‘I’m asked – too often – why equal representation of women is important?’
This is from a November 2021 blog from the Fawcett Society, which goes on to give some of the key reasons equal representation matters for a functioning democracy:
- Women make up more than half of the population, so should be equally represented in any democracy.
- Research has shown that women’s involvement in decision making leads to better outcomes.
- The increased presence of women in decision-making moves important issues, like violence against women, up the agenda.
- Studies have shown that women are more likely to work collaboratively between parties.
- Research has shown more women representatives encourages more women to participate as citizens.
- Both men and women consider gender-equal institutions fairer and more democratic.
- Diversity of experience leads to better and more representative decision-making.
