Women’s political and economic participation strengthens democracy,
equality and the economy. And while women’s empowerment and full
participation in society are important goals in themselves, they are
also vital for reducing poverty, achieving universal education,
improving maternal and child health, and fulfilling other development
goals.
Increasing the presence of women in politics not only responds to
their rights as citizens; it enriches political discourse,
decision-making and inclusiveness, and improves social conditions
through the passage of equitable laws and policies.
These are some of the reasons why the United Nations Entity for
Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), is placing
special focus this year on promoting women’s economic empowerment and
political participation, and on ending violence against women. More than
goals in and of themselves, these priorities are particularly important
to achieving the sustainable development discussed at the Rio+20
Conference last June.
