What does it mean being a woman politician at the local level? Local elected women from Tunisia and Europe exchanged their experiences and good practices during the « Elected Women’s Cafe », which was held in Tunis on 24 April 2019 during the Forum on Gender Equality. The participants insisted on the need to offer trainings for elected women and to build not only their knowledge but also confidence, for them to be able to fully perform their functions.
“Do not fall in the many traps that exist, including that of invisibility”, warned Carla DEJONGHE (Belgium, ILDG), while Constance de PELICHY (France, EPP/CCE) stressed « the importance of having a network to support and accompany you » and Mariya VOYVODOVA (Sweden) praised the benefit of mentoring system to provide guidance for newly elected representatives.
The participants also insisted on the need for women to be part of every stage of the decision process, so that their specific needs and interest are represented and met. Among the recommendations put forward at the end of the discussions were those of mapping the needs of men and women at the local level to make sure all are reflected, including the gender perspective in all aspects of local politics, raise awareness on women’s rights to fight discriminations, including men when discussing gender issues and promoting cooperation between women and between municipalities.
“Keep on making your voice heard and do not hesitate to go on the frontline », concluded Gudrun MOSLER-TÖRNSTRÖM (Austria, SOC), former President of the Congress. This event was co-organised by the Congress, ALDA, Actions in the Mediterranean, the European Union and the Moussawat programme of the Tunisian government.
See also: Congress co-operation activities in Tunisia
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