AALEP LAUNCHES 'WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT RELATIONS' (AWGR)

Although some progress has been made, there is still an under-representation of women in national parliaments (in both Lower or Single Houses and Upper Houses or Senates of the EU Member States (see table below). Countries that have less than 20% women representation in their Lower Houses include: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ireland, Malta, Romania , Cyprus and Hungary. For Upper Houses countries that have less than 20% women representation include: Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Romania. This is quite alarming because equal representation of women and men in positions of power is a precondition for truly effective and accountable democracy and lasting economic prosperity. With more women involved, political debate will be wider in scope and more relevant to a greater number.

In national parliaments across the European Union, slightly less than one in four members of parliament are women (24%).  In regional and local assemblies there is considerable variation between countries in the level of female representation but there is a general correlation with the situation at national level.

AALEP’s objective is to provide a home for women at all professional levels representing corporations, trade associations and professional societies, law firms, lobbying firms, non-profit groups at EU, member states and local governments level. Our target are women professionals in any aspect of advocacy including government relations, public relations, public affairs, public policy campaigns, politics, legislation and communications.

AALEP is committed to the advancement and empowerment of women at all career levels of government relations and public policy advocacy. In order for women to be equipped to competently and cofidently represent their viewpoint, the need the information, tools and contacts, they need to acquire the latest methods and strategies in advocacy.

By offering leadership opportunities, mentoring, partnerships, networking and educational programming, AALEP’s Women in Government Relations is intent to cultivate its female members’ personal and professional growth. Women need three things to fulfill their potential: communication, connection, community.

Please contact AALEP Secretariat for details.

Representation of Women in National Parliaments in Lower or Single House

1. Sweden: 44.7%
2. Finland: 42.5%
3. Denmark: 39.1%
4. Netherlands: 38.7%
5. Belgium: 38.0%
6. Germany: 36.5%
7. Spain: 36.0%
8. Austria: 33.3%
9. Slovenia: 32.2%
10. Italy: 31.4%
11. Portugal: 28.7%
12. France: 26.9%
13. Bulgaria: 24.6%
14. Lithuania: 24.1%
15. Croatia: 23.8%
16. Poland: 23.7%
17. Luxembourg: 23.3%
18. Latvia: 23.0%
19. United Kingdom: 22.5%
20. Greece: 21%
21. Estonia: 20.8%
22. Czech Republic: 19.5%
23. Slovakia: 18.7%
24. Ireland: 15.7%
25. Malta: 14.3%
26. Romania: 13.3%
27. Cyprus: 10.7%
28. Hungary: 8.8%

EP: 34.8%

Representation of Women in National Parliaments in Upper House or Senate

1. Belgium: 40.8%
2. Netherlands: 36.0%
3. Spain: 34.2%
4. Ireland: 30.0%
5. Austria: 29.0%
6. Italy: 29.0%
7. Germany: 27.5%
8. United Kingdom: 22.6%
9. France: 22.2%
10. Czech Republic: 17.3%
11. Poland: 13.0%
12. Slovenia: 7.5%
13. Romania: 7.4%