Final Statement, Recommendations from the Fourth Session of the Think Tank
A final statement resulted from this session, sharing recommendations in four areas: elections, media, coalition building, and a common cause
Elections
Participants identified and discussed the challenges of gender issues within formal political frameworks including:
The lack of political awareness among large numbers of women voters and the need for voter education throughout the electorate
Unclear electoral procedures and the importance of uniformity in implementing the law
The need for gender disaggregated data (i.e. electoral data indicating the number of women who register to vote, serve as candidates, and vote) to ensure that women are full participants in the political process.
Additionally, speakers introduced dialogues on the importance of women candidates and political parties to listen to voters and conduct meaningful exchanges in order to be accountable to their constituencies. In order to keep candidates accountable once elected, they must clearly and meaningfully: respond to voter’s needs, as well as to related issues, including human and women’s rights and social development priorities; and integrate their constituencies in developing their political vision and agenda.
Media
Think Tank participants expressed concern with the media on several fronts, namely:
Media outlets do not provide equal opportunities for air time to women candidates as those provided to men
Women are infrequently invited to provide expert analysis on political and social developments.
The media must work with political parties, candidates and NGOs to take responsibility for helping to educate voters on the electoral process and focus on substantive issues of importance to all voters. Women’s networks must be prepared to provide clear and timely information to media, and media must take advantage of the expertise in women’s networks.
Coalition-building
Participants recognized that women cannot be successful in political life unless they form strong coalitions among like-minded groups, other social movements, political parties, unions, etc. and work together to advocate with decision-makers for common causes. The participants discussed the value of intergenerational dialogue as a way of appreciating the experiences of all other groups and stakeholders.
A Common Cause
Participants recognize that the world is interconnected and that women and men must collaborate and advocate at regional and international levels to ensure peace and prosperity. Participants considered the complexity of ethnic, national, social and gender identities and opportunities for transcending borders.