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Political parties’ internal rules
from a gender perspective:
Comparatives Experiences
REPORT TUNIS, 31 OCTOBER 2015
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This activity report is produced by International IDEA-Tunisia project “Respect for Women’s Political Rights: Fostering Political Environments for Equal Participation and Leadership of Women in Political Parties”. The project is designed by Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, funded by Human Rights Fund of the Netherlands and implemented in Tunisia by International IDEA.
The project includes three selected countries: Kenya, Colombia and Tunisia. In each of these countries, inequalities exist between men and women in terms of their access to political rights and decision-making positions. All three countries demonstrate a strong prevalence of cultural norms, embedded in the legal and political context that denies women the opportunity to share in the exercise of power, with all the limitations on the development of democracy and well-being implicit in that exclusion.
The project in Tunisia assist several relevant stakeholders in reviewing the legal framework from a gender perspective and identifying gaps and opportunities to further strengthen women’s political participation by looking at the legal framework and the work of the political parties, as well as the broader electoral environment.
This report documents the activity organized on 31 october 2015 in Tunis, where more than 40 political leader participated on internal rules of parties from a gender perspective. The report incorporates the results, recommendations and experience gained during the two sucesseful legislative elections of Tunisia.
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Why parties need internal rules: experience of Canada ................................................................. 5
Challenges around the drafting proces ............................................................................................ 7
Gender sensitive internal rules: experience of Sweden .................................................................. 9
Gender sensitive internal rules: experience of Kenya ................................................................... 11
Issues raised by the participants .................................................................................................... 14
Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 15
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Acronyms
CMD Centre for Multiparty Democracy (Kenya)
DM Democratic Movement (Kenya)
EU European Union
LPC Liberal Party of Canada
NIMD Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy
NWLC National Women’s Liberal Commission (Canada)
NWLC The National Women’s Liberal Commission (Canada)
IDEA International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
SDP Social democratic party (Sweden)
SDW Social democratic women´s organization (Sweden)
ODM Orange Democratic Movement Party (Kenya)
TNA the National Alliance (Kenya)
URP UNITED REPUBLICAN PARTY (Kenya)
UDF UNITED DEMOCRATIC FORUM PARTY (Kenya)
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Introduction
Before the revolution of Tunisia in 2011, dozens of new political parties were licensed, creating a new
landscape and new political and electoral challenges. Rapidly, the parties were involved in three
successive elections, parliamentary elections in 2011 and 2014, in addition to presidential elections held
also in 2014, without having necessarily the time to structure themselves: draft platforms, mobilize
members, design strategies, choose candidates, and develop proper internal rules and regulations of the
parties.
It is worth noting that the electoral code provides that “candidates are listed on the basis of alternation
between men and women”. However, parity of male and female candidates failed to bear fruit as
political parties were reluctant to place women on top of lists and therefore their representation was
limited to 30%. The parity at the top of the lists was rejected by the legislators for the electoral law
passed in 2014. And political parties remain are also hesitant to adopt gender sensitive bylaws or
structures.
Despite the fact that several political experts think that specific political parties’ laws are not necessarily
needed in democracy, the internal rules’1 of the parties are quite important and necessary to ensure
proper internal organization and transparency as well as equal gender opportunities.
According to IDEA report on reforming legal regulations and internal rules of parties, the principles
embodied in the parties’ rules should ideally promote the values of internally democratic party
organizations, so that parties engage activists in decision-making at all levels of the party, for example in
conference debates about party principles and election programs, as well as giving members a role in
the selection of party leaders and candidates. Practical steps towards building internally-democratic
parties include mobilizing supporters and building mass membership organizations, decentralizing
decision-making in the candidate nomination process, and promoting the inclusion of women and ethnic
minority candidates for elected office2.
In this context, IDEA project in Tunisia organized a conference on political parties’ internal rules to
initiate discussions and debate on the importance of parties’ bylaws. Special focus was devoted to
gender sensitive bylaws. The conference was a sequence of short presentations prepared by
International experts and practitioners followed by sessions of questions and answers. Comparative
perspectives and experiences were presented to provide platform of dialogue and reveal similarities and
differences that can lead to a better understanding of political parties’ development.
1 Sometimes referred to as party statutes, party internal regulations or in some parties’ constitutions 2 IDEA report on reforming legal regulations and internal rules, P20, 2004 available on the following link
http://www.idea.int/parties/upload/pippa%20norris%20ready%20for%20wev%20_3_.pdf
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Why parties need internal rules?
The experience of Canada, by Mr. Marc Lavigne
The internal rules of political parties include requirements and provisions for parties to be transparent in
their decision-making and to seek input from their membership at all levels when determining policies,
establishing committees or initiating any new change. It offers also the possibilities to resolve all the
issues and describes the organs of the party and regulates how the amendments of the rules is
introduced. They should ensure proper functioning and development of the parties and should be seen
as any rules regulating any field. It determines how the party functions, what is the role of every party’s
member and structure.
It is worth noting that in terms of seize the constitution (bylaws) of the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC)
comes in 80 pages, the conservative party of Canada is 20 pages and the Green Party of Canada lead by
a women is 20 pages. Nevertheless, the clarity and consistency of the contents is more important than
the size. The rules should be simple, flexible and democratic.
The member of the party is the central component of the rules as parties rely on members to win the
elections. The preamble of the rules provides the reason of the constitution of the party and the
orientation of the actions and engagements. The preamble of the Liberal party of Canada states that
“This Constitution governs the affairs of the Party and is the final authority concerning any dispute
within the Party. If there is a conflict between this Constitution and any Constituent Body Constitution,
this Constitution prevails insofar as the federal affairs of the Party are concerned.”
In terms of party’s structures, the member is again at the heart of the structures. The constitution of the party states that “membership in the Party is open without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or mental or physical disability”. The board of directors National Board of Directors is the highest authority of the party and it is responsible to manage or supervise the management of the activities and affairs of the Party including finance.
Marc Lavigne works in politics since thirty years. He held important positions in the
organization of several electoral campaigns and referendums of the Liberal Party of
Canada. He is also a political adviser in the area of good governance and strategies
elaboration in Canada and abroad. He held the position of Director of Parliamentary
Affairs Adviser and the National Assistant of the Director of the Liberal Party. He
was also among the Prime Minister of Quebec team. Since 2012, he moved from
federal politics to local politics and he is currently member of the local council of the
municipality of Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu.
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Gender perspectives:
The National Board of Directors of the LPC, by bylaw, may establish any number of committees,
consisting of members of the National Board of Directors, to which the Board of Directors may delegate
any power that the National Board of Directors may exercise. In this context, article 28, paragraph 2 of
the constitution states that “in making appointments to a committee established by the National Board
of Directors, the principle of equal participation of men and women and the recognition of English and
French as the official languages of Canada and geographic regions must be respected.”
Other gender sensitive procedures are included in the constitution such as the National Policy and
Platform Committee that consists of: the National Policy Chair and the National Policy Vice-Chair
appointed by the Leader. Article 33 of the constitution stipulates that appointment should be in
accordance with the following criteria: if the National Policy Chair is a woman, the National Policy Vice-
Chair must be a man, and if the National Policy Chair is a man, the National Policy Vice-Chair must be
a woman”
In addition, article 1 related to the fundamental purposes of the Party states that “In pursuing its
fundamental purposes and in all its activities, the Party must promote the equal participation of men
and women at all levels of the Party”.
It is also important to mention that the Constitution of the party establish The National Women’s Liberal
Commission (NWLC) and the purpose of NWLC is to ensure equal participation of women and men at all
levels of the Party, to represent and promote the interests of women within the Party and to encourage
the active participation of women at all levels of Party activities and every member of the Party who is a
woman is entitled to become a member of the National Women’s Liberal Commission.
The National Women’s Liberal Commission is responsible to establish, where practicable, in each
electoral district, a women’s club. The National President, in consultation with the National Women’s
Liberal Commission, is responsible to report to every biennial convention of the Party with an
assessment of the extent to which equal participation of women and men at all levels of the Party has
been achieved. If the convention determines that such equal participation has been achieved, then the
National Women’s Liberal Commission will be deemed to have completed its primary mandate and the
goals and objectives of the Commission will be reviewed with the aim of determining the need for its
continued existence.
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The contents of political parties’s internal rules and the challenges around the drafting process Mr. Omweri Angima, Political Advisor, Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya)
The Internal party rules and regulations (instruments) must conform to the standards set by the National
Constitution and attendant legislation particularly the political party law and international best
practices. The instruments must be realistic and enforceable. Political parties run the risk of developing
good rules and regulations that are difficult to enforce thus creating room for political manipulation and
mischief. Also, they must be clear and unambiguous and should contain realistic sanctions for non-
compliance. In addition, the instruments must also be sensitive to the realities of the electoral system
i.e. the opportunities available in PR electoral system would vary substantially from majoritarian
systems.
There are several party instruments. The party constitution which defines the party structure, creates its
organs and defines roles, duties and responsibilities. It also defines its ideology and generally buttresses
the party’s raison d'être. Election rules and regulations and procedures, disciplinary rules and
procedures and other binding guidelines. In addition, internal instruments collectively regulate internal
processes, actions of duty bearers and generally substantiate the aspirations, provisions and intentions
of the National Constitution and legal framework
Contents
The party constitution contains provisions for the overall structure of the party (governing bodies,
powers and privilege of the organs, party officials). It includes, Party’s vision, mission, core values and
guiding principles. Procedure for its amendment (e.g. change of name, procedure for entering into
coalitions, mergers and its dissolution). Eligibility for membership (subscription, resignation, duties,
rights etc). In addition to internal party dispute resolution mechanisms and practices that cover
marginalized groups
Regarding the election nomination process, the rules should include qualifications and requirements for
of both candidates and members, method of elections, voting procedures, counting and announcement
of results as well as dispute resolution procedures. It should also include how to prepare party lists and
Omweri Angima has been working with and for Political Parties in Kenya since 1992.
He joined the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya). He is also a political
adviser in the area of good governance and strategies elaboration. in 2004 and is
currently working as the centre’s Manager, Political Parties Strengthening and
Elections. Previously Omweri served as Programmes Officer with the Eastern and
Southern African Universities Research Programme, which primarily focused on civic
and Voter Education.
8
how to manage gender and marginalized groups’ quotas. In addition to the polling procedures and
petitions against election results.
In terms of communication, the rules contain internal communication channels (horizontal and vertical).
And modalities for crises communication. Participatory processes to decision making should be also
ensured.
Challenges for Drafting
Weak institutional set-up of political parties and lack of transparency by those assigned the task and
failure to consult widely on the content are the main challenges. The lack of capacity among party
members to input in the drafting processes and the limited funding base for political parties may also
appear as additional challenges. Lack of stakeholder buy-in due to internal suspicions, tensions and
danger of vested interests sneaking in self-serving clauses like provisions to provide direct nominations
or automatic candidacy to incumbents may encounter the drafting process.
It is worth noting that in emerging democracies or countries in transition experienced the weak
organizational cultures that are skewed in favor the same entrenched (‘old boys’)or party owners in
parties. The obscured intra-party accountability often make the tasks even more difficult.
The rules of the party should ensure Free and fair elections, Free and fair nominations for members and
candidates. The rules should be ensure accountability of party resources. In addition, it ensures political
and electoral inclusivity, Responsive and transparent operations. Gender sensitivity ability to address
the needs of marginalized groups
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Political parties’s internal rules and Women’s participation
Experience of Sweden by Honorabe Ms. Carina Ohlsson
The Social democratic party in Sweden has an outspoken feminist agenda and the goal is gender
equality, as a part of the basic value that all humans should be valued equal, and have equal rights and
responsibilities. The Social democratic women´s organization (SDW) is a party’s agenda and plan. It has
been a strong force within the Social democratic party for over 100 years. SDW organizes and educate
women politically, and work for gender equal rights at all levels in society.
It is worth noting that, historically women have been an important force in forming the gender equality
agenda in Sweden. All the way from women´s right to vote and women´s right to be elected. In the
1990´s S-kvinnor took the initiative to the quota system, which you refer to as a “Zipper system quota”.
In 1993, the Social democratic congress took the decision to start using this system, strongly promoted
by many social democratic women participating in the decision. The system was first used in the election
in 1994 at the local and national level. The bylaws of the party also state that all groups within the party
that will be internally elected should also be 50-50 men and women. This system is still used today and it
is still needed until gender equality will be reached.
The Green party and the Left party also use quotas as well, their bylaws says that a minimum of 50 %
should be women on their party list. However, the rightwing parties’ don´t use quota systems, and as an
effect, they tend to have a lower women´s representation.
In the social democratic party, the system of course has a direct effect on women´s representation. But
it also indirectly affecting the other political parties. The public is getting used to women in politics and
will be expecting more gender equality, so our work for better representation also puts pressure on
parties to have better representation. Today, women represent 44 % are in the Swedish parliament.
At governmental level, while the ministers are chosen by the prime minister the equality rule applies
and all governments since the 1994 have had a 50-50 representation of men and women. Sweden has
even listed in the Guinness Book of records as the most gender equal government.
Carima Ohlsson, is the President of Social Democratic Women in Sweden since 2013. She is
also a member of the Swedish Parliament for the Social Democratic Party since 1998 and
member of the Swedish delegation to the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly.
Previously she was the Vice Chair of the Social Charter, Council of Europe and Chair of the
Council of Europe’s Committee of children.
10
Since 2014 the democratic government is in power again in Sweden, together with the Green party, and
the 50-50 men and women ministers rule still effective. The new government is also the world´s first
outspoken feminist government.
It is important to mention that gender quota systems do not lower the competence – quite the
opposite- Women´s competence have for far too long been neglected and not used at its full potential.
Even in the corporate world the results are clear – gender equal companies are more efficient and have
a higher level of competence, simply because they take advantage of the whole bank of resources in
their work staff.
This is clearly setting an example even at the international level. Many countries are raising awareness
regarding this issue, and discussing the need for gender equality in politics. Many voices are also raised
about gender equality in peace process for democratic representation and inclusiveness.
Representation is becoming a more and more important issue when the European Union through their
representatives at different levels. The European Court recently planned for electing more judges, as it
seems two judges from each country will now be elected. And, in this process, a majority of the
European Parliament voted that each country would then chose one man and one woman. Today, only
18% of the judges in European Court are women. Therefore, efforts should continue for inclusive and
equal representation.
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Experience of Kenya, Dr Adams Oloo, Researcher at the University of Nairobi, Kenya
In Kenya- Parties are mostly formed and funded by individuals. Thus the higher the financial
contributions of these individuals the higher their decision making power within their respective parties.
Women in this scenario have been unable to match their male counterparts and as a result are rendered
powerless within their respective political parties.
These bottlenecks appeared insurmountable before the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya
2010. This was because there was no constitutional and legal framework that compelled political parties
to pro-actively create political space for women in party institutions and structures.
But despite gender quotas instituted through the Constitution of Kenya 2010 providing for a 'not more
than two thirds' of the same gender representation in both appointive and elective offices and the
Political Parties Act of 2011 stipulation that political parties have to comply with certain affirmative
action requirement for women before they can be registered there are still some challenges.
For instance, although all the 59 political parties registered by the office of the Registrar of Political
Parties in 2012 while preparing for the March 4th 2013 General Elections complied with the gender
quota requirement the same was not reflected in the subsequent election results as men far
outnumbered in the electoral outcomes for various seats. The challenge is thus not in meeting the
constitutional and legal thresholds but on the same being translated to positive outcomes for women in
the political arena.
The end result was that 57 out of the 59 registered political parties participated in the elections yet
women's performance in electoral politics did not significantly improve. The end result was that
provisions of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Political Parties Act did not transform the
structural, institutional and systemic constraints to women's equal and inclusive participation and
increase the uptake of electoral and political spaces by women as was expected.
One explanation for women's poor performance is that the male dominated political parties are
behaviorally and attitudinally not yet ready for the practical application of gender quotas and gender
equity principles within their respective parties. It is against this background that political parties as
drivers of democracy must now get more proactively and strategically involved in the promotion of an
Adams Oloo is currently a Senior lecturer and Chairman of the Department of Political
Science and Public Administration at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. He has several
publications in both academic journals and book chapters. His publications are mainly in
the areas of Democratization, Legislative Politics, Devolution, Regional Integration, Party
Politics, Electoral Politics, Security and Constitutionalism. His most recent engagement was
as an expert representing Kenya in a team of experts constituted by the Heads of State of
the East African Community to advise them on the way forward towards an East African
Political Federation.
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active and visible policy of mainstreaming a gender perspective in order to enhance women's
participation in politics and at all levels of decision making that can translate electoral politics as an
avenue through which women entrench themselves in governance and decision making processes in the
country.
INTERNAL REGULATIONS IN THE AGE OF A “GENDERED” CONSTITUTION 2010 AND BEYOND
The legal and constitutional framework for anchoring party by-laws and party regulations that are
gender sensitive is now in place in Kenya. Article 91 of the Constitution sets out basic requirements for
political parties which includes amongst others;
The rights of all persons to participate in the political process including minorities and marginalized
groups. This constitutional provision is buttressed by the Political Parties Act under Section 7 that
requires the governing bodies of political parties to reflect gender balance and that no more than two
thirds of their governing bodies be of the same gender. All the registered political parties have complied
with the constitutional and political parties Act requirements as reflected in the following select political
parties.
THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE (TNA): this is a party that is a senior member of the current ruling Jubilee
Coalition and is also headed by the incumbent President- Uhuru Kenyatta. In its Constitution of 2010,
TNA in its core values and principles commit to promote equal participation and inclusivity of all
people’s in governance, promote the equality of all before the law and ensure equity in resource
allocation irrespective of cleavage. The party to this end seeks to close all gaps between different
cleavages include those based on gender. The party in its constitution also expresses its commitment to
the protection of minorities and the marginalized as well as Non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex,
religion, ethnicity or any other bias.
ORANGE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT (ODM) PARTY: the orange democratic movement is the senior
partner in the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) which is the main opposition coalition and is
also the largest single party based on the results of the 2013 elections. In its constitution of 2007 and
manifesto the party promises to support women's emancipation, combat sexism and ensure women's
voices are heard in the party and also ensure that women are represented at all levels of the party
organs. The party also outlines its values as geared towards espousing equality, equity and non-
discrimination as well as empowerment of marginalized groups.
The party commits to protect and enhance the enjoyment of human rights as enshrined in the
constitution as well as in any international conventions to which Kenya is a party to. ODM is further
committed to promote gender equality and equity and to enhance women's participation in
management of public affairs and national development through affirmative action.
WIPER DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT—KENYA: the Wiper Democratic Movement is a partner in the leading
opposition coalition – CORD. In its Constitution and manifesto- the Wiper party commits to promote
freedom to participate in political decision making through recognition of equality before the law;
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provision of equal opportunities for all, including women and youth, through the guiding principles of
equality and meritocracy.
Second, the party affirms its commitment to promote affirmative action as a key strategy to boost
women's participation in public affairs and to formulate and implement non-discriminatory policies to
ensure parity across all important social lines;
Third, the party commits to a 50:50 formula for women representation and appointment in public
service; and fourth, the party further affirms that youth and women will be involved in development
through affirmative action.
UNITED REPUBLICAN PARTY (URP): this party is the second key partner in the ruling Jubillee alliance
coalition. The parties’ leader is also the current deputy president in the name of William Ruto. First, the
party pledges commitment to national values and principles of governance as enshrined in the
constitution and commits to protect and promote the enjoyment of human rights as enshrined in the
constitution and any international conventions to which Kenya is a signatory;
Second, the party commits to promote the full participation of women; youth, persons with disabilities,
and other marginalized groups in national development through affirmative action and mainstreaming;
Third, the party provides for non-discrimination of membership on basis of gender, marital status etc;
Fourth, the party provides that, elections of party officials shall observe the not more than two thirds
gender principle enshrined in the constitution; and fifth, the national governing body establishes a
number of posts that are reserved for women.
UNITED DEMOCRATIC FORUM PARTY (UDF) - The UDF party was the senior partner in the Amani
Coalition in the run up to the 2013 general election. It subsequently entered into a post-election
coalition with the ruling Jubilee Alliance coalition. In its Constitution of 2013 the party pledges to
protect, uphold and defend the rights and freedoms of all Kenyan citizens especially women, children,
youth and persons with disabilities and marginalized groups in Kenya;
Second, the party has developed structures that include Women’s and Youth League Councils, the chairs
of which are members of the National Executive Committee.
The constitutional and legal framework for promoting gender equity and women's political participation
is already secured both constitutionally and legally in the governance of political parties. The challenge is
that although all registered political parties have provisions in their political party constitutions and
manifestos that have in-built affirmative action by-laws in support of Women, the same is treated as a
token to meet the constitutional and legal requirements and not in a pro-active manner to empower
women in the decision making process in the respective political parties.
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Issues raised by the participants
Terminology related to political parties’ internal rules: the differences in the terminology used to
mention the internal rules was discussed as some parties in some countries refer to the internal rules as
the constitution of the party and in others as by-laws (internal rules) or status. It was explained the
internal rules are sometimes referred to as status of the party or Constitutions or internal rules. It was
clarified that whatever the terminology is; the rules are the set of written rules by which political parties
structure and organize their affairs. Ideally, it is the result of a series of discussions involving party
leaders and organizers about the philosophy, purpose and internal organizational structure and
processes of the party. It was also mentioned that writing statutes is one of the first tasks in establishing
a new political party. In most countries, parties must fulfill certain legal obligations for official
registration and recognition. Written statutes are a common requirement. In addition, legal frameworks
may stipulate that parties’ by-laws address particular issues including mechanisms to: ensure women’s
representation on candidate lists or party decision-making bodies; promote internal democracy in party
affairs; and guarantee proper financial management.
Structure of the political party: the question of how the structure of the party should be was largely
raised. Although party structures vary, internal rules should include party structure. The leadership,
committees or branches from the local to the national level. The rules also define the composition, roles
and responsibilities of each structure or organ. These authorities should be structured to ensure checks
and balances in managing the party’s internal affairs. Party rules clarify the responsibilities of each
structure, how it formed and the lines of communication, authority and accountability among the
party’s various layers. For instance, the Canadian Liberal Party’s Constitution describes the composition,
responsibilities and, where appropriate, the rights of a range of Party structures, including the electoral
district associations, provincial and territorial associations, the council of presidents, the national board
of directors, committees and commissions as explained by Marc Lavigne.
Women’s sections/committee within the party: positive or negative? Women’s party sections are
internal structures within political parties aimed at uniting women members of parties and promoting
women’s political participation. These party sections may also be referred to as party branches or party
wings. Incorporating women’s sections into political parties has been in practice in Tunisia, however,
some new parties adopted women’s wing within the structure while others did not. Participants
highlighted the importance of women’s wing as women members of political parties can organize
themselves into internal party structures to have greater influence on the party platforms and policies
and to increase women’s participation in the party. Furthermore, women’s sections can propose policies
important to women including women’s health, violence against women, education, employment, and
access to property rights. Nevertheless, participants mentioned that these sections may marginalize
women by limiting their political role, presence and activism to this structure. Women’s sections were
also considered as a relevant first step for women involvement in politics and therefore, it is important
to establish a framework and structure for women’s section and include it in the party’s internal rules.
15
The importance of involving male from the party was also raised and discussed as important element to
promote women’s representation and power.
Adoption of special measures or quotas to ensure women’s participation in the internal rules of
parties: quotas can be introduced in the internal rules which require parties to field a certain minimum
percentage of women at the various structures of the party. Such quotas can be made mandatory by the
internal rules. Political party quotas require strong, stable and disciplined political parties to be most
effective. There are experiences (resented in the conference) which use special measures such as
Sweden, Canada and Kenya in various ways and at different levels. In practice, implementing a quota will
mean that a party will commit to encourage women within the party as activists and as candidates. The
effectiveness of quotas in elections was also discussed.
Multiparty platform to promote women’s rights: the issue of advancing women’s rights and status
despite the political differences of the parties was also raised from various political parties’
representatives. Participants highlighted that despite of a range of significant advances in terms of
women’s rights in Tunisia, too many women still lack basic freedoms and opportunities and face
inequalities. Discriminatory laws and customs constrain their opportunities and choices. Participants
called the parties to work together to advance women's rights, and increase women's leadership and
political participation, to strengthen women's economic power in rural and urban areas and to end
violence against women and girls.
The use of media by political parties is not gender sensitive: it was highlighted that political parties
should encourage women to represent the parties during media interviews and radio or TV programs.
Yet, political parties tend to nominate man only and therefore the political debate through the media is
male dominated. Women are also far less likely than men to be featured in the news headlines, and to
be relied upon as ‘spokesperson’ or as ‘political experts’. As such, there is a link between the
participation of women in politics and improvements in the representation of women in media.
16
Recommendations
The internal rules should correspond to the legal framework adopted: the internal rules of the parties
should reflects the constitution of the country in terms of gender as well as the legal framework related
to elections and the political parties in general. Some participants stated that in some aspects, internal
rules of parties should be even more advanced than the legal framework and promote women’s
representation at the local and national level.
Establishing women’s sections within the parties: creating women’s wing or sections within the parties
and specify it in the internal rules of the parties was recognized as crucial to promote women’s
participation and involvement in political parties. To achieve this critical goal, participants acknowledged
the support needed from the leadership of the party and other influent leaders to dispel the view that
women’s sections is a threat to the party structure or organization.
Adopting special measures in the internal rules to ensure women’s representation at all levels of the
party and attract women: while the quota system was controversial issue during the conference, the
majority of the participants’ recommended the use of the special measures based on the experience of
Tunisia and the other experiences presented. Special measures will ensure that political parties truly
reflects the population it represents according to several participants. It was also recognized that when
a political party consists only or mainly of men, it becomes very hard to gain public support, and to
demonstrate that every citizen is represented. Therefore, measures are needed, and quotas for women
in political parties is the most important one.
Political parties should take into consideration the obstacles that women face in politics when
planning their meetings or organizing political activities. They should also facilitate and support their
participation.
Encouraging women to represent the party in the media: the television and the media in general has
become a central part of the political development of Tunisia according to the participants. Tunisians
are constantly subject to the media, whether it be via television programs with its various private and
public channels, radios, newspapers, or other advertisements. All of this media, intentionally or not,
subtly tend to promote “male politics”. In this context, participants emphasized the importance of
nominating women to represent the party in the media and sensitize journalists on professional and
gender sensitive media programs and coverage.
Women’s access to funding: financial resources are necessary for women to successfully run for elected
office. Therefore, political parties should take into account the issue of gender when it comes to finance
and resources. Political parties should also ensure that women and men candidates have equal access to
funding and assist women candidates by including them in party campaign efforts of fundraising.
17
Annex 1
The agenda
Time Activity
Opening session
8.30-9.15 Registration
The importance and the challenges of the formulation process of the Internal Rules of Parties
9.15-10.45 Why parties need Internal Rules? By M. Marc Lavigne, Politician, Canada
The Contents of the Political parties’ internal rules and the challenges around
the drafting process by : M. Omweri Angima, Political Parties Specialist at the
Center for Multiparty Democracy, Kenya
Facilitator: Ms. Soulef Guessoum, IDEA Consultant
10.45-11.00 Coffee break
Internal Rules of Parties and gender
11.00-12.30 The experience of Sweden by Mrs Carina Ohlsson, President, Social Democratic Women in Sweden
The experience of Canada by M. Marc Lavigne, Pol itician, Canada
Facilitator: Dr. Hafida Chekir, Lawyer and Researcher, University of Tunisia
12.30-13.30 Lunch
13.30-15.00 The experience of Kenya by Dr. Adam Oloo, Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Facilitator: Mr. Hamza Amor , IDEA Project staff
15.00-15.15 Coffee break
15.15-16.00 Recommendations and general discussion
Facilitator: Ms. Soulef Guessoum, IDEA Consultant
16.00 Closing
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Annex 2
Attendance List
Nidaa Tounes Taoufik Bouachba [email protected] 23166600
Olfa Ben Amor [email protected] 50940000
Leila Hamrouni [email protected] 98365336
Faiza Kéfi [email protected] 98332800
CPR Walid Ben Omrane [email protected] 25515009
Ikbal Msadâa [email protected] 29989909
Ines Jedidi [email protected] 95734091
Héla Ben Younes
Afek Tounes Ahmed Ben
Mustapha
Ahmed.benmustapha@afek-
tounes.org
55845999
Emna Hamila [email protected] 21 751 207
Sahl Bouharb [email protected] 22 209 230
Khalil Ghanmi [email protected] 20 599 600
Popular Front Aziz Ayari [email protected] 98922158
Nedra Belhaj Arfa [email protected] 99523394
Thouraya Krichen [email protected] 97505225
Sihem Moussa [email protected] 55844006
Ennahdha Tarek Rezgui [email protected] 98333261
Wassila Zoghlami [email protected] 29383829 95548355
19
Wahida Kaouach [email protected] 95773773
Ettayar Sihem Ezzeddine [email protected] 20360861
Nabil Hajji [email protected] 50576954
Mouvement Echaab
Hichem Azlouk [email protected] 98216767
Nejiba Ben Hassine [email protected] 21845298
Dorra Ben Aissa [email protected] 21506818
UPL Makrem Gabsi [email protected] 22978602
Chokri Mathlouthi [email protected] 50763079
Saoussen Ksibi [email protected] 24211050
Salma Tkiki [email protected] 21777259
Al Moubadara Fethi Bouzghanda [email protected] 98993199
Nadhir Rebaï [email protected] 98464102
International organizations
UNDP Quentin Deforge [email protected]
NDI
Marie-Eve Bodileau [email protected]
Daniel Dezainde
Experts and researchers
Hafidha Chekir [email protected]
Asma Nouira [email protected]
20
Wejdene Mokrani [email protected]
International Guests
Canada Marc Lavigne [email protected]
Kenya Adams Oloo [email protected]
Omweri Angima [email protected]
Sweden Carina Ohlsson [email protected]
Civil Society Organizations
Tounissiyet Hager Farhoud [email protected] 24363833
Kolna Twensa Hayfa El Ouafi [email protected] 25636830
Association
tunisienne du droit de
développement
Sihem Bouazzi [email protected] 98378172
International IDEA
Soulef Guessoum [email protected]
Hamza Amor 96313888
Wissal Attouani [email protected]
Bacem Ben Ardhaoui 98258042
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