Ulaanbaatar
Int’l Republican Institute premieres “Leveling the Playing Field” documentary on women’s participation in policy-making
SocietyUlaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ This documentary has been created with the support of the International Republican Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada, inspired by the challenges and obstacles facing 6 women candidates during their campaigns for the 2016 parliamentary elections of Mongolia. The creation was officially released to the public on September 20 at Tuushin Hotel.
Present were, Ambassador of Canada Ed Jager and the Resident Representative of the IRI to Mongolia Ashleigh Whelan, and other related figures of politics, gender equality, economic institutions and civil societies, along with the election candidates, who appear in the documentary.
The documentary chronicles the experience of women in the political process and showcases barriers they face through the perspectives of six candidates: B.Saranchimeg (MPP), Ts.Oyungerel (DP), L.Selenge (MPRP), D.Badamkhand (CWGP), M.Narantuya (independent candidate) and B.Munkhsoyol (NLP). Additionally, commentaries from well-respected activists of political, economic, civil society and gender backgrounds are featured in the film.
“IRI began implementing the “Supporting Women’s Participation in Elections” program in December 2015 with financial support from GAC. As part of the program, IRI has partnered with female candidates, political party leaders, and representatives of civil society organizations to support women’s political participation. IRI began working in Mongolia in 1992, providing assistance in parliamentary development, political party development and electoral capacity improvement. In addition, IRI supports Mongolia's democratic development through programs that strengthen effective governance, foster inclusive elections and support the new generation of political leaders”, said IRI in the press release of September 19.
Mr Jager applauded the success of 13 women, who were elected to the parliament by the latest elections, contrary to the expectations caused by the changes made to the election law of Mongolia. He also emphasized the Canadian Embassy’s two key priorities in cooperation with Mongolia are sustainable economic growth and enhancing democracy.
According to the Gender Inequality Index (GII) report, women constitute 21.9% of the legislative power in the world. However, in Mongolia, the women’s inclusion in the parliament was 14.5% between 2012 and 2016, which indication is several times lower than that of the other developing democracies. Women makes up 51% of the population of Mongolia.
Please watch the full documentary in the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bMFK7Zgp60
