G20 event focuses on gender equality, the youth

BOTH the P20 Meeting of Women Parliamentarians and P20 Young Parliamentarians Conference got underway in Kleinmond in the Western Cape ahead of the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) tomorrow.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

Women and young parliamentarians from across the world, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), were in attendance at the conferences, as they have discussions which contribute towards the agenda points and outcome statements which will be adopted as part of the P20 Summit.

The P20 Meeting of Women Parliamentarians include an address from the Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations at the IPU, Ambassador Anda Filip, and Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.

“At a time of mounting crises, the need for solidarity and collective solutions is urgent. Parliamentary diplomacy offers a unique tool to strengthen cooperation across borders, to build trust, and to place citizens’ concerns at the heart of international dialogue,” Filip said.

Filip said that despite progress, women account for only 27% of parliamentarians worldwide and just 22% of Speakers.