SAARC states to increase women’s political participaton

The Women’s Committee of the Association of the SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians (ASSP) has pledged to undertake affirmative measures to ensure participation of women in all democratic processes in South Asia.

Delegates from Maldives, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan met on Saturday morning at Bandos Island Resort to speak on the challenges and opportunities South Asian women’s face in the political arena.

This is the second meeting of the Women’s Committee of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians’ (ASSP) which was chaired by Maldives MP Mariya Ahmed Didi.

A joint statement released following the meeting said the Women’s Committee will work to mainstream women into the body politics of the parliamentary system and will raise awareness and educate the public regarding the necessity of women’s political participation for democracy.

Further, the Women’s Committee will organize training programs focusing on parliamentary practices, public speaking and assertiveness and create an environment where women can advocate on matters of policy and run for political office.

The delegates also vowed to institute practices that facilitate the representation of women including supporting women to run for nominations, raising funds to help nominated women cover campaign-related costs and setting minimum targets for women.

Joint meetings of the women’s committee will be held at least twice a year, the committee said.