Message from Members of the Regional Women’s Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in South-East Europe on Upcoming Elections in Serbia

April 26, 2008

Serbia is once more at a crossroads. The upcoming elections on May 11^th give Serbian citizens a chance to prove to themselves, to the region and to the international community their readiness to build a just and sustainable peace and inclusive democracy.  The strongest way to send this message is by electing a parliament of genuine pro-European democratic forces and on the basis of full gender equality. Serbia’s political parties are presenting lists that give considerable choice to voters, but not all the choices lead to strengthening democracy, stability and gender equality in the country and region-wide.

RWL considers that there should not be any intention by Serbian political parties or institutions of organizing election campaigns or electoral processes in Kosovo. These actions constitute provocations that could have destabilizing effects for Kosovo and the region. This is an opportunity to send a clear message about Serbian commitment to democracy and peace and respect for the clear will of the majority of Kosovars.

RWL reiterates its support for Kosovo’s independence and its stable democratic development without external interference. We hold that Kosovo’s independence is a factor for stability in the region.

This is also an opportunity for Serbia to send a clear message about confidence in women as political representatives and political leaders: we can chose women in equal numbers with men. It is also our responsibility as women to make it possible.

Today the global average percentage of seats held by women in national assemblies is just 17.4%. Not a single country has full parity between women and men in their top national decision-making forum but a few of them come close: three Nordic countries have over 40% women in national assemblies (Sweden has 47.3%), and the world leader for women’s representation is Rwanda, with 48.8%.  50% of women in parliament is still a goal which needs to be achieved. The elections in Serbia offer an opportunity for increasing women’s participation both in the Serbian context and in the region (in SEE women’s average participation is at a low 16%).

Women are in a position to bring new programs, interests, values, and capabilities to the public decision-making area.  In a post-conflict context like Serbia, women’s contribution to decision-making processes at all levels should be a political interest of all citizens and especially valued. Fresh perspectives and solutions are needed to long-standing concerns and challenges faced by our region.

At the moment when the countries of SEE are looking to build strong relationships with the European Union and NATO, a democratic parity of women with men in Serbia’s parliament would send an unmistakable message about Serbia’s readiness for a fresh start. As members of the Regional Women’s Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in South-East Europe, we are ready to strengthen and build peace and respect of values of different cultural communities, support reconciliation among people and individuals, and create a new future for Serbia and all the region of South-East Europe.  We are ready to demonstrate the ability of our citizens and political institutions to modernize, to democratize, and to respect the human rights of all.

Members of the Regional Women’s Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in South-East Europe: Meliha Alic, Sonja Biserko, Nada Drobnjak, Natasa Kandic, Biljana Kasic, Nekibe Kelmendi, Vera Markovic, Natasa Micic, Irina Pockova, Liljana Radovanovic, Igballe Rogova, Edita Tahiri, Teuta Sahatqija, Gordana Sobol, Luljeta Vuniqi, Stasa Zajovic, Marieta Zaqe, Memnuna Zvizdic.

The Regional Women’s Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in South-East Europe was established in 2006 with facilitation from UNIFEM. The Lobby promotes advocacy and political action to advance peace and stability in the region, including full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which calls for increased representation of women at all decision-making levels. The group includes members from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Its members are prominent women leaders, including politicians, members of parliaments, holders of governmental or public positions, as well as representatives from civil society.

Media Contact:

Ana Lukatela
RWL Coordinator
coordinator@rwlsee.org