Why should women be in decision-making positions?

Justice - Women make up half of the population and therefore it is their right to have half of all decision-making positions.

Experience - Women have different experiences than men due to social as well as biological reasons. Women need to be in positions of influence to bring these experiences and perspectives forward.

Interests - Women and men have different interests and it is more effective and legitimate if each group represents their own interests.

Sustainable development – In parliaments where women have a strong voice, more policies and legislation are developed that protect people and the environment than in parliaments with poor women’s representation.ⁱ

Economic growth – As leaders, women provide innovative guidance in competitive environments leading to stability and economic growth.ⁱⁱ

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ⁱ Tuminez, Astrid. 2012. Rising to the Top? A Report on Women’s Leadership in Asia

ⁱⁱ McKinsey and Company, Women Matter 2010 Women at the Top of Corporations: Making it Happen, 2010

Full text of Women’s Political Representation in Viet Nam: factsheetwomenpoliticalrepresent.pdf