Doc. 8231
6 October 1998

Equal representation in political life

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mrs Poptodorova and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only

the members who have signed it

1.        The under-representation of women in political life represents a wasted potential detrimental to society and constitutes a breach of democracy.

2.        Despite the recommendations made at the Beijing Conference in 1995, little tangible progress is to be seen in this field in member states.

3.        More equal representation of men and women would make it possible not only to engender different ideas, values and behaviours, but also to take more fully into account the interests and needs of the whole population.

4.        Equal representation is all the more justified because at present working women are increasingly the first victims of unemployment and the deterioration of living conditions, whereas they represent half of humanity’s talents and potentials.

5.        The Assembly considers it to be essential for political parties to take steps to arrive at truly equal representation in political life, whether at local, regional, national or European level.

6.        The Assembly therefore recommends that the Committee of Ministers invite the steering Committees and committees of experts concerned to proceed to the necessary studies and make proposals for the introduction of fully equal representation in member states so that women can accede to true political citizenship.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed : 1

Poptodorova, Bulgaria, SOC

Andnor, Sweden, SOC

Blunck, Germany, SOC

Busic, Croatia, EPP/CD

Guirado, Spain, SOC

I.B. Johansson, Sweden, SOC

Jones, United Kingdom, SOC

Maximus, Belgium, SOC

Pozza Tasca, Italy, LDR

Pulgar, Spain, EPP/CD

Squarcialupi, Italy, SOC

Terborg, Germany, SOC

Warnersson, Sweden, SOC

1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group