Asked by: Lord Verjee (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the publication of the Ministry of Defence's <i>Global Strategic Trends out to 2045</i>, what consideration they have given to its assessment that women at the highest levels of politics are likely to continue to be predominantly drawn from elite societal groups.
Answered by Lord Astor of Hever
The Ministry of Defence publication, “Global Strategic Trends - Out to 2045”, assessments of gender equality performance show an overall improvement. Women’s participation in politics in both developing and developed countries has increased – a trend that has accelerated during the last decade. However, there are impediments to female participation as globally women often lack the resources to access politics. They find barriers at selection and campaigning stages as well as prejudicial attitudes during elections. As a result, women at this highest level of politics are likely to continue to be predominantly drawn from elite societal groups. The Government’s UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security is available on the gov.uk website at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/319870/FCO643_NAP_Printing_final3.pdf