Women in local politics
Local politics may not be a theme that clears the front pages every day, but
it is of essential importance for people all over the world that their local politicians are able to understand and meet their needs. In most countries local
level politics is about dividing the resources in the local society and as such
of great importance for the daily lives of people all over the world.
The lack of women in local politics is a global issue that has been debated
for many years. Women’s involvement in decision and policy-making processes is absolutely essential for changes in women’s political, social and
economic status. As such women are seen as actors of change.
Supporting the participation of women in local politics therefore has great
potential for improving the lives of women in general.
The workshop session on women in local politics will be focusing on how
diversity is managed in different political, social and cultural settings especially within DIPD’s project countries. What are the challenges that women
politicians are facing in the different settings?
How can political party assistance actors strengthen their efforts in supporting women at the local level?
Engaging youth and especially young women in politics is a challenge for all
democracies. The importance of engaging youth is self-evident considering
their majority status in many populations and the fact that the future belongs
to the youth.
But will the involvement of young women in itself lead to reforms in political
culture and political party practices? Often young women in politics are
supported on the assumption that they will be agents of change. But will
youth, and in particular young women, act differently if the basic incentive
structures of the political system remain the same?