Description
The aim of the project is to increase participation of women in decision—making process. Although women comprise 50 % of the population, their representation in Czech politics is only 19, 5 % in Lower House, 17 % in Upper House and 26 % in municipalities. During the project we focus especially on local level as there will be local elections in autumn 2014. Project activities include the direct support of female politicians and political aspirants (networking, training, educational activities, motivational program) as well as educating general public as a crucial precondition for a balanced representation of women. We want to raise awareness about the importance of equal representation of women and men in politics and to motivate voters to actively support female candidates (not only) in elections. We will do analysis on the topic of representation of women in lists of candidates for local elections and subsequent involvement of women in local governments.
Summary of project results
Fórum 50 % is the only organization striving for balanced representation of women and men in decision-making in the Czech Republic. In the country women are still under-represented in decision-making and power positions therefore the main goal of the project was to help to improve this situation. The main project goal – i.e. contribution to higher representation of women in politics – was achieved. We believe our campaign supporting women candidates in local elections contributed to the positive election results – proportion of elected women in the local assemblies increased from 26% to 27% and proportion of women Senators from 17.5% to 18.5%. Specific goals, i.e. supporting women politicians and making them visible, awareness raising about representation of women and men in politics as well as increase support of gender balance in politics, were also achieved. At the same time the project enabled us to strengthen sustainability of the organization and its activities by means of marketing. We consider trainings for beginning women politicians and political aspirants to be extremely successful since these were very popular with the target group and the participants provided us with very positive feedback. Very successful was also competition “The Auspicious Women Politician“ – many interesting and inspiring women enrolled. Announcement of the winners can be considered as a ceremonial ending of the project as such. The competitors served as a stimulating impulse for Fórum 50 % convincing us that there are many competent women worth for help and support.
Summary of bilateral results