12 November 2008

National Realising the Value of Women

The decision by the National Party to put women candidates in contention for crucial electorate seats for their party paid off says the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ).

Three valuable redrawn electorates and the one new electorate of Botany were secured by National Party women. Of the five women candidates, who did not secure their electorate seats, Shanks, Blue and Wilkinson secured the party vote from previously identified Labour heartland electorates.

“The success of this strategy is not surprising,” says NCWNZ National President, Elizabeth Bang. “Women frequently have broader appeal to the general populace.”

NCWNZ views the backing of these MPs as confirmation that the National Party’s, now the Government’s, intentions are to be more inclusive of women than perhaps in previous years.

“We hope that these women Members of Parliament will now be given the opportunity to be part of the leadership of the new government caucus and be entrusted with ministerial positions,” says Elizabeth Bang.

NCWNZ would also like to see a formation of a multi party women’s caucus, which would ensure more inclusiveness within Parliament, and allow there to be more dialogue across all party lines.

“NCWNZ looks forward to establishing a positive cohesive working with all the women Members of Parliament,” concluded Mrs Bang.

ENDS

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