What's the e-Discussion on Engaging #MaleChampions to Support Women’s Political Participation about ?
This e-discussion was a platform to promote an active and fruitful dialogue on how men can be catalysts for enhancing women’s participation in politics with the goal of drawing out best practices and lessons learned. The e-discussion was co-convened by iKNOW Politics and the International Gender Champions from 06 September to 12 October 2017
Gender balance in politics can only be achieved if men work side by side with women to share the responsibility in breaking harmful cultural norms and practices, as well as the institutional, structural and legal barriers that hinder women’s equal and influential political participation. Proactive work by male champions, in partnership with women, is necessary to establish an environment that empowers women’s political participation at all levels of decision-making.
Men can be powerful advocates in their community to promote women’s role in political life, speaking out about the importance of their engagement as candidates and voters. Male leaders can also utilize media appearances to make targeted statements advocating for change, raising awareness on the lack of women’s representation and leadership in their communities, or supporting the realization of women’s right to participate in elections.
>> Check all contributions here in different languages !!
We also interviewed experts and Champions to nourish the discussion online, here is an excerpt of the interviews with Michael Møller, Director-General, UN Geneva:
with Dr Khalid Koser, Executive Director of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) :
and with Doreen Bogdan's interview, Chief of ITU’s Strategic Planning and Membership Department, and Focal Point for ITU's Secretary-General and International Gender Champion:
Find out about Yury Fedotov, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's answers here.
Participants were invited to answer one or more of the below questions:
1. How do you explain the low representation of women in decision-making around the world, whether in village development committees, parliaments, governments, or intergovernmental organizations?
2. How can men as leaders take meaningful action to foster an increase in women’s representation in decision-making bodies? How can men as husbands/partners, fathers, sons, and other family members, support women’s role in political life? Share concrete examples.
3. What strategies and approaches have been successful in engaging male champions in shifting the gender disparity of women in decision-making bodies?
4. What potential challenges do male champions face in being active and vocal supporters of women in politics (or in women’s empowerment and gender equality)?
5. What can be done to catalyze and encourage more male champions of women's political participation? Please share any initiatives or good practices that you are aware of.