How can more women get into politics?

Are you interested in politics? Watch the video to find out how some countries have tried to get more women involved.

Instructions

Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercises. Remember you can read the transcript at any time.

For years, women were shut out with no say in who would lead them. Women in Saudi Arabia were only given their right to vote in 2015. But when they do get a fair chance, it can have a big impact. India's big election in 2019 saw the same percentage of women voting as men, for the first time, helping to elect more female members of parliament than ever before.

Step two: Take inspiration from role models.

We all want someone to look up to and it's no different in politics. New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote. And their current prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, is only the second elected world leader to give birth while in office. She was the youngest female prime minister in the world when she was elected. But now that's Finland's 34-year-old Sanna Marin. Ms Ardern is actually the third woman to run New Zealand.

Jacinda Ardern: Those previous prime ministers have carved a path for me that I'm incredibly grateful for.

Now she wants to inspire more girls to lead, because even when one woman is elected, it doesn't solve the problem.

Step three: Targets can help.

Setting targets can be controversial. But lots of countries have introduced them to bring more equality. Rwanda in Africa has the most women in parliament, but it wasn't always like this. Back in the 1990s, women only made up a small share of their parliamentary seats. So in 2003, the country set a goal: to make 30 per cent of their elected politicians women. And it's worked. Today, they make up nearly two-thirds of the Rwandan parliament. Even though not everyone thinks quotas like Rwanda's are the best solution, it's hard to argue that they don't make a difference.