“Achieving equal representation between women and men in the political sphere is a persistent challenge” stated Congress President Gudrun Mosler-Törnström at the 61st session of the Commission on the Status of Women, in New York on 16 March 2017. Considering women are still largely underrepresented in local and regional councils, Ms Mosler-Törnström recalled that engaging with women at the local level is the surest way to secure the participation of women at all levels of government. “If we do not make it possible for women to be present in big numbers at the local level, we will not achieve parity in parliaments and governments” she added. In this regard, she set out different solutions such as the implementation of quotas, which is an efficient way to achieve this goal. “Thanks to a 30 per cent quota requirement, from 2011 to 2016, the Congress managed to increase the percentage of women from 31% to 42% among Congress’ members” she commented. “It is on the ground, as mayors and councilors, that elected representatives develop their political profiles. We need proactive local and central governments to work for ensuring women’s presence at local and regional government levels” Gudrun Mosler-Törnström concluded. 

Speech by Gudrun Mosler-Törnström