How can we get more women involved in politics? That was the overarching question at today's Justice and Gender forum at the Radisson. There is no straightforward response to that question because of the structural and cultural barriers women face as aspiring politicians. Costa Rican Legislator Maureen Clarke says women can make a difference in their future in politics but it will be a daunting task.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Participant
"The conference will be what we make of it because you get out of something what you put into it and I am delighted that there are women across the political spectrum here, there are women activists, there are people who have been in this business for a good while and so I really feel that if we have a rich discussion and its usually rich when women come together, we can come up with some solid recommendations. Right now we are looking at the barriers to women getting into politics, what women can do to lobby for justice and human rights when you are within parliaments, what kind of changes we need to bring about in our country, not only to encourage more women to step forward, but also when are in the political process, to make a difference."
Rodrigo Jimenez, Gender and Justice Foundation
"If we want to construct democracy, we have to share the power with the women. We need half of the parliaments to be women, because they have different perspective of men. That's why it is very important to share the power."
Maureen Clarke, Costa Rican Legislator
"It's not easy, so when I see young girls, especially because I like women, the gender issues. Because there are lots of needs there. I encourage them and make them clear that it's not easy. You got to build up a thick skin because there are going to be a lot of things to get out, First of all you have to have a passion over it and really believe that you can make a difference."
Efforts will be made to extend the conversation to the public and other stakeholders.
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