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THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

24 June 1997

Dear Dr. Heptulla,

I should like to thank you for your letter of 5 April 1997 and for the Inter-Parliamentary Union documents that were enclosed with it. I have reviewed them with interest and have shared them with concerned senior colleagues in the United Nations Secretariat.

Let me stress at the outset how much I appreciate and support the work that the Inter-Parliamentary Union is carrying out to advance the political empowerment of women. The specialized Conference "Towards Partnership between Men and Women in Politics", held in New Delhi marks a major milestone in this work. I am most grateful to the Indian authorities and to you personally for the important efforts that were deployed to ensure the success of the Conference.

Here at the United Nations, the results of the Conference were extensively drawn upon to stimulate the Panel discussions on "power and decision-making" that were held during the forty-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women, as well as to guide the agreed conclusions reached by the Panel.

Political decision-making was an important area of emphasis of the Beijing Platform of Action. IPU and the New Delhi Conference can take credit for having substantially advanced one of the key causes highlighted in Beijing.

The United Nations looks forward to an increasingly close cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union in this and other crucial areas of common concern.

Yours sincerely,

A. Annan

Dr. Najma Heptulla Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Parliament House New Delhi c DEPUTY CHAIRMAN RAJYA SABHA

DR (SMT) NAJMA HEPTULLA UU Jg/f ££ |99T | ^ | PARU^THOUSE

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL April 5, 1997

Excellency,

I am writing to _express my deep;., sense, pJ__ support and encoju;aging message to the Specialised Conference of the IPU held in Delhi during 14th to_18th February 1997...The community of Parliamentarians from the world over, who had converged here, greatly appreciated and honoured the gesture. The^ Conference felicitated the presence of your special representative, Ms. Angela King, who read out your thought provoking statement before the Conference. The statement gave us the advantage of your intellectual perspective.

Excellency, you had mentioned my individual name. I acknowledge this as a matter of personal honour. May, I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for your kind gesture.

The Conference was a great success. We could discuss the issue of 'Partnership between Men and Women in Polities', in all its aspects. Apart from considering the region specific problems pertaining this issue in the regional groups, the Conference also took up the three related subjects for the thematic discussions. The role of media in projecting the image of women politicians, framing of the women candidates and funding of their electoral campaigns. All the three issues are vital for the political empowerment of women.

This Conference was attended by 240 Members of Parliament from the 78 member countries of the IPU. They represented different regions, backgrounds and political ideologies. It was interesting to note that 133 political parties were represented at the Conference. This gave us the advantage of having a broad spectrum of opinions.

The composition of delegations was in conformity with the agenda of the Conference. Perhaps the Conference was unique in the sense that almost equal number of men and women Parliamentarians participated to moot the issue of partnership and gender parity in politics. 121 men and 119 women Parliamentarian participated in the Conference. The Conference was inaugurated by Hon'ble President of India, Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma in the Central Hall of our Parliament, in the presence of highest dignitaries from the Government, members of national delegations, dignitaries from the diplomatic core and members of Indian Parliament.

As was decided by the IPU, the debate was launched by the three eminent leaders of our times H.E. Mr. Sam Nujoma, The President of Namibia, H.E. Mrs. Sheikh Hasina, The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Mrs. Vigdis Finnbogadottir, Former President of Iceland. Their enlightening addresses set the broad agenda for the Conference.

Excellency, IPU has always joined its efforts with those of the UN. We propose to work together in spirit of complementarity in all the UN projects directed towards upliftment of global society. We look forward to many more such occasions when the IPU and the UN will make conceited efforts in this direction.

In the two world bodies represent national parliaments and national governments. You will agree that togather they can make an effective intervention in shaping up the future of the humanity. It is our wish that the partnership between the IPU and the UN continues.

Excellency, I take this opportunity to renew my assurances for the highest consideration.

With kind regards, I remain, Yours sincerely,

(NAJMA HEPTVLLA)

H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary-General, The United Nations. \ SPECIALIZED INTER-PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE "Towards Partnership Between Men and Women in Politics" •i

New Delhi, 14-18 February 1997

.Jf: Final Declaration by the President of the Conference, Mr. P. A. Sangma, Speaker of the Lok Sabha of India

New Delhi, 18 February 1997

Ladies and Gentlemen, We have now come to the concluding part of the Conference.

The strong presence of President Sam Nujoma and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the launching of the debate in this Conference has been a gentle message to the world community that the pace of women's political integration needs to be addressed forthwith. The gentle presence of Madam Vigdis Finnbogadottir has been a strong message fora crusade on the issue. Let us place on record our deep gratitude to the gesture of these high dignitaries.

I compliment the Inter-Parliamentary Council for the design of this Conference. The design has been unique. The usual country statements were avoided. Delegates comprising 727 men and 779 women, belonging to 133 political parties, as well as nine independents, went straight to business. There were 750 interventions in the plenaries alone. Seventy-five per cent of these interventions were made by women.

The quality of debate has been impressive as well. The Keynote Speakers and Moderators meaningfully guided the debate with the professionalism and vast range of their experience.

The plenaries and the workshops truly mirrored the grass-roots concerns. -2-

1 The agenda has been practical. It was confined to one of the twelve critical areas of concern identified at Beijing in September 1995, namely « Inequality between men and women in the sharing of power and decision-making at all levels ». Even within this concern, the agenda was focused on a single crucial facet - political empowerment. The training of women, the funding of electoral campaigns and media management which are the themes under the agenda are nut-and-bolt subjects of practical politics. They have been analysed threadbare. Having shifted my official headquarters from Parliament to this Conference venue over the last few days, I have carefully watched the entire debate either at the floor or on the closed-circuit TV monitor. I shall present to you, with my own comments now, what I comprehend are some important highlights: (i) Women themselves are ha/ting and hesitant in entering politics and cpnsider it an unclean domain. No doubt, the world « politics » has come to acquire a derogatory connotation. But, as one of the delegates mentioned, politics is one of the most beautiful human activities. The legitimacy of this activity has to be carried home to women. (it) Men need to be prepared for adjusting themselves to the new role they have to play as women get inducted intc public service - particularly in the context of the sea- change overtaking the institution of family. This message was strongly projected by one of the British delegates. (Hi) Political participation is a pervasive process. An index of political participation is not a mere arithmetical factor of membership in national Parliaments. This fact emerged rather clearly in the presentation of Mr. Jerzy J. Wiatr (Poland), Rapporteur of the Central and East European Regional Workshop. Political training of women needs to be continuous and life-long, even commencing from school stage; it should be at all levels too, local, provincial, national and international; academic, specialized and party institutions should be involved in the training process. Ms. Lesley Abdela, one of the Keynote Speakers, has even enriched the English vocabulary by describing the political training needs of women as « Shevolution ». (iv) Establishment of quotas for women's political participation has proved quite successful in some countries. They need to be established in the political party systems as well - in membership, hierarchies and candidatures. Quotas could generate funding of women's electoral campaigns. (v) Electoral reforms could be considered for eliminating the disadvantages faced by women in political participation. The Canadian Royal Commission on Electoral Reform (1992) is indeed exemplary. (vi) There is apprehension that mobilization of finances from private sources, that is otherwise than through State budgets, may create dependence and obligations. Candidates could get involved in scams and scandals. This is an occupational hazard. Indeed, the politician has even been defined as a person who divides his time between running for office and running for cover. The only solution to the issue of private funding is transparency in mobilization of funds, expenditure and accounting for it.

(vii) There is more to success in political campaigns and electoral contests thari'financial resources and support. Indeed, be it men or women, people dd spend money and still lose elections. Ultimately, success in elections is a function of identification with the majority of the voters and their concerns. The route to this identification is sheer leg-work - the hard grind of sustained and uninterrupted public service in the constituencies, commencing long earlier than announcement of candidatures. As Mrs. Sheila Finestone (Canada) put it, if money is not available, « other creative ways » have to be found. (viii) The media's role, as ft emerged In the Media Round-Table, has been traditionally one of reflecting some striking aspects of the status quo and trends. Hence, it has been playing a rather passive role in projecting the political aspirations and concerns of women. If the media is to play an actw? role, women themselves should devise direct and institutional mechanisms for networking with the media. This is not to say that the media should not pro-actively campaign for the cause of women's political integration. The human resource in the media is but a part of the society which is largely male-dominated all over the world. Hence, the need as well for pro-active initiatives by the media. Qx) The IPU should continue to survey the status of political advancement of women, monitor it and promote it. There needs to be a Summit of Heads of Government on partnership between men and women in.political life. Heads of Government met quite recently at Copenhagen in the World Summit for Social Development and they have stood by empowerment of women. Hence, it is unclear whether on this limited subject of partnership between men and women in political life there could be yet another Summit. Personally, I am for it. Candidly speaking, politics is power and perquisites as well, apart from public service. Men, who are in majority in • politics, could be reluctant to be deprived. If this scenario is to change, political commitment should follow from Heads of Government. Or is there a way of including women without depriving men? Can there be a male and a female candidate from each constituency? The debate has to continue. And, the dynamics of democracy is one of constant vigil for its refinement and continuance.

Let me now place on record, on behalf of all of you, our gratitude to the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister of India for contributing their thoughts apart from lending the majesty of their offices and grandeur of their personalities to this historic Conference.

The United Nations has conveyed its solidarity with us in this Conference by deputing Ms. Angela King, its Assistant Secretary-General, as the representative of the Secretary-General. Her statement was thought-provoking.

Dr. Ahmed Fathy Sorour, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Council and Speaker of the Fgypf/an People's Assembly, was always by my side in giving his sage advice. I compliment, him. I have found in Mr. Haardc (Iceland), the Vice-President of the IPU Executive Committee, a s/x'dn/ friend of quiet efficiency. My special t/ian/cs to him. .(••

Mrs. faiza Kef/ (Ttm/'s/aj, Resident -ciHhe iPC/Co^-Kftnating Comm/Uee of Women Parliamentarians, gave stimulating food ,(or thought, in her ^introductory observations. She demonstrated touching s/ncer/ty /n /ier cornm/tment ..to the deliberations of the Conference despite her sudden indispostiio.n. My special thsriks to 'her. as well.

All 1/ie officials of the IPUSecmznatM^rtfadym'mic leadership of Mr. Corn///on, the Secretary General of the IPtl jawsf Ms. Christine F/M4 -t/ie Secretary of the Conference, virtually worked round the clock. I am $?5&e&$ ID tffessm The /PL/ staff and the delegates have appreciated the phenomenal c/ccfeat'/on >afftfe ?.loot e Parliament Staff. I am proud of them.

The moving spirit for this Conference has &een Dr.(Mrs.) Najma Heptulla, my colleague in the Parliament,, who has detnomtsated what partnership is in this Conference. Honourable Mr. Sum] Shan, 'B?pi/$y Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Senior Parliamentarians of India lent their qu/ef and fall sapporl %o me. If this Conference has been successful, it is due to the implicit faith and conjlfefence fey liave fed in me and Mrs. Heptulla.

I thank the media for their co-operation in the Conference and I appeal to them to be pro-active as well, in the cause of vesting political power in women.

I have got my formal Concluding Statement on the outcome of the Conference elaborately prepared in consultation with the Keynote Speakers and Moderators, duly assisted by the IPU Secretariat and the Secretariat of the Indian Parliament.

I shall now call upon Ms. Christine Pintat, Secretary of the Conference, to read out my statement.

* * * INTER-PARLIAMEiMTARY UNION

INTER-PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE « Towards Partnership Between Men and Women in Politics »

New Delhi, 14 - 18 February 1997

CONCLUDING STATEMENT EJYTHE PRESIDENT CONTENTS

Concluding Statement by the President on the Outcome of the Conference 3-6

Outline of the Work of the Conference 7-8 INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

CONCLUDING STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE CONFERENCE •-I

1. Is partnership possible between men and women cultural backgrounds 133 political parties were In fact In politics? Is It a source of more full-fledged and represented at the Conference together with nine representative democracy? How can it be achieved? What Independents. benefit can society as a whole derive from this new way of imagining and conducting the political administration of 7. The presence and active participation of men and countries? women representing several non-governmental organisations greatly enriched the debates of the 2. These are the questions which the Inter- Conference, The capital role which they play In the field parliamentary Union asked us to debate and for which the to promote the establishment of parity democracy was Parliament of India, which Is In the process of reflecting on highlighted on several occasions; they thould therefore be this subject, Invited you here to New Delhi. encouraged and supported In the action they carry out In very diverse areas, In particular, we felt that It was essential 3. All our work was naturally Inspired by the results of for them to continue and strengthen their scrutiny of the the Fourth World Conference on Women which took place political process. in Beijing in September 1995; our meeting was designed to maintain the momentum and ensure the Implementation 8. As politics is deeply rooted In society and reflet of the commitments made by Governments on that dominant values, dur discussions highlighted clearly that occasion, During our debates, we have extended and developing a partnership In politics necessarily depends amplified the content of the Beijing Parliamentary on the degree of partnership as a social mode In general. Declaration and the IPU Plan of Action to correct present This Is undoubtedly why the Interparliamentary Union imbalances in the participation of men and women in asserts that what has to be developed, In modern political life. democratic societies, Is nothing less than a new social contract In which men and women work In equality and 4. During four days of intense debate, we pooled the complementarity, enriching each other mutually from their diversity of our experiences, our reflections, our doubts differences. and our suggestions. To nourish our discussions, the Inter- parliamentary Union had provided a world comparative 9. To address the current deficit, a major shift In the study and a poster entitled Men and Women in Politics; mind-set of both men and women 1$ needed. This would Democracy Still in the Making, which constitute an generate a positive change of attitudes towards women irreplaceable tool for reflection, and lead to a new balance in society at large and in politics In particular. 5. The Inter-Fferliamentary Union and the Indian Parliament encouraged the formation of parity dekgatiof u 10. It goes without saying that women'spolltical rights I am particularly proud to note that the 76 national must be considered In the overall context or human rights delegations which participated In the Conference were and cannot be dissociated therefrom. Men and women composed of 121 men and 119 women. Never before to politicians, governments and parliaments must pursue their my knowledge has an International meeting achieved such efforts towards the recognition of these rights and the a degree of parity, never before has a conference on a implementation of the International Instruments which topic concerning women allowed such a dialogue between relate to them, equals, not only in rights but also in numbers. As Speaker of a Parliament, I can only hope that all our Parliaments 11. What is basically at stake Is democracy itself. and our International meetings will, like this one, increasingly come to resemble our societies and take on a 12. It.would appear that we are still far from a world in parity nature. which the governing bodies of our political parties, which play a decisive role In political life, as well as our 6. I also wish to point out that we had the chance to governments and our Parliaments are precise mirrors of engage in a dialogue on this important question with men our societies as regards the proportion of men and women. and women from the broadest spectrum of oolitical and lw all rlnl«~"-- -'----'•' '•' -INTeFl-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

countries provided for equality between men and women or 4 mixed electoral syitam give women much greater in all spheres of life. However, all ihose who jpoke affirmed chances of being elected than the first-past-the-port system. that, in politics, there was a huge gap between law and Political parties were, however,, asked to ensure that women practice with regard to the principle of equality. are well placed on electoral lists - particularly on closed lists - and that they stand In constituencies where they 13. In different ways, many of us have however asserted have a reasonable chance of being elected. that the integration of women in political life at all levels favours thedemocratisation of politics and that women, In 21. Parties were further asked to take measures to turn, find that democracy offers them opportunities to facilitate the equal participation of men and women in become better integrated In the political process. their activities, taking accountof the family responsibilities of both sexes, On this subject, many speakers pointed out 14. It was stressed that, as already stated In a United the Importance of day-care centres and kindergartens, as Nations study/ the situation would Improve appreciably If well as other facilities that should be made available, the number of women In Parliament reached a certain enabling the requirements of both political and family life threshold figure. This "critical mass" was evaluated at- to be reconciled. The generalisation of paternity leave 30 per cent which has also been borne out by the was also proposed. experience In the Nordic countries. It seemed that this "critical mass" and, even more, parity could not be achieved 22. Another Issue which figured prominently In the in Parliaments as long as political parties fall to put forward debate was the fact that men and women share paid and a sufficient number of women candidates with real chances unpaid work very unequally. It still remains true that of being elected. women carry out the vast majority of the unpaid work, largely housework, whereas men carry out most of the paid 15. Parties were asked to become more open to women work, Moreover, recent surveys indicate that women work and more receptive to their demands, Indeed, women longer hours than men. It was strongly suggested that this find it very difficult to obtain a seat on party structures issue must be addressed If progress Is to be achieved In which have evolved and operate according to basically women's representation in political life, which Is another masculine criteria. time-consuming activity, It was therefore suggested that • \ proposals be placed on each national agenda to achieve a 16. Many participants favoured the Introduction of fair sharing between men and women In unpaid work. quota systems to promote women's access to the governing bodies of parties where, on average, they account for 23. As In a leitmotiv, women's education was mentioned scarcely 10 percent. In all debates and by virtually all speakers of either sex as one of the preconditions for the Integration of more women 17. The views on quotas were divergent. Those who In political life. This education should be provided for favoured them stressed the need for quotas at all levels men as much as for women In order to break down where decisions are actually taken, from parties to the patriarchal mind-sets and should start at a very early age. national Parliament Government and administration. It Is clear to us all that quotas are only a necessary evil which 24. In addition, a lengthy debate was devoted more should be applied on a temporary basis in order to redress particularly to women's political and electoral training. It the currentdramatic imbalance between men and women goes without saying that such training Is equally and that they should be abolished once the desired effect Indispensable for men and for women, butltemerged from has been achieved. the debate that pre-tralnlng Is required for women. This training should target three aspects. 18. A clear consensus emerged in favour of quotas targeting candidatures rather than seats in Parliament, and * First of all, the exercise of citizenship should begin at in favour of them being established by parties rather than school age so that participation In political life Is not by Parliament, although the law had the advantage of reduced merely to depositing a vote In a ballot box at making them binding on all parties, It was felt that, In more or less regular Intervals; on the contrary, It implies order to reduce the discriminatory nature of quotas which a lasting commitment and contribution to the building makes them so disturbing for many of us, they should be of a more just society, gender neutral, * The ability to stand for election and to conduct an 19. Several delegates further stressed the need for other electoral campaign implies gaining the necessary self- mechanisms such as, wherever appropriate, the reservation confidence, putting together the requisite moral, of a certain percentage of seats in local and national material and logistical support In the political party and representative institutions to compensate for women's poor Informal support networks and, lastly, winning the chances of being elected. voters' trust,

20. With regard to parliamentary elections, many deletes stated that the Dronortional rprinscuntai-lnn c^i-a™ * Learning the use of parliamentary procedures so as to INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

25. Other important recommendations made during for the Introduction of reduced rates for the use of media the debate, Included; time In campnlgns. .

* Training should be provided to both women and men 29. Many delegates expressed the view that women and trainers should also be drawn from each sex. have everything to gain from a cleaner and more Substantial efforts must be made so that the necessary transparent system of financing of both nomination and funds are provided for that purpose. electoral campaigns and It was proposed that ell countries should, If they have not already done so/ Introduce * The responsibility for training Involves several sectors. appropriate legislation to regulate funding from all sources, whether public, business, foundations or private. Political parties should mobilise and appeal to women candidates and should set up training programmes 30. The goneral lack or the scarcity of funding for suited to their needs. Universities, NGOs and associations also play a fundamental role, particularly women's campaigns led to various Interesting women's associations which rely on men an'd women recommendations: who can share the wealth of their experiences. Parliaments are another valuable actor which provide * Political parties should, as a matter of principle, put training to newly elected MPs in order to help them forward at least one-third women candidates and prepare for their parliamentary duties. allocate to them one-third of their campaign resources.

* Training should focus on the working of government, * Political parties and International financial Institutions the building of democracy and problems tied to social such as the World Bank should establish special funds relations between men and women, and pertain to such which can be used to offer cash contributions or topics as communications, campaign organisation, work Interest-free loans to women candidates or to reimburse with volunteers, medias and NGOs, and the role of their campaign expenses. political parties. One particularly Important type of training involves learning how to examine the national * The establishment of systems for at least partial public budget so as to understand its different components funding of campaigns should be generalised. and determine the extent to which It takes Into account ; the needs of women, * Wherever public funding of political parties is possible, Incentives should be put In place, I.e. the amount of * Education programmes should convey the philosophy funding or refunding of election campaign expenses inherent in human rights, the fight against stereotyped should be linked to the percentage of women roles, and should be followed by training components * candidates put forward by each party and/or elected comprising elements of legal and political literacy. to Parliament

26. It was suggested that a directory of Institutions * In those countries where funding Is provided to world-wide that are able to provide political training for parliamentary political groups, an additional premium women should be prepared, and it was likewise proposed should be foreseen, linked to the proportion of women that training manuals or modules for women politicians MPs. should be established. It was also pointed out that the use of local languages for such manuals, as indeed for the * The establishment of foundations for financing women's relevant national texts (electoral laws, etc.), would be tools electoral campaigns should be encouraged and of great advantage, particularly In large societies which developed. Include diverse ethnic or linguistic communities, Several delegates mentioned the great Importance of education 31. It has been said time and time again thatln politics, and training in order to help women overcome the commitment, active ongoing presence and conviction can perceived lack of self-confidence which too often makes make up for Insufficient resources, Including financial them reluctant to come forward Into the political arena. means, and that good media coverage does as much to Moreover, the importance of providing specialised training, win an election as large sums of money, for political workers was also mentioned. 32. Today, the media also play a very Important role In 27. We devoted much attention to the financing of politics, No politician,'man or woman, can disregard or women's electoral campaigns. minimise them, This Is why we debated the image of women politicians in the media, As was stated by the 28. Many calls were made to reduce the exorbitant costs Moderator of the lively debate on this topic between media of campaigns. This would clearly level the playing field for representatives and political figures • Mrs. Dahl, the Speaker women but would need to be closely monitored to ensure of the Swedish Parliament • our discussion was punctuated that limit.-; are respected. Reductions could be achieved by the traditional topics of the love-hate relationship not only by placing a cap or ceiling on spending but also between the> media and t-ko nnl!Hr-ni ^-i--- -~-J »i ' - ' ' »• INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

each side. The dominant'feeling was that each-side has to advanced by'tlit •hoidrng of regional meetings of MPs to go some way to meet the other, discuss partkulat.aspects of the question,

33. Emphasis was placed on the need, in particular, to 36, It-was recommended that every State should set provide media training for women both so'that^iay.cap up a rnylthJiscipllnary advisory board having a supervisory better understand the working and prl.asifl.es of the media functlonmsnsure that the Interests and needs of women and also so that they can learn,'faow to get'their message irtta'accaunt In every field, across, The mediata fact:tend;to:focus,mii£!SOpV.who'a7e Identified with a -cause without .pay^sg'attantlcm .to ^et* As i^gards possible action to be taken by fjender. On the other hand, ,ths media i«va«» Invited to , 'ft VWBS-suggested that they should create special look into the way they portray weEiisrc -ira 'general, as -wall s'io-charga of monitoring national, International as women politicians In particular, and so adapt a new ard sregloraS provisions regarding the rights of women, or outlook. If the media are aware that integral:!?*g womsn fa committees on women's affairs. Parliaments should ensure politics reinforces democracy, they should, havlnga crucial the adoption of legislation regarding the Implementation and Increasingly important role to pla^ In die democratic of women's fights. They should also work out, together process, strive to get this message across in every possible with their governments, strategies for progress to be made way. towards the realisation of equal partnership between men •andwomen, Faiilamentarlans should alsosupportwomen's 34. Our main conclusion 1$ that it is necessary to bring NCQJ, about a radical change In attitudes so that the Image of » women politicians which Is relayed by the media should 40. Use wscess of this Conference has encouraged us . not be restricted only to the! r Ide n tl ry as women but should to reoHnmendi that the Inter-Parliamentary Union should portray them as real actors In political life, do everyifef; ft* ensure that broad publicity Is given to thesssfwaasf^Wthelrfollow-up, and to Increase activities 35. Some concrete suggestions were put forward, sad *io ipiro»c83@ women's Integration In political life. are summed up below: 41. One aspect of this Integration concerns the * Parliaments and political parties should organise public participation of women In equal numbers with men In the relations sessions on the image of women politicians In work of all international bodies. With regard more the media. especially to the IPU, Member Parliaments were strongly urged to ensure that the provisions of Article 11,1 of the * The authorities should reform their communication} Union's Statutes are strictly respected regarding the policy so as to take fuller account of the social presence of women In their delegations. Imbalances between men and women and give a more accurate image of women politicians. 42. Strengthening the Union's co-operation with the United Nations Division on the Status of Women was also * journalists should, when covering political subjects, take proposed as a practical follow-up to the Agreement of Co- pains not to interview exclusively men politicians. operation recently concluded between the IPU and the UN. * An annual prize should be awarded to press bodies 43. The idea of holding regional meetings along the which prove their impartiality In covering women and lines of the New Delhi Conference In co-operation with men politicians. the regional Institutions concerned was also put forward, and the IPU was encouraged to continue to carry out 36. Several delegates referred to the importance of research and comparative world studies such as the one networking among women politicians, both nationally and presented to the Conference. Itwas proposed that these regionally and to the action that senior women politicians Initiatives might be carried out with the support of UNESCO who play a model role can take in order to encourage on questions such as women politicians and the media, other women to enter the political arena, 44. In conclusion, I would like to point out that the 37. Itwas suggested thatthiscould be facilitated through Imbalance between men and women In politics Is National Commissions for Women, which should be undeniable, that a consensus between men and women established wherever such structures are currently lacking. has arisen here on the urgent need to remedy this situation It was felt that considerable force could be generated if and that practical solutions have been identified. It now women parliamentarians combine their efforts to ensure remains to mobilise sustained political resolve in order to that policies in all fields take account of the women's advance from words to action. This Is our joint perspective. The role of networking In helping to train responsibility, and in the name of each and every one of new women members of Parliaments was also stressed. It you, I wish to assert here our commitment to take up this was felt that the momentum which had been generated responsibility to the full, Democracy and the development since the Beijing Conference and over the last few days bv UNION

OUTLINE OF THE WORK OF THE CONFERENCE

The IPU Specialized Conference on « Towards Parliamentary delegations from 73 countries took part Partnership between Men and Women in Politics », was In four daya of Intense debates, together with held in New Delhi from 14 to 18 February 1997, at the representatives of Intergovernmental organizations, invitation of the Parliament of India. It was organized Inter-parliamentary organizations and non-governmental as a follow up to the Fourth World Conference on organizations (1). For the first time In the history of the Women. Inter-Parliamentary Union, men and women parliamentarians were present In equal numbers. The Inaugural Ceremony was held in the Central Hall of the Parliament of India, The debates In plenary were launched by with the participation of H.E. Dr, H.E. Mr. Sam Nujoma, President of Shanker Dayal Sharma, President of Namibia, H.E. Mrs. Sheikh Hasina, India, H.E.Shri K.R. Narayanan, Vice- Prime Mlnliterof Bangladesh, H.E, Mrj. President of India, Mr. RA, Sangma, Vlgdls Flnnb<5gad6ttir, Former President Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Dr. (Smt.) of Iceland, Mrs, Angela King, UN Najma Heptulla, Deputy Chairman of Assistant Secretary-General and Special the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Ahmed Fathy Adviser on Gender issues and Sorour, President of the Inter- Advancement of Women, and Mrs, Falza Parliamentary Council, the Representative Kefl, Member of the Tunisian Chamber of of the United Nations Secretary-General, Deputies and President of the IPU Co- Mrs. Angela King, Assistant Secretary-General, ordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians. and Mr. Pierre Cornlllon, Secretary General of the Inter- At the closa of the Conference, H,E, Mr. H.D. Deve parliamentary Union. Gowda, Prime Minister of India, further addressed participants. At the opening of the proceedings, which were held in the Vigyan Bhawan, Mr. RA. Sangma, Speaker of the The programme of the Conference included a Round Lok Sabha, and Dr. (Smt) Najma Heptulla, Deputy Table with the Media, two thematic discussions and sfx Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, were elected, respectively, regional Workshops with the contribution of the President and Vice-Presldent of the Conference. following persons;

(1) Participation in the Conference • Parliamentary delegations from; Albania, Algeria, Angola, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Canada, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, KazakJtan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libyan Arab Jamahariya, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, San Marino, Senegal, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, TunUla, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe Delegation »' •• ~- • - • - INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

Round Table with the Media gn The (mage of Women World Confsrence on Women, and Hon, DatukMohimed Politicians in the Media NAim bin ABDUL A/iz (Malaysia), Ml? Doputy Mlnliter In the Prime Minister'! Department Moderator: Mrs. Blrgltta DAHL (Sweden), Speaker of the Riksdaggn Arab Workshop Panelists: Mr, V. KUMAR (India;, Member of Parliament; Mrs. Marjorie MARGOUES-MEZVINSKY (United States o. America), Moderator: Mrs. Toujan FAISAL (Jordan), Member of President, Women's Campaign Fund, Director of the US Parliament, member of the IPU Executive Committee, Delegation to the Fourth World Conference on Women, member of the IPU Co-ordinating Committee of Women former Member of the US Congress; Mrs, Kadiatou Parliamentarians ' Koubourath OSSENI (Benin), President of the National Keynote speakers: Mr. Mohamed DJEBBAR (Algeria), Vice- Women's Network for Party President of the National President of the National Transitional Council, and Mrs. Federation of Women's Association/ former Minister of Yousrlya Low (Egypt), Member of the People's Assembly Labour, former Minister of Employment, former Minister of Social Affairs, former MP; Mr. Miguel Angel MARTINEZ Eastern and Central Europe ' Countries In Transition (Spain), Member df the Cortes, former President of the Workshop Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; Mr, Kfcn Cooptft, correspondent In India of the Washington Moderator: Mrs. Zlnaylda FIOOTOVA (Kwakstan), Senator, Post; Ms, Mrinal PANDE, President of the Indian Women's former Speaker of Parliament Press Corps; Ms. Anita PRATAT, New Delhi Bureau Chief Keynote speakers! Mrs, Zdravka Busic (Croatia), Member of of CNN Parliament and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Co-operation, Member Thematic discussion on Women's Political and Electoral of the IPU Co-ordinating Committee of Women Training' Parliamentarians, and Mr. Jerzy j, WIATR (Poland), Member of Parliament, Member of tha IPU Executive Committee, Moderator: Mrs. Faiza KEFI (Tunisia), Member of the Chamber member of the parity Working Croup having prepared of Deputies, President of the IPU Co-ordinating IPU'f Plan of Action to correct present imbalances in the Committee of Women Parliamentarians participation of men and women In politics Keynote speakers; Mrs. Leslie ABDELA (United Kingdom), Eyecatcher and Project Parity, co-founder of the All-Party Latin America and the Caribbean Workshop 300 Group,' and Dr, (Mrs.) Rosa Lfnda MIRANDA (Philippines), Executive Director of the Center for Asia- Moderator: Mrs. M'arla Lydla SANCHIZ VAIVERDE (Costa Rica), Pacific Women In Politics (CAPWIP) Member of the Legislative Assembly

Thematic discussion on Financing Women's Electoral Twelve-Plus Workshop Campaigns Moderator: Mrs. Lenl FISCHER (Germany), MR President of Moderator: Mrs. Sheila FINESTQNS (Canada), Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Parliament and Chairperson of the Standing Committee Keynote speakers; Mr. Georgios ANASTASSOPOULOS (Greece), on Human Rights and Disabled Persons, Vice-President Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Mrs. Irene of the IPU Co-ordinating Committee of Women FfKUotNSCHUSS-RfiCHi. (Austria), Expert, VTce-Chalrperion Parliamentarians, ex-Secretary of Slate on the Status of of one of the two Committees of the FWCW, Chairperson Women of the Drafting Croup of the Vienna preparatory Keynote speakers: Mrs. Roselyne BACHEIOT (France), Member Conference of the FWCW of the National Assembly, and Mr. Jomo KHASU (South Africa), Member of the National Assembly The IPU had wished to associate artists with the reflection Africa Workshop conducted within It on democracy. The Swiss composer, Mr, Dominique Barthassat had thus composed, on the Idea Moderator: Sir Ramesh JEEWOQLAU. (Mauritius), MP, Speaker of partnership between men and women and the East-West of the National Assembly confluence, a musical theme which was played In the Keynote Speakers; Mrs, Mata SY DIAUQ (Senegal), Ml} Second Conference Centre throughout the duration of the meeting. Vjce-Presldent of the National Assembly, and Mrs, Gladys In the same spirit, on the occasion of the Inaugural Ceremony, MUTUKWA (Zambia), President of the Zambia National the same musician Improvised on the piano and synthesizer Women's Lobby Croup an evening raga with threa renowned Indian musicians, Mr, Amaan Ali Bartgash, sarod, Mr, Shafaad Ahmad Khan, Asia and Pacific Workshop tabU, and Sri Babbra, tempura.

Moderator: Mrs. Renuka CHOWDHARY (India), Member of Parliament On 15,February the Government of India'also released a Keynote speakers: MR. Supatra MASDIT (Thailand), MP, special commemorative coin and stamp bearing the Convenor of the NCO Forum of the occasion of the Fourth Conference logo,