Women gain political seats, but gap in education and employment persists.

• Author: Sarin, Radhika
• Position: Environmental Intelligence - Femle political pariticipation is not related to national income

Women accounted for only 14 percent of all members of the world's national parliaments in 2002, according to a report by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). Nevertheless, the report notes an encouraging trend towards greater female political participation in several countries between 2000 and 2002.

In 2002, women occupied at least 30 percent of the top political seats in 11 countries: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Netherland Germany, South Africa, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Mozambique. Governments had agreed on 30 percent as a benchmark at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995.

Unlike other indicators of progress, women's political participation is not tied to national income. In three of the world's richest countries--the United States, France, and Japan--the female share of political seats is between 10 and 12 percent, while in 38 developing countries, it is higher. In all of the 11 highest-ranking countries, quotas or other special measures were used to help women get elected.

In newly independent East Timor women won 26 percent of scats in the national parliament at the elections of August 2001. "In post-conflict situations, where new constitutions and legislative structures are being created it is critical that women are present at the peace table and in post-war policy making," comments UNIFEM executive director Noeleen Heyzer.

Progress has been slower in...