"WOMEN IN POLITICAL DECISION MAKING" International Conference
Date: 18th December 2006
Location: Budapest, National Assembly, Upper House
Organisers:
Association for Women's Career Development in Hungary
State Secretariat for Equal Opportunities, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour
Background: The Association for Women's Career Development in Hungary published Dr. Katalin Koncz's 450-page book titled "Women in Politics - Hungary 1990-2006" (An Overview with International Comparisons) including summaries in English, German and French with the support of our Chief Sponsor Procter & Gamble RSC Ltd., Hungary.
The publication of the Book is the result of a Partnership supported by the European Union - the product of commitment to women's career development by a civil organisation (the Association for Women's Career Development in Hungary), a learned institute (Budapest Corvinus University, Women's Studies Centre) and a corporation (Procter & Gamble).
Objective: To give a comprehensive picture of the characteristics of women's political engagement based on the available scientific analysis. To reveal the causes of the non-satisfactory participation of women in public and political life. To give good examples by presenting the experiences of successful and active women holding leading public or political positions in order to motivate other women to engage themselves more actively.
Number of participants: 550
Participants: local governments, interest representation organisations, civilian organisations
MPs
Members of the CD
Sponsors:
Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour
Procter & Gamble, Hungary
Host
Dr. Katalin Szili, Chairwoman of the Hungarian National Assembly
Patrons:
Péter Kiss, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, Minister
Dr. Zita Gurmai, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-chairwoman of the Committee of Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities
Special guests:
Vladimir Spidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
April H. Foley, United States of America, Ambassador to Hungary
Speakers:
Dr. Katalin Szili, Chairwoman of the Hungarian National Assembly
Mr. Vladimir Spidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
Ms. Andrea Ferenczi, Association for Women's Career Development in Hungary, President
April H. Foley, United States of America, Ambassador to Hungary
Dr. Kinga Göncz, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ms. Katalin Bogyay, Ministry for Education and Culture, Special Secretary of International Relations
Dr. Zita Gurmai, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-chairwoman of the Committee of Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities
Ms. Edit Rauh, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, Secretary of State of Equal Opportunities
Dr. Katalin Lévai, Member of the European Parliament
Dr. Katalin Koncz, Corvinus University of Budapest, Women Studies Centre
Kitti Dobi, Procter& Gamble, Talent Development Manager, P&G- Central Europe South
Ms.Erika Németh, Ex-MP
Dr. Klára Sándor, MP
Ms.Ildikó Bernáth, MP
Dr. Ibolya Dávid, MP, Chairwoman of Hungarian Democratic Forum
Dr. Júlia Fodor, Association of Local Governments - Section of Women Mayors, Chairwoman
Result: To promote women's participation in political decision making and achieve change is important for both the economic interests and prestige of Hungary. In addition, the principle of equal opportunities, including the participation of women in political decision making, is an obligation in the member countries of the European Union.
- Enhanced awareness and cooperation for all interested parties and decision makers.
- Enhanced awareness across society, responsible bodies and decision makers of the importance of women's participation in decision making, the problems in Hungary and the steps needed to improve women's participation.
- Influenced public opinion by drawing attention to the best practices in the European Union and other foreign countries as well as local experiences.
Documentation
Programme
Photos
Declaration
DVD
Audio record
Transcript of speeches in Hungarian and English
