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Women Key in Democracy and Development

10 March 2005

Secretary-General Don McKinnon made the point that women are central to the strengthening of democracy and promoting of socio-economic development, on International Women's Day on 8 March 2005.

"Women's full involvement and leadership is central to democracy and human rights"

He said: "Women's full involvement and leadership is central to democracy and human rights, ending conflicts, economic growth and eradicating poverty and combating disease, including HIV/AIDS. These are all pressing Commonwealth priorities. If you don't enable half the world to play their part in solving the problems our planet is facing, you are only going to get half the solutions."

The Commonwealth Secretary-General stated that women have proven to be the driving force of growth and development. He pointed out that educating women has led to better health for their entire families, a healthier population and workforce, and increased economic growth.

Some progress has been achieved in recent years. Mr McKinnon noted that 12 Commonwealth countries have achieved women's representation of between 20 and 30 per cent after Commonwealth leaders set a target five years ago of 30 per cent female representation in parliament.

In countries emerging from years of conflict, the Secretary-General said that the Commonwealth Secretariat has been particularly active in ensuring that the voices of women are heard in the process of peace-building and reconstruction. In Sierra Leone, a national consultation was convened, in collaboration with the government and United Nations agencies to encourage women to participate in post-conflict reconstruction and politics. At the May 2002 national elections, the percentage of women in the Sierra Leone Parliament almost doubled, from 8 to 15 per cent.

In June 2004, the Commonwealth Women's Affairs Ministers Meeting in Fiji Islands adopted a new 10-year Plan of Action for Gender Equality in the Commonwealth. This strengthens the support of governments and civil society to eliminate discrimination and inequality based on gender.

Mr McKinnon stated that too many women still live on the edge, suffering violence in its many forms. He highlighted that 2005 signalled the 49th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, in New York, which coincided with the Beijing+10 global conference. The meeting took stock of progress made since the Beijing Declaration was adopted by 189 countries in 1995, when they pledged renewed action and commitment on gender equality, development and peace. 

On 7 March 2005, the Commonwealth presented its new Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005-2015 to the Beijing+10 conference. A report by Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Winston Cox to the 49th session in New York underlined the Commonwealth's recognition that socio-economic development, democracy and peace are inextricably linked to gender equality. Mr Cox said: "Gender equality is a key factor in enhancing good governance, eradicating poverty and violence against women, ensuring education for all, improving maternal health, reducing child mortality and combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic."

Mr McKinnon summed up his message by urging all governments to increase their efforts to provide a solid foundation for the advancement of gender equality in this century. "Let us harness the strength, courage and abilities of women throughout the world. It is time women are fully recognised as equal partners in building a common future."

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 225 9 March 2005