Liberal International (LI) has gathered liberals at the home of the European Parliament to launch the LI Women in Political Parties Index (WIPP) handbook – the practical best-practice guide to accompany LI’s one-of-a-kind online inclusivity index.
Addressing international guests at a panel debate under the theme Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in Politics to celebrate the launch, LI Human Rights Committee Chair, Astrid Thors, emphasised that for parties looking to be more representative, and more electable, the WIPP Index handbook is an essential strategic aid. “The handbook shares the best practices of liberal parties from all over the world. It shows the importance of having a plan to create real influence for women”, the Finnish politician said.
Representing the Renew Group in the European Parliament (LI full member), Katalin Cseh MEP (Momentum), explained: “In Hungary, it is acceptable to say, in parliament, that we would have less domestic violence if women just stayed home and did the dishes more”, before adding “Women need to have an equal voice. We need to be angry because we deserve better.”
The WIPP Index allows political parties to confidentially self-assess the level of inclusivity within their party structures while the handbook offers viable steps to create greater levels of equality.
Sharing both their personal and professional experiences of women’s political representation, former Cambodian Minister for Women and long-standing advocate for women’s rights Mu Sochua (CNRP, Cambodia – LI full member), Policy Officer of the LYMEC Bureau Antoanata Asenova (MRF, Bulgaria – LI full member), and Policy Advisor Manon Deshayes of the European Women’s Lobby led discussions around promoting women in politics.
Highlighting the huge amount of work still to be done, Antoaneta Asenova explained the imbalance in attitudes societies have towards women and men: “If I make a mistake, I am young and inexperienced. If a man my age makes a mistake, he’s probably just having a bad day. These double standards still exist.”
The launch and debate were broadcast live and event photos are available to view below!
