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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 tawfikbba@yahoo.fr 23166600

Olfa Ben Amor olfa.bfsa@yahoo.fr 50940000

Leila Hamrouni leylahamrouni@hotmail.com 98365336

Faiza Kéfi Faiza.kefi@planet.tn 98332800

CPR Walid Ben Omrane w.ben.omrane@gmail.com 25515009

Ikbal Msadâa Ikbel.msadaa@gmail.com 29989909

Ines Jedidi inesdje@yahoo.fr 95734091

Héla Ben Younes

Afek Tounes Ahmed Ben

Mustapha

Ahmed.benmustapha@afek-

tounes.org

55845999

Emna Hamila Emna.Hamila@afek-tounes.org 21 751 207

Sahl Bouharb Sahl.bouharb@afektounes.org 22 209 230

Khalil Ghanmi Khalil.ghanmi@afek-tounes.org 20 599 600

Popular Front Aziz Ayari azizayari98@yahoo.fr 98922158

Nedra Belhaj Arfa benhajarfa_nedra@yahoo.fr 99523394

Thouraya Krichen thourayakrichen@yahoo.fr 97505225

Sihem Moussa sihem.moussa@hotmail.com 55844006

Ennahdha Tarek Rezgui tarekrezgui@hotmail.fr 98333261

Wassila Zoghlami wassila_zoghlami@hotmail.fr 29383829 95548355

19

Wahida Kaouach Kaou.wahida@gmail.com 95773773

Ettayar Sihem Ezzeddine sihemezz@gmail.com 20360861

Nabil Hajji nabhajji@yahoo.fr 50576954

Mouvement Echaab

Hichem Azlouk hazlouk@yahoo.fr 98216767

Nejiba Ben Hassine Benhassine.najiba@yahoo.fr 21845298

Dorra Ben Aissa benaissadorra@yahoo.com 21506818

UPL Makrem Gabsi makgeb@yahoo.fr 22978602

Chokri Mathlouthi archiplan@planet.tn 50763079

Saoussen Ksibi ksibisaoussen@gmail.com 24211050

Salma Tkiki salma.tekiki1@gmail.com 21777259

Al Moubadara Fethi Bouzghanda f.bouzguenda@mincom.tn 98993199

Nadhir Rebaï Nadhir.rebai@planet.tn 98464102

International organizations

UNDP Quentin Deforge quentin.deforge@undp.org

NDI

Marie-Eve Bodileau mbilodeau@ndi.org

Daniel Dezainde

Experts and researchers

Hafidha Chekir chekirha@gmail.com

Asma Nouira asmanouira@yahoo.fr

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Wejdene Mokrani mokraniwejdene@gmail.com

International Guests

Canada Marc Lavigne marc@sagittaireinternational.com

Kenya Adams Oloo Adams_oloo@yahoo.com

Omweri Angima oangima@imd-cmd.co.ke

Sweden Carina Ohlsson carina.ohlsson@riksdagen.se

Civil Society Organizations

Tounissiyet Hager Farhoud farhoudhager@yahoo.fr 24363833

Kolna Twensa Hayfa El Ouafi elouafihayfa@yahoo.com 25636830

Association

tunisienne du droit de

développement

Sihem Bouazzi Idlo_atdd@yahoo.fr 98378172

International IDEA

Soulef Guessoum Soulef.guesssoum@gmail.com

Hamza Amor 96313888

h.amor@idea.int

Wissal Attouani w.attouani@idea.int

Bacem Ben Ardhaoui 98258042

info.becosa@gmail.com

21