Doc. 9629

26 November 2002

Women’s participation in elections

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mrs Gatterer and others

1.       The Assembly is concerned about the fact that in countries that have traditional patriarchal structures and do not have a long democratic tradition women tend to follow their husbands or fathers political opinion.

2.       In some countries the prevailing view sees women’s nature appropriate to carry out family duties while men deal with other issues, e.g. political. Although women are participating in elections their way of political decision making is often influenced by their husband’s opinion.

3.       Patriarchal structures, discrimination, financial constraints and strong social traditions are the most relevant obstacles for women to influence politics. As a result of these traditions women usually have to vote like their husbands, and only a few of them have the freedom of choice.

4.       Therefore Council of Europe member states on the one hand have to ensure that European standards within the democratic election process are met. Women’s political participation is a key component of democracy, thus strengthening women’s role in democratic progress in the respective countries is necessary.

5.       On the other hand the Assembly recommends that more close up research be conducted about women’s participation in elections. It is indispensable to weaken the patriarchal structures and enhance more independent decision making by women. Since democracy and participation of women go hand in hand it is necessary to break with these aforementioned traditions and the stereotyped image of women.

6.       The Assembly finally calls upon the governments to change the respective legislation that still impedes women from equal participation in elections and to undertake conscience building measures in order to bring about a lasting change of mind and tradition.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed : ¹

Gatterer, Austria, EPP

Belohorská, Slovakia, EDG

Blankenborg, Norway, SOC

Calner, Sweden, SOC

Čurdová, Czech Republic, SOC

Gross, Switzerland, SOC

Hooper, United Kingdom, EDG

Korhonen, Finland, EPP

Kósá-Kovács, Hungary, SOC

López González, Spain, SOC

Mooney, Ireland, LDR

Olekas, Lithuania, SOC

Paegle, Latvia, EPP

Palis, Germany, SOC

Pericleous Papadopoulos, Cyprus, LDR

Provera, Italy, LDR

Schmied, Switzerland, LDR

Zapfl-Helbling, Switzerland, EPP

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