Volume II Issue 3 English

FIPA Executive Committee members seek to strengthen ties with the OAS during the General Assembly Mission accomplished at OAS Members of the Executive Assembly, including the allow legislators to participate program to train newly Committee of FIPA, together Speaker, Elías Castillo. formally. elected parliamentarians with three members of the which will be offered in At the end of each meeting Nevertheless, the subject of Canadian section, Guatemala once the the FIPA representatives stronger relations with participated in the 37th legislative elections have delivered a statement parliaments is frequently session of the General been held. summarizing possible discussed at the OAS. As Assembly of the initiatives to promote part of a recent resolution to At the invitation of the OAS Organization of American cooperation between FIPA promote and strengthen Secretary General, States in City, and the OAS, which had democracy, for example, the members of the Executive Panama. been approved during the General Assembly Committee will visit They were there to last Executive Committee recommended supporting the Washington in the coming strengthen ties between the meeting, in Brasilia, Brazil. of member states months to establish ways in OAS and parliaments of the Photo: FIPA which the two organizations Americas, to identify new can cooperate more cooperation mechanisms effectively in the future – a that include legislators and significant advance to seek status for FIPA considering that promoting enabling the organisation to greater cooperation between attend meetings of the OAS parliamentarians and the and inter-American summits OAS was the main objective as a special observer. of the mission. During three days of intense activity from June 3 to 5, Members of Parliament In this issue: James Bezan (Canada) and Stanford Callender (Trinidad Brazilian law will 2 and Tobago), and Senator increase employment Ricardo García Cervantes (Mexico), all members of Women in Action 3-6 Supplement FIPA’s Executive With the as it's backdrop the OAS encourages regional discussion. Committee, spoke with the The Parliament of 7 in their efforts to modernize Trinidad and Tobago heads of the Canadian, Every year the OAS General and strengthen their Costa Rican, Guyanese, Assembly brings together FIPA Executive 8 institutions, as well as in Mexican and Trinidadian foreign ministers from meeting in Brazil inter-parliamentary delegations and with the 34 countries in the Americas, Condemning 8 cooperation and dialogue on Secretary General of the with this year’s meeting assassination in the legislative treatment of OAS, José Miguel Insulza. focusing on the theme of priorities on the inter- They also visited the “energy for sustainable FIPA-COPA meeting 8 American agenda. The Panamanian and development.” Department of Democratic met with various members Currently, OAS General and Political Affairs of the About FIPA 8 of the Panamanian National Assembly sessions do not OAS is also developing a

July-SeptemberJanuary-March 2007 2007 1 1 Brazilian law will increase employment

At the Fifth Plenary Assembly In the medium term, the businesses, actions directly submitted documents in Bogotá, Colombia, last introduction of this law is linked to the acceptance of containing 100,000 November, FIPA legislators expected to encourage one the General Law on Micro signatures supporting the proposed a series of million people now active in and Small Businesses by the Law. the informal economy to business community. measures encouraging their register as companies and With offices in all 26 states members to pass anti- thus generate 2 million jobs. In gaining total acceptance and the Federal District, poverty legislation. One such These numbers will lead to a and implementation of the SEBRAE encourages initiative has already been complete change in the law by the industrial, entrepreneurs to set up their passed by the Brazilian Brazilian tax system, since commercial and service own businesses in a rational Parliament. small businesses will begin to sectors in their various way. Technicians provide influence our society’s wealth economic activities, training and guidance with Different strokes for different creation and income partnership with respect to both the consumer folks. In this spirit, the distribution processes, thus SEBRAE (the Brazilian Micro market and how to seek out Brazilian National Congress reducing poverty in and Small Business Support financial resources. They approved a law last accordance with the goals Service) has December that provides for Photos: Rodrigo Moreira, Agência Sebrae de Notícias (ASN) special treatment for micro and small businesses – those with sales under R$ 2.4 million (US$1.1 million). The new law simplifies the red tape required to register new companies, reduces tax by 15% to 45%, simplifies tax payment procedures, and allows small companies to join together in purchasing and sales consortiums and to take part in bidding for official procurements under R$ 80 thousand.

The law was discussed by representatives of civil As small and micro enterprises generate the majority of employment a new law seeks to incorporate them to the formal market. society and government, and established by the United been essential. The Service also monitor developments in the Brazilian parliament Nations Organization and the provides ongoing training to order to correct errors that created a special group to commitment made by FIPA accountants enabling them to occur in the process of examine the issue – from the member countries. passing on information and building up a new company. preliminary debates to the improve implementation of One of the benefits seen regulation process (yet to be Positive Numbers the Law. SEBRAE had today is the organization of completed). Deputy Luiz previously held public small-scale production in the Carlos Hauly, FIPA As a country nearly the size hearings in each state so that poorer regions. President, was in charge of of a continent, Brazil has entrepreneurs could present the negotiations which lasted great social, cultural and their demands. At the two years and culminated in economic differences among ceremony launching the this law. He enthusiastically its states. Rio Grande do special commission to notes that micro and small Norte, one of the poorest By Ana Maria Mejia, advisor to discuss the subject, the Deputy Luiz Carlos Hauly, House of businesses generate 98% of states, experienced a chairman of FIESP (São Representatives, Brazil the jobs on the labour market positive balance among Paulo Industry , an and represent 20% of Brazil’s closings, openings and institution representing Gross Domestic Product. reactivations of micro entrepreneurs in São Paulo)

Página 2 January-MarchJuly-September 2007 2007 Parlamericano 2 2

Women in Action

ParlAmericas Supplement 2007

Photo: of Colombia Women parliamentarians write about gender equality advances in the Americas As part of our commitment to South, Central America and both lesson and inspiration to inter-parliamentary dialogue, the Caribbean, each article parliamentarians of the we present this special four focuses on an inspirational Americas working to promote page supplement looking at success story resulting from gender equality in our region, advances in gender equality parliamentary action. and we encourage you to in the Americas. We hope the new practices, contact us with success Written by women norms and legislation stories of your own. parliamentarians from North, described here will serve as Cecilia López Montaño Working together in Colombia Photo: Senate of Colombia Given how important it is for the United States and the us to support one another Rural Development Act. and learn from the experiences we have lived, I Topics such as these welcome the opportunity to demonstrate just how share with you the valuable important it is that women experience of the creation of participate in politics as such a women’s caucus in the issues reflect the impact that Colombian parliament. women can have on the During the past legislature design of policies and in we were able to call together improving the quality of life of representatives and senators women. For these reasons, it from the various political is important to set aside the parties to establish a special political leanings that committee for women and separate us and join together thus work together for gender for the improvement and equity, social and labour drafting of public policy rights, and the mental, sexual Members of the Colombian women's caucus during a meeting. crafted by us in favour of our and reproductive health of secure 25 signatures of reproductive rights of women, rights. Colombian women, girls and members of the most diverse teenaged girls and girls. To teenaged girls. political parties. It will also be that end, we will now work on Cecilia López Montaño is a the first one with those a bill to amend the Colombian Senator and President Last November, that initiative of FIPA’s Group of Women characteristics that will be constitution and allow a Parliamentarians of the Americas. led to female members of the accepted. quota law for political parties Congress working together to as well as a law creating a submit the first major bill of It is important to be clear that ‘Standing Committee on Inside: law that strengthens the that this committee was Women’ in the Colombian rights of women in Colombia established to support and Congress. Reinforcing the quota 4 and protects them against take measures to increase law violence — not just physical the participation of women in It is also important to note the Sixteen days of activism 4 violence, but also mental and politics at all levels of the need for women’s Working for equality in 5 social violence and violence economy and society, to participation in debates about business management in the workplace. We are combat abuse and social issues of importance to the Making women count in 6 referring to the only bill on discrimination and contribute future of our region, such as Antigua and Barbuda this topic that was able to to respect of the sexual and the free trade agreement with

Women in Action 3 Reinforcing the quota law Since the signing of Law which there is no possibility directors of their party Photo: Congress of Argentina 13,010 in 1947, which whatsoever of being elected. management bodies. For that recognized women’s right to Lists that do no comply with reason, I have proposed an vote, no law has had such the law are rejected. amendment to Law 23,298 symbolic importance nor on political parties that seeks In Argentina, the Quota Law prompted such an intense to ensure enforcement of the constituted a positive action debate on gender equity in female quota in the internal that improved the visibility of politics and in decision- life of the political parties and women in public spaces, making processes in full integration of women into allowed their real integration Argentina as Law 24,012 on their management bodies. into both legislative the “female quota”, which Alicia Tate chambers and facilitated their With the exception of the was signed on 6 November of public and private activity. access to democratically Quota Law and isolated 1991— a law that opened the elected executive positions. cases such as the However, as we work to door to the approval of other However, compliance with Constitution of the City of increase affirmative action similar laws in a further nine the law was only obtained by Buenos Aires and the legislation on an ongoing countries in Latin America. bringing the parties before appointment of two women to basis we begin to shape new The Argentinian law the courts. the Supreme Court of concepts of equality, establishes that a minimum Justice, our country still lacks democratic legitimacy and Although in the end the of 30% of the candidates on legislation that establishes female citizenship in parties respected and the closed lists of the 24 positive actions in matters of Argentina. complied with the law, they electoral districts in the gender for the national or mostly did so in a minimalist country must be women, and provincial executive spheres way, placing women in the that those women must hold and active policies that lowest positions allowed by Alicia Tate is a Deputy from positions in which they could promote the participation of law and failing to integrate Argentina be elected, not positions in women in the various realms them into the boards of Sixteen days of activism Photo: FIPA On November 7th, 2006, the women to the violation of our region. In my country, for Chamber of Deputies of the human rights. example, 158 female Dominican Republic homicides and 8.404 th approved a law declaring a November 25 also marks complaints of violence national campaign entitled the death of the Mirabal against women were “16 Days of Activism Against sisters – Dominican activists reported between January 1st Violence Against Women,” assassinated in 1960 during and November 25th of 2006 which sprung from an the Trujillo regime and alone. initiative which I launched celebrated as symbols of with my colleague, Deputy feminism throughout the Beyond cementing our Minerva Tavárez Mirabal. Americas since the 1980s. state’s commitment to the 16 María Estela de la Cruz Indeed, it was in recognition Days of Activism, this new The law formalises the of the Mirabal sisters that the law recommends that a the 16 Days of Action state’s involvement in the United Nations chose commission of executive, campaign. Given the international 16 Days of November 25th as the legislative and civil society seriousness of this issue I Activism campaign, started International Day Against representatives be created to encourage you, my by the Center for Women's Violence Against Women. streamline coordination of colleagues, to establish or Global Leadership in 1991. annual campaign activities so support 16 Days campaigns The 16 Days begin on The 16 Days of Activism as to maximise their throughout the Americas and November 25th, the campaign invites effectiveness and spread the help us bring an end to International Day Against organisations and message that violence violence against women in Violence Against Women, governments to work against women must end. our region. together in raising awareness and end on International María Estela de la Cruz is the Chair Human Rights Day, about the seriousness of To date, approximately 1,700 of the Gender Equality Commission th December 10 , symbolically gender violence, which organizations in 130 in the Chamber of Deputies of the linking violence against continues to be an issue in countries have participated in Dominican Republic.

Women in Action 4 Photo: The Working for equality in business management

In recent decades women networks that exclude passed requiring that state- have entered political and women, to an aversion to owned and public companies managerial positions in appointing women, to have 40% female greater numbers and systemic gender biases, to a representation on their progress has been made in dearth of mentoring boards. Spain has also made promoting gender equality. opportunities. huge strides in this regard, requiring that boards of However, women remain Yet it is a well-established business corporations be significantly fact that diversity, when 40% female by 2008. underrepresented on boards properly managed, allows for Céline Hervieux-Payette of directors, a factor that both better decision-making, and Although legislation will go a that gender diversity is long way to bring about denies them their rightful developing inventories of associated with stronger change, there are other place at decision-making qualified women, to ensure financial performance, so it methods that will help put levels, and prevents greater gender diversity makes good business sense more women into corporate countless businesses from among their members. tapping into their valuable for companies to promote boardrooms. First, women greater female representation must actively create networks skills, perspectives and Enlightened corporate on their boards. The problem to mentor experience. Photo: FIPA governance and genuine democracy need to involve In Canada and the United women at all levels to ensure States, it’s estimated that that both government and only about 12% of board business profit from the members are women, while quality women bring to the the international average table better than anyone remains below 10%, else: leadership based on according to the Ethical discussion, consensus, Investment Research transparency and honesty. Service. I encourage all my FIPA One of the leading barriers to colleagues to address this women acceding to issue in the weeks and directorships is the months ahead, to devise and commonly held view among implement solutions that will chief executive officers that ensure fair representation for there is a shortage of women on boards throughout qualified women to fill those the Americas. positions, even if any serious A change in legislation would put more women in directorship positions. attempt to look at the facts Doing so will significantly is determining the best senior female managers and will confirm the opposite. In improve the economic means of creating the help them develop the skills Canada, for instance the conditions and quality of life attitudinal changes that will and experience needed for recently published study of all our fellow citizens. Women in the Lead drew up yield this desired result - board membership. Second, a list of 550 women who met Change will not happen women must educate and even exceeded the without pressure. themselves about corporate qualifications for corporate governance and recruitment Céline Hervieux-Payette is Leader of directorships. In my view, the solution methods. And third, the Opposition in the Senate of begins with legislation, and corporate boards must be Canada. She is the immediate past chair of FIPA and holds several At the institutional level, other we can look at a few encouraged to corporate directorships. barriers include everything countries for inspiration in professionalize their from a reliance on personal this regard. In Norway, for appointment processes by, instance, legislation has been among other things,

Women in Action 5 Making women count Photo: Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda in Antigua and Barbuda

The concept of gender General Elections in Antigua ratification of the Optional equality has begun to take and Barbuda, constitutionally Protocol to the CEDAW root in Antigua and Barbuda due by March 2009. This is a Convention, making us one and seeds planted in recent major step for this country as of only five Caribbean years are beginning to bear women have begun to forge countries to do so. fruit. In March 2004, I new pathways which are became the first and only taking them from the Antigua and Barbuda is also woman ever to be elected to bedroom to the boardroom. party to the OAS Convention the House of of Belem do Para, another Representatives in the As early as 1989, the major international history of my country, government signed and commitment aimed at Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro demonstrating a significant ratified the United Nations eradicating domestic change in attitude towards Convention on the violence. We now have, 1995 and 2006 the Board of the idea of women in power. Elimination of all forms of among other efforts, a Sexual Education awarded 1600 Discrimination Against Offences Act, a 24 hour University scholarships; of Indeed, since my election Women, CEDAW and the hotline, counseling services those 1038 were female. there has been a concerted Convention on the Rights of and emergency commitment to gender equity the Child in 1993. These are This augurs well for the by the new government, as Photo: Juan Manuel Herrera, OAS future since it means that more women are being more women are equipping recognized and elevated to themselves for leadership the highest offices in and management of civic, government. business and political affairs The , in the twin island state. Speaker of the House, Though it can be argued (and Commissioner of Police, the it has) that more women in Ombudsman, Director the boardroom does not General of Tourism, Director necessarily translate into of Youth and Ambassadors more gender sensitive to the OAS and Latin policies, programs and laws, America are all women. On it is important to have that July 17, 2007, Antigua and critical mass walking the Barbuda welcomed the first corridors of power and female Governor General, effecting changes in the Her Excellency Louise Lake- society which will make an Tack. impact that redounds to the benefit of women and girls in All these are not mere tokens Ambassador Deborah-Mae Lovell, current Chair of the OAS Permanent Council. Antiguan and Barbudan but are women of substance society. who have demonstrated a recognized as the two major accommodation all managed capacity to perform at the international human rights by the Directorate of Gender highest levels and who instruments that set Affairs. possess competencies which standards for the protection Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro is the are being channeled to serve of the rights of women and In schools across the nation, Minister of Labour, Public the nation of Antigua and children. The unwavering girls continue to out-perform Administration and Empowerment Barbuda. boys at the primary and for Antigua and Barbuda and commitment of the President of the Inter-American government to eliminate secondary levels and more Commission of Women (CIM) at the Three more women have discrimination against women girls are going on to OAS. presented themselves to run was again demonstrated in Universities and colleges for on party tickets for the next April, 2006, with the tertiary education. Between

Women in Action 6 Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament

Photo: Communication Unit, Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago As a former British colony the The Senate Republic of Trinidad and comprises Tobago has a parliamentary 31 Senators system patterned after the appointed by British Westminster system the of parliamentary government President: which consists of the Head of 16 State (Monarch or President), Government an executive branch made up Senators of members of the legislature appointed on and led by the Leader of the the advice of party with the majority, the the Prime presence of opposition Minister, 6 parties and either a Opposition bicameral or unicameral Senators legislature. The Parliament of appointed on Interior of the Senate, Mexico. Trinidad and Tobago is the advice of characterized as ‘bicameral’. the Leader of the Members of Parliament are Opposition The "Red House" is the seat of Parliament in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. elected at periodic general and 9 Independent Senators elections and are regarded appointed by the President, defined stages in both various procedural as representatives, rather at his own discretion, to houses before it becomes a mechanisms to ensure that than instructed delegates of represent various sectors of statute. The process begins the concerns of his their constituents. The civil society. It must be noted with the introduction of a bill constituents are discussed in Executive Government is that the President of the and ends with the granting of Parliament, including raising accountable to, and may only Senate is elected from Assent by the President, thus matters of urgent public expend money appropriated amongst the 16 Senators uniting the three components importance and creating by, Parliament. Freedom of appointed on the advice of of Parliament: The President, private motions for debate. speech, debates and the Prime Minister. A the Senate and the House of The public also plays a role proceedings of Parliament Senator’s term of office ends Representatives. in ensuring their interests are are secured against when Parliament, which addressed by Parliament, questioning in any court or constitutionally lasts for 5 Most of the legislation that using various means such as place outside of Parliament years, is dissolved. However, finds its ways into the statute pressure groups, and the rights of the minority a Senator’s appointment can book is generated by the commentaries in the press, in the Chamber are also be revoked by the Government, but individual lobbying and petitions. Such protected. President on the advice of Members may also propose public involvement the various leaders and on legislation in the form of demonstrates an active The Constitution establishes his own discretion during this Private Members’ Bills. interest in the parliamentary that the Parliament of the period. process. Republic of Trinidad and A Member can also use Tobago shall consist of the The Parliament is the State’s President, the Senate and paramount law-making body. House of Representatives Senate the House of Since Parliament comprises (2002–2007) (2002–2007) Representatives. the President, the Senate and the House of The House of Representatives, all three are Representatives is comprised involved in the law making ♦ 37 MPs ♦ 31 Senators: of the Speaker and 36 process. ♦ 7 Women elected members 16 Government Senators ♦ 30 Men representing electoral A proposal for a new law or 6 Opposition Senators constituencies, each serving for amendments to an ♦ Main parties: a parliamentary term that is a 9 Independent Senators existing law is known as a People's National Movement maximum of five-years. The bill, and can be initiated in 56 % number of elected members either house (except for ♦ 12 Women United National Congress will increase to 41 during the ‘money’ bills which must ♦ 19 Men general election scheduled originate in the House of 30 % for later this year. Representatives). A bill must Congress of the People 14 % pass through several well-

Volumen I, Número I July-SeptemberJanuary-March 2007 2007 Página 3 77 FIPA Executive in Brazil About Photo: FIPA FIPA At the invitation of FIPA The Inter-Parliamentary Executive Committee Chair Forum of the Americas and Brazilian Congressman (FIPA) is an independent Luiz Carlos Hauly, members network made up of the of the FIPA Executive held national legislatures of the their 16th meeting in the member countries of the capital of Brazil on June 1st. Organization of American States (OAS) committed to The members, hailing from promoting parliamentary Canada, Chile, Colombia, participation in the inter- Mexico, the Dominican American system. Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, took advantage of FIPA-COPA meeting FIPA Executive Committee in Brasilia. their meeting on Brazilian In addition to discussing the Representatives of FIPA soil to launch preparations Plenary, the Committee and COPA (the for the Sixth Plenary members endorsed the Parliamentary Confederation of the Meeting. organization of a second FIPA Americas) will meet in workshop to strengthen Determined to promote EXECUTIVE Quebec City, Canada, parliamentarians’ knowledge closer collaboration with COMMITTEE October 29th, 2007. The of international trade, in light governments in the region, main goal of the meeting will of the success of the first President the Committee decided to be to examine “the most workshop in March 2007. • Deputy Luiz Carlos Hauly, appropriate structures for a make energy and Brazil possible integration of the sustainable development – The president of the North America two organizations,” pursuant the key focus of the OAS Women’s Group, Colombian • Senator Ricardo García to the resolution on the General Assembly in Senator Cecilia López Cervantes, Mexico creation of a joint work Panama – one of the three Montaño, also presented • James Bezan, MP, Canada group between COPA and main topics at the next FIPA plans for a conference that Central America FIPA adopted in Bogotá. Plenary Meeting. Migration would bring women • Deputy Héctor Julio Pérez and human rights, and Rojas, Guatemala parliamentarians together in FIPA dumping and intellectual • Deputy María Estela de la Cruz, 2008 to discuss social Dominican Republic 500-165 Sparks St. property infringements, both inclusion. Caribbean Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5B9 issues of concern in Canada • Senator Brenda Hood, Grenada parliaments of the Americas, Phone: +1 613 594-5222 • Stanford Callender, MP, will also be on the agenda. Trinidad and Tobago Fax: +1 613 594-4766 [email protected] South America www.e-fipa.org • Senator Nancy Patricia Gutiérrez, Colombia Condemning assassination FIPA receives the financial support of • Deputy Iván Moreira Barros, the Government of Canada provided Chile Profoundly shocked by the committed in the Valle del through the Canadian International assassination of 11 Cauca district this past June. Former FIPA President Development Agency (CIDA). provincial deputies in • Senator Céline Hervieux- Colombia, held hostage for FIPA representatives called Payette, Canada the past five years by the for the creation of an President of the Group of Women Parliamentarians of FIPA is a partner of: Colombian Revolutionary international commission to the Americas help the families of the Army (FARC), the FIPA • Senator Cecilia López Montaño, Executive Committee issued victims recover their relatives’ Colombia a statement on July 16th, bodies, in accordance with Plenary Meeting Host international humanitarian Country 2007, condemning the Parliamentary Centre murders, which were law. • To be confirmed www.parlcent.ca

July-SeptemberJanuary-March 2007 2007 4 8