👩‍💻Webinar "Women in Elections"

The European Partnership for Democracy hosted a webinar titled "Bottom-up Outreach on Women in Elections," delving into the crucial topic of enhancing women's representation in European politics. Held on May 14, 2024, the event served as a platform for in-depth discussions and insightful analyses regarding the measures necessary to bolster women's participation both at the voting booth and in office.

The webinar commenced with a warm welcome and introduction from Emma Achilli, the Strategic Advisor on Civic Space at the European Partnership for Democracy. With enthusiasm, she set the stage for the engaging discussions that followed, highlighting the significance of the event's agenda.

Throughout the session, expert speakers delved into international standards for women's electoral participation and representation. They meticulously examined the prevailing gender inequality within European politics, shedding light on key issues, gaps, and reform proposals. Despite significant strides in women's rights, it became evident that women continue to be underrepresented in political spheres, necessitating concerted efforts from various stakeholders including political parties, EU institutions, media, and civil society organizations.

An interactive Q&A session ensued, providing participants with a platform to actively engage with the speakers, pose pertinent questions, and seek clarifications on the topics discussed. This segment fostered an open dialogue, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in advancing women's representation in European politics.

As the event drew to a close, concluding remarks summarized the key insights gleaned from the discussions and underscored the importance of advancing women's representation in European politics. The webinar served as a catalyst for action, urging stakeholders to redouble their efforts in promoting gender equality and inclusivity in political decision-making processes.

Key focus areas included an evaluation of the EU's progress in women's political participation over the last five years, an assessment of the effectiveness of the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, identification of remaining barriers to women's representation within European political parties, and an exploration of the role of gender mainstreaming in shaping future European policies.

In conclusion, the webinar provided a vital platform for stakeholders to assess the current landscape of women in European elections and politics. By identifying necessary measures for improvement and emphasizing the paramount importance of gender equality, the event aimed to drive positive change and pave the way for a more inclusive and representative European democracy.

You can find the full webinar uploaded online here.

The project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.