Speaker of the Seimas: ‘Women’s participation in politics is key in times of turmoil’

Press release, 7 March 2024
 

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, has participated in a discussion on gender equality, gender parity and political empowerment at the French National Assembly. She pointed out that the subject of gender equality transcends mere statistics and political rhetoric, delving into the core of democracy and social advancement. In a fair and equitable society, the significance of women’s representation is acknowledged and reaffirmed.

‘In the context of today’s debate, it is crucial to understand that each nation has its own unique journey towards women’s political rights and leadership. However, all countries share a common thread, namely, there is a vital connection between the progress of democracy and the status of women’s rights. Far from being accidental, this connection is deeply rooted in the fabric of statehood,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen told the Speakers of Parliaments.

In the words of Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen, the struggle for political equality and suffrage among Lithuanian women at the turn of the 20th century paralleled the movement to restore the independent state of Lithuania. As a result, since the very outset of the country’s independence, the Constitution has enshrined equal electoral and political rights for men and women. 

‘Although the progress of women’s participation in politics was halted for 50 years when the Soviet Union occupied Lithuania, women began to resurface in politics following the restoration of independence in 1990,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

In her words, experience has shown that, when confronted with disagreements, women often gravitate towards seeking solutions through negotiations. Therefore, women’s participation in politics is key in times of turmoil.

‘I have observed this trend within domestic politics, and I firmly believe it holds true in international affairs as well. This is why our discussions need to focus not only on domestic politics, but also on women’s participation in the international domain. It is simply unfair that women often remain excluded from decision-making,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

Concurrently, she pointed out that conflict prevention does not necessarily entail compromising on your own ideals or resorting to confrontation. It is very important that women around the world unite and support each other.

‘Every emergency gives us opportunities to show solidarity among women. I therefore invite you as leaders of national Parliaments to support Ukrainian women. They are fighting in the national armed forces and are holding important positions in the Verkhovna Rada, the Government, and in the non-governmental sector. Today, they are not only fighting for their own freedom but also for ours,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen concluded.

Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson for Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, 
tel.+ 370  5 209 6030, mob. + 370 698 42071, e-mail: [email protected], www.lrs.lt