Nomination of 33% women candidates in elections demanded

Forum for Women’s Political Rights has demanded that at least 33 percent of women candidates be nominated in general seats of all political parties in the 13th National Parliament elections.

They raised this demand after discussions with four commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner, at the Election Building on Tuesday (September 23).

Maheen Sultana, a member of the Women's Reform Commission, said that the current low number of women in the voter list proves that the civic status of women has not yet been established equally in society. "We have had discussions with the Election Commission. We have many demands and expectations from our side. We want equal representation of women to be established, equal opportunities to be created for women politicians and voters."

She said that the commission has already taken some initiatives. A code of conduct has been introduced to increase the number of women in the voter list and ensure equal representation. It states that if any candidate or woman is subjected to violence or harassment, disciplinary action will be taken through the Election Commission and the party.

She said that the commission has set a mandatory target of ensuring 33 percent women's presence in all decision-making levels by 2030. Parties that fail to meet this target may be excluded from participating in the elections.

The discussion also raised how political parties can coordinate to encourage women's participation and candidates in the next elections, the need for the government to allocate funds for women, and adopt a policy to prevent possible cyber violence and harassment against women in elections.

Sultana said that 33 percent of women's nominations must be ensured in all general seats in direct elections. In addition, steps will be taken to ensure adequate representation of marginalized communities and other professional women in the future.

She expressed hope that this initiative will pave the way for equal political representation of women and increase opportunities for women's participation and empowerment in the country's electoral process in the long run.

Following the press conference, the new platform Forum for Women's Political Rights was formally launched, with notable women activists Samina Luthfa, Nazifa Jannat, Sadaf Saaz, Mahrukh Mohiuddin, Maheen Sultan and Taslima Akhter, among other leaders, in attendance.