The process of political participation has significant roles. Political participation in any society indicates the degree of progress of that society and the level of awareness of society members about important issues related to their lives. Political participation in a simple sense; It is the ability of citizens to express and influence decisions, either directly or through the election of representatives.
Women’s participation in the political sphere includes the activities of women in exercising their political and civil rights, such as the right to vote and run for parliament, local councils, participation in women’s unions and organizations, freedom of expression and equality with men. It is obvious that the principle of equality is one of the most important constitutional principles on which all public rights and freedoms depend, including political rights. The guarantee of political rights of citizens is the cornerstone for the realization and exercise of all rights and freedoms. Hence, there is a direct relationship between the exercise of political rights and the realization of other public freedoms.
Throughout history, women have struggled for political and civil rights, and these efforts have been reflected in the international community. For example, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 emphasizes the right of every individual to enjoy all rights and freedoms without distinction between men and women. As a result of the Declaration, the United Nations played a major role in the entry into force of the International Convention on the Political Rights of Women on December 20, 1952, which came into force in The rights were reserved for men, and the agreement emphasized the right of women to run for election and hold public office.
What can be done to support women’s participation in political work?
There are several direct and indirect factors that contribute to the development of women’s abilities and their participation in various processes, but first we must work to establish a mechanism that promotes health in societies for equal and fair participation in all areas of public life, especially politics:
First: Change and development of the programs of political parties in such a way that equality between both genders is maintained, women members and cadres are supported and their party and political rights are protected.
Second: there should be joint work between women’s organizations and other civil society organizations that defend the equality of men and women in their rights.
Third: Working to raise awareness among individuals of both genders on the importance of women’s participation in political work and the need to struggle for this purpose it is the cause of the whole community.
Fourth: Efforts to obtain full support from the government to eradicate illiteracy raise the level of education, political, social and cultural awareness of women and open research centers for this purpose and provide equal opportunities for women alongside men.
Fifth: Visual, audio and written media play a dangerous role in changing opinions, creating public opinion and directing individual behavior, especially in the middle class of society, which is easily influenced and can be changed. Therefore, media programs and articles should be taken into account because they have a direct responsibility in this field to promote the role of women in society and show this role in programs, dramas and other reasons and be its capabilities.
Sixth: Women’s financial independence. The government should support women economically and provide them with sources of income.
Seventh: Another important point is that women should not underestimate themselves and have confidence in their abilities. Meanwhile, they try to gain the trust of family and society, work seriously on themselves and focus on achieving their goals.
What is currently dominant is the male policy in the Kurdistan Region. Looking more closely, male power is more universal. The lack of women’s participation in politics reflects the cultural backwardness and patriarchy of the society. Women’s participation in elections is important for women in general and society in particular.
