6 October 2014: Media Release: Number of women in Parliament disappointing

UN Women National Committee of Aotearoa New Zealand

For immediate release

The UN Women National Committee of Aotearoa New Zealand (UN Women NC ANZ) is disappointed 121 years after women won the right to vote in Aotearoa New Zealand, there are still not enough women in parliament or in cabinet.

The final results of the elections were announced this weekend and of the 121 seats only 36 are women.

“This weekend’s announcement after the special votes were counted shows that women make up less than a third of parliament and that is not good enough,” says Angela McLeod, President UN Women NC ANZ.

Today the Prime Minister revealed the make-up of the cabinet.

“Our disappointment extends to the number of Ministers, Associate Minsters and Parliamentary Under-secretaries where out of a total of 28 only nine are women, and only six of those are in cabinet.

“Given that violence against women in Aotearoa New Zealand is at unacceptable levels, and the representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles are so low, we are concerned that women are not represented in cabinet by the Minister for Women.

“We need to see more women in parliament, less women affected by violence, and an increase in the economic empowerment of women both here and in the Pacific.

Research has shown that the economic empowerment of women is vital to the financial success of workplaces and this is good for the economic and social well-being of a nation.

“The barriers to the empowerment of women in New Zealand and the Pacific are real and deserve the undivided attention of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

“We are disappointed,” says Ms McLeod.

ENDS

© Scoop Media