Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy & Human Rights

"Towards a Global Human Rights Culture: The Need for a Collective Alliance in the Protection & Promotion of Human Rights"

(Berlin; May 27th - June 1st, 2013)

Equality Issues: Women's Rights & Representation of Women in Politics

(May 27th - 28th, 2013)

Women remain severely underrepresented in politics: Rwanda and Andorra are the only countries in the world where women politicians hold at least as many seats in government as their male counterparts. Increasing women’s representation in government is essential in the struggle to achieve gender parity. Unfortunately, social preconceptions continue to restrict women in terms of progression, and their interests are underrepresented. Women furthermore continue to be subjugated outside of politics, and in certain countries lack basic human rights.

The continued subjugation of women is unacceptable in modern society; as such, the Symposium will explore the various reasons for which women continue to be oppressed. Furthermore, the Symposium will examine why women remain so poorly represented in politics worldwide, and will focus on the importance of establishing fruitful dialogue and examining potential solutions to the issues at hand in order to raise awareness about women’s rights and the underrepresentation of women in politics.

The Symposium will focus in particular on the following areas:
  • Policies to Increase Women’s Participation in Politics: The Quota Dilemma
  • Improving Formal Education for Young Women in Developing Countries
  • Scandinavian Success: Following the Example of Northern European Governments
  • The Need to Empower Women in Contemporary Society
  • Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Situations
  • Gender Equality: Are Cultural Beliefs a Valid Excuse?