunity and comply with 23 per cent in Latin America. At sexually transmitted diseases; and relevant provisions of international le- the other end of the spectrum, - high mortality rates for women and gal instruments ratified by its govern- one quarter of all parliamentary girls. ment on the specific rights of women, chambers have less than 10 per- The suffering of women afflicted and in particular Article 7 (g) of the cent women members, and nine with fistulas—open wounds extend- Rome Statute of the International chambers have no women mem- ing from the vagina to the anus—is Criminal Court, with respect to crimes bers at all. inexpressible. Apart from continuous against humanity. haemorrhaging, to such women lose It is important as well for authori- control of their menstrual, urinary, and ties to take effective measures in this excretory functions, producing a nau- area, such as those indicated in Se- seating, unbearable odour. According curity Council resolution 1820, en- to the testimony of NGO physicians titled “Women, Peace and Security”. attending to such victims, corrective This resolution is welcome in that it surgery requires multiple interventions strengthens resolution 1325, criminal- and is a prolonged, costly and painful izing rape and other forms of sexual process. violence in armed conflict situations as Tragically, the perpetrators of such war crimes and crimes against human- hateful crimes think little of them, ity. It calls for targeted and graduated enjoying as they do virtual immunity measures against parties to any armed from prosecution. Some are occasion- conflict that commit such atrocities ally identified and arrested but are and, for United Nations peacekeeping then released by authorities suppos- operations, establishes the principle of edly responsible for citizens’ security. zero tolerance to sexual exploitation Some of these sociopaths return to and violence. ◗ Photo: cover of the publication The Year in Perspective The publication in English and French can be ordered 1 Stop the impunity for violence against women, MONUC Magazine, special issue on the occasion of International from the IPU Secretariat. Women’s Month, February-March 2007, page 19.

The World of Parliaments 7 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT

The Top Ten

WORLD CLASSIFICATION

Rank Country Lower or single House Upper House or Senate Elections Seats* Women % W Elections Seats* Women % W 1 Rwanda 9 2008 80 45 56.3% 10 2003 26 9 34.6% 2 Sweden 9 2006 349 164 47.0% ------3 Cuba 1 2008 614 265 43.2% ------4 Finland 3 2007 200 83 41.5% ------5 Netherlands 11 2006 150 62 41.3% 5 2007 75 26 34.7% 6 Argentina 10 2007 255 102 40.0% 10 2007 72 28 38.9% 7 Denmark 11 2007 179 68 38.0% ------8 Angola 9 2008 220 82 37.3% ------9 Costa Rica 2 2006 57 21 36.8% ------10 Spain 3 2008 350 127 36.3% 3 2008 263 79 30.0% The IPU statistics on Women in National Parliaments, as at 28 February 2009 can be downloaded at: http://www ipu.org/wmn-e/world.htm

Fifteen per cent of chambers reach 30% or more women members The number of parliaments to have reached the minimum target implement special measures to increase women’s access to politi- of 30 per cent women members set by the United Nations has cal office. grown significantly in the past decade. In 1998 just six single/low- Belarus and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia joined er chambers had reached the target, all of which were European. the list in 2008, electing 31.8 and 30 per cent women members Today the figure has grown six-fold, with 24 single/lower houses respectively. It is the first time since the regime changes that took of parliament having surpassed 30 per cent women members. place during the 1990s in Eastern Europe that women have been This distinction is no longer limited to European parliaments: the elected in such numbers. Nepal is the first directly elected Asian lineup is now diverse and includes post-conflict and developing parliament to join the ranks, with 32.8 per cent women members. States from Africa, Asia and Latin America. In addition, 15 upper Its new electoral arrangements mandated that at least 33 per cent houses have reached the target, bringing the overall total to 39 of electoral candidates overall should be women. out of 264 chambers (15%). In addition to the single and lower houses, several upper houses Rwanda reinforced its position at the top of the scoreboard reached or surpassed the 30 per cent target in 2008. Swaziland’s by electing more than 56 per cent women members to its lower upper house saw the election and appointment of 40 per cent house in September 2008. This is the first single/lower house in women members to the chamber, its highest ever. In addition, re- history where women hold the majority of seats. That marked an newals in Belarus (33.9%), Belize (38.5%), Grenada (30.8%) and improvement on its previous record, when in its first post-con- Spain (29.9%) resulted in a critical mass of women in each cham- flict elections held in 2003 it elected nearly 49 per cent women ber. This brings to 15 the number of upper houses to have reached members. Rwanda is joined by Angola (37.3%), Burundi (30.5%), the target in 2008. Mozambique (34.8%), South Africa (33%), Tanzania (30.4%) and Uganda (30.7%) as the seven African countries to have reached In contrast to these performances, one quarter of all parliamen- the target in single/lower houses. tary chambers (51 single/lower houses and 14 upper houses out Cuba, New Zealand and Spain consolidated their positions after of 264) have less than 10 per cent women members. In addition, slightly improving their proportion of women members, with 43.2, there are nine chambers with no women members at all (mainly in 33.6 and 36.3 per cent respectively. While Cuba and New Zea- the Pacific Islands and Arab Gulf States). So while overall averages land have no legislated quotas, Spain has a mandated candidate indicate upward trends, there is little room for complacency with quota requiring political parties to nominate at least 40 per cent so many parliaments yet to achieve a bare minimum proportion women candidates. Austria was the only country to fall off the list of women members. after the proportion of women members dropped five percent- The IPU analysis Women in Parliament in 2008: The Year in Per- age points to 27.3 following snap elections in which right-wing spective can be downloaded at http://www.ipu.org/pdf/publica- parties made gains. Globally, left-wing parties are more likely to tions/wmn08-e.pdf ◗

The World of Parliaments 8 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMENT IN POLITICS

Africa Europe In Africa, Rwanda’s Parliament made history when its lower house elected The consistent rate of progress in a majority of women members, 56.3 per cent, while in Angola women Europe was largely sustained in the took 37 per cent of the seats in its first post-conflict election. Rwanda 19 chambers that were renewed, with reinforced its position at the top of the leader board by electing more than women taking more than 21 per cent 56 percent women members to its lower house in September 2008. This is of the seats on offer. In addition to the first single/lower house in history where women hold the majority of Spain, Belarus, The former Yugoslav seats. It improved on the previous record it had set, when in its first post- Republic of Macedonia and Austria conflict elections held in 2003 it elected nearly 49 percent women. Rwanda already mentioned, women made is joined by Angola (37.3%), Burundi (30.5%), Mozambique (34.8%), South inroads in parliament in France, Monaco Africa (33%), Tanzania (30.4%) and Uganda (30.7%) as the seven African and Serbia, all of which adopted some countries to have reached the target in single/lower houses. form of temporary special measures. Drops in the representation of women were registered in Georgia, Malta and Asia The Americas Romania. The change in Romania’s electoral system, from a proportional Asia has registered the slowest Some impressive gains were to a mixed member system where most rate of progress in terms of registered in the Americas in 2008. members are elected by majority vote, women’s access to parliament Women took 26.5 per cent of contributed to a decline in the number over the past fifteen years, the seats, on average, for the 12 of women elected. reaching a regional average of chambers renewed. Overall, women 17.8 per cent. However, there hold 21.5 per cent of all seats in the were some significant gains region, second only to the Nordic for women in 2008. In all, 14 countries. The high annual gains In the press chambers were renewed and are attributable to the success of Women hold just 18 per cent of women took nearly 19 per women candidates in Cuba (43.2%) Parliament seats cent of the seats on offer. The and the upper houses in Belize Women hold just over 18 percent of the biggest gain was registered (38.5%) and Grenada (30.8%). In seats in parliaments around the world, in Nepal, where women took the United States, both houses of a 60 percent increase since 1995 but a 32.8 per cent of the seats. The Congress held elections, returning long distance from equality with men new electoral arrangements their highest proportions of women in national legislative bodies, the Inter- mandated political parties to members: 17 per cent in each Parliamentary Union said in its annual report card. “We still feel that progress ensure that 33 per cent of the chamber. is slow,” said Philippines Senator Pia candidates chosen from party Women’s access to parliaments Cayetano, the President of the IPU lists to take seats in parliament in the Caribbean States is erratic, as Committee of Women Parliamentarians, must be women, a measure highlighted in Belize and Grenada. stressing that on average fewer than that guaranteed women’s While women were appointed to one in five legislators is a woman. “The success. Pakistan also elected nearly 40 per cent of seats in the challenges that women face in accessing the highest number of women upper house in Belize, no women politics are immense,” she told a news to its lowest chamber, with won election to the lower house. conference. “Prejudices and cultural women taking 76 of the 342 Just three women contested the perceptions about the role of society are seats on offer. Sixty seats in lower house elections (compared among the greatest obstacles to women’s the parliament are reserved with 90 men), none of whom entry.” During 2008, parliamentary elections and renewals took place in 54 for women, and 16 women was successful. In Grenada, the countries and women’s representation biggest percentage point drop won in the competition for increased to 18.3 percent — up from 17.7 open seats. In Bhutan, the first — 13.3— was registered after percent last year and 11.3 percent in 1995, general elections were held to the number of women members the IPU report said…”It is unfortunate the new 47-member National halved from four to two in the that we are not seeing progress being Assembly, contested under a lower house. Nevertheless, women made across all parliaments of the majority electoral system with were appointed to 30 per cent world,” IPU President Theo-Ben Gurirab women taking four seats. The of the seats in the upper house. said in a statement. “While there were lowest proportion of women With small chamber sizes and the some impressive gains made in 2008, was registered in the Islamic majority systems used to elect particularly in Africa, where Rwanda’s Republic of Iran, where women lower houses, women’s chances lower house elected a majority of women won just 2.8 per cent of the of success are limited. However, members, more needs to be done in those countries where women are largely absent seats. appointing women to upper from decision-making bodies.” houses has proved an important Associated Press story in the counterbalance to poor electoral International Herald Tribune results in lower chambers. 06 March 2009

The World of Parliaments 9 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMENT IN POLITICS

Pacific Island States Women Presiding The lowest return rate for women in 2008 was registered in the Pacific Island Officers of States, at less than four per cent on average. The parliaments of Nauru, Palau, Tonga and Vanuatu were renewed, and just five of the 131 seats on offer went Parliament to women. Two women won seats in the upper house in Palau; it has been a At the end of 2008, women decade since a woman last sat in that parliament. In Vanuatu, two women were presided over 31 of the 264 returned to the parliament. In the elections in Nauru, Tonga and Palau’s lower parliamentary chambers (11.7%) house, no woman won a seat. However, in Tonga, one woman was appointed to worldwide. The proportion of the cabinet, automatically becoming a member of parliament. women holding the highest office Three other Pacific Island States — the Federated States of Micronesia, in parliament has hovered around the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu — have no women members either. While a this mark for the past decade. The handful of female candidates stand for election in these States, few receive highest concentration of women enough votes to be elected. The extreme difficulties women face in being Speakers are in Europe with 13, elected has led to calls from different sectors for governments and parliaments followed by 10 in the Americas, six of the region to take action. A regional dynamic is beginning to take hold in Africa, and a woman Speaker where special measures, such as reserved seats for women, are being proposed each in Pakistan and Israel. During and debated as the only real policy option to redress the gender imbalances in 2008, a woman took up the post of parliament. Speaker for the first time in history in Rwanda, Serbia and Uzbekistan.

Equality in Politics Arab States An overview of key findings on Women and Men in Parliaments shows that in According to the latest IPU survey 2008: on the world average of women 1 - Women face greater obstacles entering politics members across all parliamentary 2 - Women bring different views, perspectives and talents to politics chambers, in 2008 the Pacific 3 - Numbers do matter Island States and the Arab States 4 - Women and men prioritize differently once again saw the lowest return 5 - Political parties do matter rate of women legislators. Only four chambers were 6 - Parliaments are not gender-sensitive institutions renewed in the Arab States. Women took over 9 per cent of the seats, on a par with its overall Top five factors that deter men and women from entering politics regional average. Women took the Deterrents for women Deterrents for men most seats in Djibouti, with 9 out ° Domestic priorities ° Lack of support from the electorate of 56 seats, an improvement of ° Prevailing cultural attitudes regarding ° Lack of finance two since women first entered the the role of women in society ° Lack of support of political parties parliament in 2003. In Tunisia’s ° Lack of support from family ° Lack of experience in “representative upper house, women took 13.5 ° Lack of confidence functions” e.g. public speaking per cent of the seats, imitating ° Lack of finance ° Lack of confidence the previous configuration. Early elections were held in Kuwait, Policy areas in which men and women are most active and as with the previous elections held less than two years earlier, no Among women respondents Among men respondents woman candidate was successful. ° Women’s issues ° Foreign affairs However, two women were ° Gender equality matters ° Economic and trade matters appointed to the cabinet and took ° Social and community matters ° Education up seats in parliament (cabinet ° Family-related matters ° Justice and constitutional matters ministers also sit in parliament). No ° Education ° Social and community matters woman was among the appointees ° Health care ° Infrastructure and development to the 35-member Qatari Advisory ° Foreign affairs ° Public administration Council. Qatar, along with the Federated States of Micronesia The complete publication Equality in Politics can be downloaded at: and Saudi Arabia, has never had a http://www.ipu.org/PDF/publications/equality08-e.pdf woman member.

The World of Parliaments 10 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMENT IN PARLIAMENT

In Togo women and men MPs In the press map action for enhanced implementation Women account for 19% of MPs of CEDAW in Africa, according to IPU official The Speaker of the Parliament of Benin, Mr. Mathuring Coffi Nago, who is also a member of “We have a pressing duty to and representatives of internation- the Executive Committee of the strengthen the action of our par- al organizations. Togolese human Inter-Parliamentary Union, said in liaments as a whole in promoting rights organizations also partici- Lomé that women account for 19 women’s rights and honouring our pated in the activities. per cent of MPs in Africa and 18.4 international and regional com- Participants placed the values and per cent of women MPs worldwide. mitments in this area”. It was with sociocultural specificities of their “Although significant progress had been made over the past years and these words that Mr. Mathurin Coffi respective countries at the centre of W the figures for Africa can hardly be Nago, Speaker of the National As- their discussions and strove to map considered unsatisfactory compared sembly of Benin and member of the action for the enhanced involve- with the figures for other parts IPU Executive Committee, opened ment of parliament and parliamen- of the world, we must recognize the seminar organized in Lomé tarians in the implementation of that much remains to be done”, (Togo) in February 2009 by the Na- CEDAW. They identified information said Mr. Nago In his view, it was tional Assembly of Togo, the Inter- and training, organization of parlia- normal for women - who represent Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the mentary proceedings, legislative ac- half and sometimes more of the United Nations Development Pro- tion, overseeing the executive and population of countries - “to aspire gramme (UNDP). partnerships and sensitization as to more equitable representation The seminar dealt essentially with key elements for fostering the im- in our country’s institutions of the Convention on the Elimination of plementation of instruments aimed governance”. Agence de Presse Africaine (APA all Forms of Discrimination against at protecting women’s rights. - Senegal) - 16 February 2009 Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol As part of the closing remarks, to the African Charter on Human Ms. Nassara Djobo - Second Deputy Joseph Stiglitz points a finger at and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on the Speaker of the National Assembly - offshore banking centres Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo said that the Speaker of the Togolese Tax evasion and fraud as well as Protocol). National Assembly, Mr. Abass Bon- financial centres that welcome illicit The seminar provided an opportu- foh, invited parliamentarians from and private funds of States will be nity for the parliamentary delega- the sub-region to draw inspiration targeted by the recommendations tions of Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, from the seminar in order to engage of the Stiglitz Commission. “We Niger, Senegal and Togo to interact in “action conducive to the effec- are not only looking at offshore with CEDAW and ACHPR experts tive implementation of CEDAW”. ◗ centres as will probably be the case at the G20 Summit. It will be easy for the Summit to accuse countries that will not be present in London and who therefore cannot defend themselves. We are also concerned with offshore centres that are equally secret and opaque”, said Joseph Stiglitz. The Nobel laureate in Economics heads a commission appointed by the President of the UN General Assembly that has been entrusted recommended measures to deal with the economic crisis that is affecting the whole world. At a press conference held at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IOU) Headquarters in Geneva, Mr. Stiglitz said that States needed to mobilize all possible funds to overcome the crisis.Le Temps (Switzerland) -

Photo: National Assembly of Togo 12 March 2009 African MPs interact with CEDAW experts

The World of Parliaments 11 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMEN & MEDIA IN THE GCC STATES “We have to change the perception that women and politics do not go together”

could greatly benefit from report- Ms. Faten Ben Amor, a member ing on the work and views of women of the Tunisian Parliament and First parliamentarians and from consulting Vice-President of the IPU Coordinat- them as information feeders”. ing Committee of Women Parliamen- As for women’s associations, women tarians, underscored the need for MPs highlighted that they played a key women parliamentarians to build a role in women’s political empower- healthy partnership with the media ment and were important allies in the and decision-makers. “Women should promotion of gender issues. An effec- give interesting information to the tive partnership would allow women press and journalists should give space legislators to benefit from pertinent to women politicians in the media not information and support provided only on topics related to women’s by these associations, and in return, issues but also seek their views on women MPs, in their capacity as law- major political and economic events makers, could defend issues raised by and other important issues”. the grass-roots organizations. During the two-day conference, several participants gave their views to The World of Parliaments. Photo: Majlis A’Shura of Oman Her Highness Dr. Mona bint Fahd Al Sa`id of Oman. Women’s participation: an essential part of democracy In the Gulf States, women parliamentarians have decided to address “The media plays an important role in the challenges they face in their re- raising awareness and educating the lations with the media. Last Decem- public about women’s participation ber, women legislators and political in political life as an essential part of leaders from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, democracy”, said Mr. Geert Versnick, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab a Belgian legislator and member of IEmirates and Yemen met in Muscat the IPU Executive Committee. (Oman) to discuss partnership with the media and women’s associations. At the opening of the Third Regional Conference of Women Parliamentar- ians and Women in Political Decision-

making Positions of the Gulf Coopera- Photo: Majlis A’Shura of Oman tion Council (GCC) States, organized Dr. Gehan Abu Zeid, Egyptian expert in women’s rights and by the Shura Council of Oman and the development. IPU, Her Highness Dr. Mona bint Fahd Al Sa`id, pointed to the advancement According to Dr. Gehan Abu Zeid, an of the status of Omani women and Egyptian expert in women’s rights their participation in all areas of eco- and development in the Arab region, nomic, social, cultural and political women parliamentarians have an ex- life, particularly since women entered tra challenge in this region. “They live the Shura Council in 1994, a first in in a conservative culture. Their mobil- the region. ity is limited and they do not have fi- The participants said that by report- nancial support from political parties. ing on women’s activities in politics, This prevents a lot of women from the media not only places the spotlight running for election or even thinking on the growing and indeed novel role about it”. She added that the media

of women, but can also encourage the Photo: Majlis A’Shura of Oman rarely supports women parliamentar- young generation to enter the politi- Mr. Geert Versnick, Belgian MP and Member of the IPU ians or women in leadership positions cal arena. They added that “the media Executive Committee. in general.

The World of Parliaments 12 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMEN & MEDIA IN THE GCC STATES

Dr. Abu Zeid underlines the fact tics but there is insufficient space for that parliamentarians have first-hand them in the media. “We came here to information, the right connections discuss with the media what we can and direct access to local commu- do to enhance the image of women nities that could interest the media. in politics. We have to convince them “But politics is also a sensitive issue. that women are good politicians. We Sometimes, we need to speak about have to change the perception that politics without using political words. women and politics do not go togeth- It depends on the political system. We er. We have to be proactive and show can talk about politics, but what mat- journalists that women can talk about ters is how we do it”. politics and important issues such as the environment, the economy, de- The ball is in the women’s court fence, and that they contribute to the discussion in general assemblies but Mr. Mohamed Ayich, a lecturer in also in committees and behind the communication at the University scenes”. of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates), She admits that women must un- stressed that women have to be giv- derstand that journalists work under en a chance to enter parliament. “The pressure and women will have to deal image of women politicians is quite Photo: Majlis A’Shura of Oman with that. Not to mention that in- new in this part of the world but Ms. Samira Rajab, a journalist and member of the Shura creasing the participation of women Council of Bahrain. change is necessary. Society should in parliament in this region is a con- troversial issue. “Here also the media be aware that women are becoming of the time, women do not vote for can be decisive if they present women important actors in different sectors, women. This is just one of the chal- as strong advocates of pressing issues. including politics”. lenges they have to face. It will change the image of women in Should women be more proac- Can legislation change the situa- society and show that women can de- tive? “The ball is in their court and tion? “It will not solve the problem. liver”. they have to take action and speak We have to face it openly. We need In Ms. Al-Jishi’s view, women do not out for their rights. Support from the different education, information, vote for women “because it is part of media is therefore very important”. rules, policies and also different me- the whole culture. It is not that wom- How can mentalities be changed in dia if we want to see a change. We en are against women. It has to do order to give women more visibility? have to start with young girls. For the with the image of women among men “This is a long-term process. Society women who want to go into politics and also with religious issues. The has to be educated. Citizens have to the only way is to learn and to be media can play a major role in chang- understand that women account for trained if they want to face political ing mentalities”. ◗ half of the population and that they parties, other candidates, and strong have the right to represent the popu- male politicians”, she concluded. lation in their constituencies. Educa- Mr. Peter Knowles, the BBC Comp- tion through the media, the social troller, argued that in general, to give structures and educational facilities women politicians a better hearing is needed. Women’s capacities must “we have to be more vigilant about be strengthened on how to face the making sure we get them on inter- media, how to give interviews and views and discussions. But person- press conferences, how to appear on ally, I think that either parliament or TV, and how to be convincing and the political parties needs to invest persuasive”, he added. far more in helping members become good public speakers - men and Ms. Samira Rajab, a member of the women. I can not think of any great Shura Council of Bahrain, who is also or prominent politician who has not a journalist and a columnist, is even had those skills. Barak Obama proves more explicit. “Reaching a political that public speaking does still mat- position without a solid background ter!” and a strong personality is a disaster. We were on the verge of such a Ms. Bahia Al Jishi, a member of the disaster with some male politicians Shura Council of the Kingdom of Bah- so you can imagine what that would rain and Chairperson of the Coun- Photo: Majlis A’Shura of Oman be like for women who are not well cil Services Committee, recalls that Ms. Bahia Al Jishi, a member of the Shura Council of the prepared”. She points out that most women are contributing a lot to poli- Kingdom of Bahrain.

The World of Parliaments 13 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMEN & MEDIA IN THE GCC STATES Rwanda: How men support women in politics

Ms. Rose Mukantabana, Speaker of the Rwandan Chamber of Deputies - the parliamentary chamber with the highest percentage of elected women legislators in the world (56.3%) - shared the Rwandan experience with participants in Oman. Interview: Photo: IPU Ms. Rose Mukantabana, Speaker of the Rwandan Chamber of Deputies.

Q: Rwanda is leading the list of the promoting their rights. Our intention is women poisoning their men or fighting parliaments with the highest percentage not to take the place men previously oc- with other women. Women used to be of elected women legislators in the cupied or to put men in the place we portrayed in less than flattering tones. world. What is your next challenge? held in the past. Our aim is to be their For example, radio commercials - which are a medium used by public agencies Rose Mukantabana: We must show partners with a view to our country’s the world that we deserve the situation development. We complement each and civil society - used to send negative we are in today and that we can take other and we make progress together. messages. Someone who was unable to Rwandans forward on the road to devel- We want equal rights, as provided for clearly decipher the message could eas- opment, in partnership with our broth- by our Constitution and international ily misinterpret it. We struggled to put ers, colleagues and spouses. We cannot conventions. We are striving for equal an end to that kind of negative publicity. afford to fail. opportunities and for the removal of all It is possible to send the same message obstacles to development. to people using positive language and Q: Are men supporting you in this we are seeing the results of that. Show- Q : What are your expectations of the initiative? ing naked women or bizzarely dressed media? R.M.: Yes, because we consider the women in the media is not the best way question of gender to be a tool of devel- R.M.: The role of journalists is crucial in to promote women. Rather, it is a way of opment rather than a means of turning all areas, particularly women’s partici- keeping them in a degrading condition. the tables. That is why Rwandan men pation. In the past, the media has played Today, when women’s associations want have continued the process - because a negative role. In our society, the im- to put an ad in the media, that is taken the women are not aggressive about age portrayed in the media was that of into consideration. ◗

“Education is key”

Najla Faisal Al Awadhi is a member of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates. She is also the Deputy CEO of Dubai Media Inc., Dubai’s most powerful media group, and manages one of the network’s six channels - the English-language one. Photo: IPU

Ms. Najla Faisal Al Awadhi, a journalist and member of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates.

Q: What is the major challenge for States. Educating women is one thing field but they still represent a minority. women in the Arab world? but it is also important to educate the There must be an emphasis on estab- rest of society: the men. This is because lishing education systems that make The major Najla Faisal Al Awadhi: we often have gender roles that are set women conscious of their rights, their challenge we face is a lack of aware- in stone: the role of the woman is usu- political participation and the impor- ness about women’s rights and respon- ally limited to the home and raising tance of their engagement in all fields. sibilities in society. Education creates in children and the role of the man is to Most Arab countries are moving today women the drive to go out and become deal with issues such as politics and the in the direction of sustainable develop- part of the political system and to be economy. This is changing slowly. In the ment, which is tapping into all of our actively engaged in it. Many women UAE, women entered the parliament in human resources, regardless of gender. are not aware of their rights enshrined 2007. We have women ministers and We need to educate not only women, in the constitutions of our countries one of them has the portfolio of for- but the public in general, because Arab and in most constitutions of the Gulf eign trade. Women are moving into this societies are traditionally patriarchal,

The World of Parliaments 14 April 2009 • No. 33 WOMEN & MEDIA IN THE GCC STATES which means that most of the decision- making roles remain with the men. We “Women have to face social and also need to win over the men and convince them that women are their allies traditional challenges” and their partners and that if we work together, we can achieve more. Q: Are men prepared to accept women working with them? N.F.A.: Some enlightened men are. In the UAE we are blessed because if it were not for the efforts of the country’s leaders - all of whom are men - to empower women, we would not be nine women in parliament. There is a large group of men who support women, but there is also a large group of men and women who do not believe that women can actively contribute to politics as men can. This is changing slowly and the best way to change things is to lead

by example and let the results speak for Photo: IPU themselves. We should just show that Mr. Nasser Alsarami, Head of Media at Al Arabia TV Station. women can do exactly what men can. It is all about access to education, equal Mr. Nasser Alsarami, Head of Media at Al Arabia TV Station, encourages opportunities and role models. This is women to come and speak to the media. He is also interested in developing the best way to change things. with them and with the IPU a database of women legislators who could be Q: Do you give space to women interviewed by Al Arabia on pressing issues, at any time. parliamentarians in your media? Q: What are the main challenges for of things have been achieved, but there N.F.A.: We don’t give them enough women MPs in the Arab world? space and I am the first one to say that! is still a lot to do. If you wait for people I am proud to say that in the channel Nasser Alsarami: They have to face to be ready, you will not get anything that I manage, women hold all of the social and traditional challenges. The done. Things just happen and women senior strategic posts. Not because image of women in politics is not un- have to deal with it. they are women but because they are derstood by people. They still think that Q: Are these societies ready to vote highly competent and work very hard. women can do only certain things and for women in politics? These women are Emiratis from the not others. For example, people look at country and not expatriate women. business women more seriously. They N.A.: I think that they are not ready We are working on doing more pro- think that business women are doing to fight for a woman to be elected, but grammes that deal with social issues. something great, but when it comes to that does not mean that women can- Media companies always have to strike women in politics, that is a different not be in parliament. It is a great idea a balance between public service and matter. Women in the region need to to have women in parliament. But we profit. It is not an easy task because do a lot to prove their ability in politics have to start with fair elections, oth- most people prefer movies and music and justify their participation in social erwise people will not understand why and it is up to us as media people to issues. They have to be in the picture women are brought into the election also create content that is intelligent and for that they have to speak out to directly. and present important issues in an en- the media, to the people. They should Q: Does the media give sufficient tertaining way so we do not lose our not stay on their own and only organ- space to women politicians? audience. ize their own meetings, but they should participate in conferences and other N.A.: Yes. At Al Arabia, we invite Q: Do journalists give space to activities, be it in the region or outside women politicians on our different women? the region. They have to show what programmes. It is also up to women to N.F.A.: It is a problem, because in they can do and achieve, because in come and speak to us about their agen- our societies, a lot of the political this region, the image of women is that das and programmes. During the recent programmes which could interview they can only do limited things. elections in the region, we had women women parliamentarians happen to be candidates on our screens. But women produced by men. In the media indus- Q: Are the different societies in the also have to campaign by themselves. try, on serious shows, we need to cre- Arab world ready to give women Maybe from this gathering ideas will political space? ate a better gender balance to include come out and women will benefit from women. ◗ N.A.: Compared to five years ago, a lot training to deal with the media. ◗

The World of Parliaments 15 April 2009 • No. 33 ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FGM

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Political will at the centre of FGM seven years ago. Changing social attitudes and practices and political will achieving zero tolerance to FGM go hand in hand. “Negative attitudes and practices towards women are so internalized that they manifest them- How to put an end to female genital a reality in Europe. “We know that there selves in different forms and degrees of mutilation (FGM)? With political will, is no simple causal relationship between violence without much or any challenge which is at the centre of achieving zero migration and the abandonment of FGM. from the community. Women have sub- tolerance to FGM, say the Inter-African It is not because these populations now mitted to this social dictate, sacrificing Committee on Traditional Practices Af- live in Europe that they will abandon the their well-being and that of their daugh- fecting the Health of Women and Chil- practice”. ters just to conform to social dictates”. dren (IAC), the IPU, the International As a concrete example, the Direc- For lack of knowledge and alternatives HOrganization for Migration (IOM) and tor of the Human Right Office at the in life women themselves tend to be the Geneva Department of Institutions Geneva Department of Institutions, strong guardians of the practice. “The (DI). To follow up on the event organized Ms. Fabienne Bugnon, explained that cruelty and the consequences of FGM last year, the four organizations held an Switzerland has to do all it can to pro- are tolerated in the name of tradition”, interactive panel discussion on Friday, vide people who find refuge in its ter- she added. 6 February 2009, in Geneva, on the oc- ritory with protection, information and This is a tradition that can be traced as casion of the International Day of Zero care. “There are approximately 7,000 far back as the time of the pharaohs of Tolerance to FGM. It was moderated by women from countries with a high FGM Egypt. Contrary to popular belief, FGM journalist Catherine Fiankan. prevalence living in our country, ap- it is not encouraged by any religion. To “The panel discussion is an expression proximately 1,200 in Geneva alone. This put an end to this tragedy which affects of political will to continue and acceler- is a sufficient number for us to carry out three million girls every year, the IAC is ate efforts to put an end to this intol- prevention programmes”. calling for the full involvement of gov- erable form of violence against women Ms. Berhane Ras-Work, Executive Di- ernment leaders, legislators, local and and girls”, said the IPU Secretary Gen- rector of the IAC, played a significant traditional chiefs, religious leaders and eral, Anders B. Johnsson. Legislation is role in having 6 February proclaimed as ◗ the first step in ending FGM. It is a pub- civil society. lic statement to say that this practice is illegal and prohibited. It allows girls to say no and to claim the right to protection by the State. The first objective is to ensure that all countries concerned pass legislation against FGM and that there is no difference in treatment from one country to another. Ms. Maria Roth-Bernasconi, a member of the Swiss Parliament, recalled that FGM is practised primarily in North-East and West Africa as well as in some regions of the Middle East. However, migration flows have caused these practices to spread beyond the countries of origin. “FGM constitutes a grave violation of human rights. It is an expression of the gender inequality which is deeply rooted in the social, economic and political structures of the countries where they are practised”. In the case of her country, FGM is considered under the Swiss Criminal Code as “bodily harm”. “The legal situation in Switzerland was ex- amined in the light of two legal opinions commissioned by UNICEF Switzerland. They concluded that it was preferable to include in the law a specific reference to this criminal act. “This is why I brought a

parliamentary motion”, she said Photo IPU/G.Fortunato Ms. Sylvia Ekra, Gender Officer at The IPU, the IAC, IOM and the Geneva Department of Institutions (DI) launched a joint publication on how to put an end IOM, underlined that FGM has become to female genital mutilation.

The World of Parliaments 16 April 2009 • No. 33 ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FGM

Quotable quotes: “The economic Norwegian action plan: a living tool cost of FGM” “The Norwegian action plan has been a living tool. The first one was launched in 2000, and the third and current plan will run until 2011. Its main objective Findings from a WHO multi- is prevention. The focus is on changing attitudes through dialogue and country study in which dissemination of information with the involvement of the groups concerned. more than 28,000 women Changing perceptions and attitudes takes time, but there is evidence that this participated confirm that will produce sustainable change. The action plan contains 41 measures that women who had undergone can be grouped into six main categories: capacity-building and transfer of genital mutilation had knowledge; prevention and opinion-building; available relevant health services; significantly increased risks intensified efforts during holiday periods; effective enforcement of legislation; of adverse events during and strengthened international action. FGM has been outlawed since 1995 for childbirth. A striking new Norwegians. Effective enforcement of legislation is necessary. It is both a duty finding of the study is that and a right for schools, health services and other relevant institutions to disclose information to the child welfare service”. FGM has negative effects on Ms. Bente Angell-Hansen, Ambassador of Norway in Geneva the newborn babies of some women who had undergone Burkina Faso: a forerunner in the fight against FGM FGM. Most seriously, death Burkina Faso is one of the pioneering African States engaged in the fight against rates among babies during FGM. For 18 years it has put in place several institutional and normative measures and immediately after to sensitize, dissuade and sanction potential or actual perpetrators of FGM. Several birth were higher for those ministries have been entrusted with coordinating their efforts in order to put an born to mothers who had end to this practice. From a legal perspective, the Constitution of Burkina Faso undergone genital mutilation upholds the right to physical integrity of persons and the fundamental principle compared to those who had of equal rights. In application thereof, the principal deterrent is the Criminal Act of not. The consequences of 1996, which facilitated a review of the Criminal Code and led to the introduction genital mutilation for most of provisions that punish by way of fine women who deliver outside or imprisonment the perpetrators and accomplices of persons found guilty of the hospital setting are acts that violate the physical integrity of expected to be even more the female genital organs. severe. The high incidence of Ms. Clarisse Merindol Ouoba, Legal post-partum haemorrhage, a Adviser, Mission of Burkina Faso in life-threatening condition, is Geneva of particular concern where health services are weak or women cannot easily access them. As a follow-up to Quotable quotes: this study, WHO wants to Egyptian effort to eradicate FGM focus on developing training ”A significant ministerial decree materials for medical issued by the Minister of Health and personnel using electronic Population in June 2007 not only media. The Organization is fully criminalized FGM and filled also continuing research on legal loopholes that now prohibit the economic cost of FGM, health professionals and others from because that is sometimes performing the practice in both government-run and private hospitals, the only argument that but also prohibited every doctor and governments understand. member of the medical profession, Dr. Heli Bathija, Area in public or private establishments, Manager for the African from carrying out a clitoridectomy, and Eastern Mediterranean as any circumcision will be viewed Regions, as a violation of the law and will be Department of punished”. Reproductive Health and Mr. Khalid Emara, Minister at the Research, World Health Egyptian Mission in Geneva Organization

The World of Parliaments 17 April 2009 • No. 33 PARLIAMENTARY DEVELOPMENTS

Assembly may remove the President over a plan to allow the President to Algeria from office. In both cases, parlia- address parliament, which had not The Constitution was amended in November 2008, lifting the two- mentary and presidential elections been permitted since 1875 due to term presidential limit and creating will automatically be called. the separation of powers between the position of Vice-President. The Once the new Constitution entered the executive and legislative bran- post of Prime Minister was down- into force, the National Congress ches. The amendments give parlia- graded to the same level as other ceased to function. A Legislative ment more power to oversee the ministerial posts, with the premier and Oversight Commission, compri- government and more control over no longer able to choose cabinet sing the members of the Constituent its own agenda. Parliament can also members or present cabinet’s pro- Assembly, was tasked in the interim veto certain presidential appoint- gramme. Other amendments were with performing the main functions ments. The President of the Republic introduced to ensure a more equi- of the legislative branch until the cannot serve more than two conse- table political representation of wo- National Assembly is established. cutive terms. men. Early parliamentary and presidential The amendments were adopted by elections stipulated under the new Maldives parliament, in lieu of a constitutio- Constitution are due to be held on On 26 June 2008, the Special Majlis nal referendum. On 12 November, a 26 April 2009. (constitutional assembly) adopted joint session of both chambers ap- a new constitution. On 7 August, proved the amendments by 500 vo- President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom tes to 21 with eight abstentions. The France On 21 July 2008, a series of consti- ratified it, paving the way for the amendments were ratified by the tutional reforms proposed by Presi- country’s first multi-party presi- President on 15 November. dent Nicolas Sarkozy were approved dential elections, held on 8 October. by a joint session of the National Under the new Constitution, the Ecuador Assembly and the Senate by 539 President can serve only two terms. On 25 July 2008, the Constituent votes to 357, one vote more than President Gayoom, who had been Assembly published a 444-article the required three-fifths majority. President since 1978, was allowed to draft constitution. A referendum Parliamentarians had been divided contest the elections. He was defea- on this draft took place on 28 Sep- tember, in which over 90 per cent of the 9.3 million registered voters took part, with 64 per cent of voters approving it. The new Constitution, the country’s 20th since it gained independence in 1830, entered into effect on 20 October upon being published in the official gazette. The new Constitution provides for a 124-member unicameral Natio- nal Assembly with a four-year term. Photo: French National Assembly Members are to be elected through a mixed electoral system: 103 members under the majority system in multi-member constituencies and 21 under the proportional representation system (15 in a nationwide constituency and six representing Ecuadorians abroad). The incumbent President is now allowed to run for re-election immediately upon expiry of his current term of office. The President may dissolve the National

Assembly within the first three years Photo: French Senate of its four-year term. The National French National Assembly (above) and French Senate (bellow).

The World of Parliaments 18 April 2009 • No. 33 PARLIAMENTARY DEVELOPMENTS ted by Mr. Mohamed Nasheed of the Contacts : Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Turkmenistan On 23 April 2008, President Gurban- Parliamentary elections were consti- Inter-Parliamentary Union guly Berdimuhamedov announced tutionally due before 15 February The House of Parliaments that major constitutional amend- 2009 and newly elected members 5, chemin du Pommier ments would be introduced in Sep- due to be sworn in by the end of Fe- P.O. Box 330 tember 2008. On 26 September, 1218 Grand-Saconnex bruary. However, at the time of going those amendments were adopted Geneva - Switzerland to print, the People’s Majlis had not by the People’s Council (Khalk Mas- Tel. (+4122) 919 41 50 passed the electoral law which will lahaty), the supreme representative Fax (+4122) 919 41 60 determine the statutory number of body comprising over 2,000 top offi- e-mail: [email protected] members of the new legislature, wi- cials and elders created in 2003 under Office of the Permanent dely expected to increase from 50 to former president Saparmyrat Niyazov. Observer to the United Nations in over 70 directly elected members. The People’s Council then unanimously New York Inter-Parliamentary Union voted to dissolve itself and transfer its Russian Room 3002, powers to the President and the par- 220 East 42nd Street Federation liament, the Assembly. The Assembly New York, N.Y. 10017 On 5 November 2008, President can now once again amend and adopt USA Dmitry Medvedev proposed consti- the Constitution. It had been divested Tel. (++1) 212 557 58 80 tutional amendments extending the of this power in 2003. It can also call Fax (++1) 212 557 39 54 term of office of the President and referendums and presidential and e-mail: [email protected] the State Duma by one year to six parliamentary elections, ratify inter- The World of Parliaments, and five years respectively. After ob- national treaties and address issues the IPU Quarterly Review, is taining the approval of parliament concerning the demarcation of the an official publication of the and the regional legislative assem- country’s borders. Inter-Parliamentary Union blies, President Medvedev signed The amendments also increased the Editor-in-chief: the amendments into law on 30 De- membership of the Assembly from Luisa Ballin cember. The following day, they en- 50 to 125 members. Individuals no- tered into force upon publication in minated from legally registered poli- Assisted by: the official gazette. Akiyo Afouda tical parties and political movements, Stara Ahmidouch as well as public associations and Mohamed Amani Senegal assemblies of voters, are eligible to Bérénice Auffret-Pereira On 29 July 2008, the National As- run for elections. Previously, only the Norah Babic sembly adopted an amendment to members of the Democratic Party of Julie Ballington Catherine Blondelle Article 27 of the Constitution to ex- Turkmenistan, the only legal party in the country, had been eligible. Martin Chungong tend the presidential term from five Anda Filip to seven years, although the same Zeina Hilal-Choukair article stipulates that the clause Rogier Huizenga “can only be changed through a United Arab Kareen Jabre referendum”. After approval by the Emirates James Jennings Senate and a joint session of both On 1 December 2008, the Federal Su- Laurence Marzal chambers, President Abdoulaye preme Council (the highest political Alessandro Motter Wade promulgated the amendment and policy-making body of the fe- Susan Mutti George Opocensky on 21 October. Meanwhile, on 12 deral government) approved consti- Andy Richardson and 15 October respectively, the tutional amendments transforming Mari Sandström National Assembly and the Senate the Federal National Council (FNC Ingeborg Schwarz voted to modify Article 62 of the - the federal parliament) into a full- Valeria Sistek Constitution to reduce the term fledged legislative body with powers Alain Valtat of the Speaker of the National As- to scrutinize government action. Hiroko Yamaguchi sembly from five years to one year, The term of the FNC was extended Website: with immediate effect. Between from the current two years to four. Pieyre Castelier 2000 and 2008, the Constitution The incumbent members who were Serguei Tchelnokov was modified on average every six elected in December 2006 will serve Printed at Sadag SA - France months. until February 2011. © IPU

The World of Parliaments 19 April 2009 • No. 33 TECHNICAL COOPERATION UPDATE

The following are highlights of activities the IPU Technical Cooperation Programme has conducted in support of parliaments since the last edition of The World of Parliaments.

Sierra Leone: Parliamentary strategic aims to: strengthen the capacities of areas in which the parliament could planning parliamentarians, particularly through lend important support and provide In December 2008 the IPU and UNDP parliamentary committees; train par- input to its implementation. During pursued their cooperation with the liamentary staff by supporting and en- the workshop, a detailed presentation parliament, helping it to develop a couraging the involvement of women on actions taken by the executive in strategic plan. Study visits for mem- parliamentarians in political activities Cambodia to implement the BPOA was bers of the parliament were organized and building the parliament’s capac- given by the national LDC focal point to Kenya and Uganda. During the vis- ity to promote gender equality; and from the Ministry of Planning. It pro- its participants received briefings on strengthen the parliament’s repre- vided an opportunity for participants the goals and objectives of a strate- sentational capacity, including that of to provide input to a national action gic plan, the outcomes of a strategic its members. The second agreement, plan for the parliament BPOA support management cycle within Parliament, concluded with UNDP in the Maldives, group, including ways in which the the process for developing a plan and provides for the implementation of a IPU, UN-OHRLLS, the extended UN lessons learned. In December 2008 three-phase project that will assist family, the international community and January 2009, the IPU and UNDP the parliament in preparing a Code of and Cambodian civil society could organized two missions during which Ethics, drafting a strategic plan and support its work. the parliamentary authorities and sen- devising a staff development plan. ior secretariat staff were acquainted Training staff in legislative drafting in greater details with the intrica- Cambodia - Promoting parliamenta- and legal research in Cambodia cies of a strategic plan. The missions ry input to the Brussels Programme In December 2007, the IPU organ- also assisted the authorities through of Action (BPOA) 2001-2010 ized training on legislative drafting participatory exercises in developing Within the framework of the joint IPU- and legal research for 16 legislative a draft mandate, mission, and vision UN Office of the High Representative specialists, staff of both the National as well as identifying the parliament’s for the Least Developed Countries, Assembly and the Senate of Cambo- core values for inclusion in the parlia- Landlocked Developing Countries and dia. In February 2009, a follow-up ment’s strategic plan. Small Island Developing States (UN- complementary training was organ- Global mapping of legislative OHRLLS) initiative to promote parlia- ized for the same legislative special- strengthening programmes mentary input to the BPOA, the IPU ists with the additional benefit of pro- In December 2008 the IPU completed organized a national workshop with viding them with skills to themselves a draft study, which began in Sep- special emphasis on commitment 2 conduct future training for new col- tember, to assess the feasibility of of the BPOA relating to good govern- leagues, thereby promoting sustain- creating a database to map legislative ance. The workshop was held on 16 ability. The overall aim of the training strengthening projects. Behind the February 2009 in Phnom Penh, Cam- is to enhance the research and legal feasibility study is the IPU’s view that bodia, and provided an opportunity analysis skills of the identified staff a reliable, centralized source of infor- for participants to familiarize them- through practical, hands-on demon- mation would facilitate more efficient selves with the BPOA and examine strations and guidance. planning, reduce the risk of overlap and duplication and enhance sharing of expertise and lessons learned.

Conclusion of new agreements for continued assistance to national parliaments In December 2008, the IPU concluded t wo new agreement s . The fir st, in par t- nership with the European Commis- sion and the Government of Equatorial Guinea, deals with the implementation of a project intended to build on an earlier phase of the project that began in 2004. The project, which falls un-

der an overall programme designed to Photo: Parliament of Cambodia enhance governance in that country, IPU training of staff at the National Assembly and the Senate of Cambodia.

The World of Parliaments 20 April 2009 • No. 33