Croatia: More space for women in politics, say NGOs

The CESI civil organization developed, on basis of analysis of election results and behaviour of political parties during the elections campaign, a set of Recommendation for Increased Political Participation of Women, intended for political parties.

According to CESI?s findings, the analysis of the campaign shows that political parties are not prepared to increase the numbers of women on their respective candidate lists; that they approach gender equality only on declarative level, rather conservatively, reducing the women to their reproductive role.

Political parties are also inclined to present the women in campaign propaganda as subjects that burden the state (students, mothers) and less as persons that make active contribution to the development of the country (entrepreneurs, businesswomen, scientists).

– Although political parties claim that women are not involved sufficiently in politics, or that they primarily have in mind the competence of the candidates, not their respective sex, it is clear that the primary responsibility for increased political participation of women lies with the parties, says CESI, adding that parties have to involve women as best guarantee that women interests and needs will be taken care off.

The recommendations are attached to this article, as PDF document, in Croatian.

More info:

• www.cesi.hr
• www.civilsoc.org