During the 58th session of the Human Rights Council a group of countries made a joint statement on women’s participation in decision-making systems. The GCH applauds the commitment of those countries and agrees with the content of the statement. However, we could not resist the temptation to share a version of the statement as it would look like in our opinion following a truly inclusive multilateral approach with all levels of government taken into consideration.
Find our version below with track changes and the original statement at the HRC website. This is a pure editorial exercise, but we hope it contributes to the discussion on this important topic, held in various formats, such as the “Woman and Mayor” event at the UN Forum of Mayors.
Joint Statement on behalf of a group of more than 50 countries on women’s participation in decision-making systems
Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of more than 50 countries different stakeholders at all levels of government.
The long-term and structural persisting under-representation of women in decision-making systems undermines the legitimacy, quality and acceptability of those decisions. Women’s exclusion is also highly detrimental to the peaceful, sustainable and prosperous development of our societies.
Despite efforts, increased commitment of States and certain successes, global figures are unequivocal. Only 27% of members of parliaments today are women. Only 35.5% of members of local deliberative bodies are women. Only 30% of UN member states have ever had a woman serve as head of state or head of government. No woman has ever served as Secretary General of the UN. Between 1992 and 2019, women comprised just 6% of mediators and 13% of negotiators in major peace talks, and women constituted around 30% of the civilian personnel in UN peacekeeping operations. Only less than 15% of the world’s mayors are women. Only 10% of the 500 biggest companies are led by women.
There can be no sustainable development for a country without the participation of half of its population. There can be no successful localization of SDGs for any local community without the proper representation of half of its members. The welfare of the world and the cause of peace require the participation of women on equal terms with men at all levels, and in all fields, including on pressing issues like technological developments and climate change. These challenges can only be met with the involvement of the whole humanity. This is fundamental to achieve collectively the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda.
The GR40 opens the way to real change in line with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for action, UNSC Resolution 1325 and Mexico World Conference on the International Women’s Year which have shaped women’s roles as equal actors in decision-making and which will be celebrated this year.
In this regard, General Recommendation No. 40 of the CEDAW Committee gives crucial orientations to achieve full, equal, safe and meaningful participation of women in decision-making systems at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
First, the GR40 is the result of a multi-actor process of negotiations. It was developed in close collaboration with UN Women and the Inter-Parliamentary Union and in consultation with States parties, regional organizations, NHRIs, NGOs and academic institutions.
Secondly, the GR40 reaffirms the importance of ensuring women’s participation on an equal footing with men in all spheres of decision-making, including politics, peace and security, and business.
Thirdly, it provides concrete recommendations of legal reforms and institutional changes that have proved to be efficient to promote the participation of women to decision-making systems, such as parity.
We encourage all States and Local and Regional Governments to support the implementation of GR40, by regularly discussing the issue of women’s participation in all decision-making systems at all levels of government, including in the Human Rights Council, by sharing good practices and by monitoring progress following the expertise and guidance provided by the CEDAW Committee.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Elma Okic