Moving from Formal to Substantive Equality
ABOUT US ABOUT THE GROUP OF WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS
ParlAmericas is a hemispheric organization comprised of the national legislatures of 35 independent states from North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. We serve as an independent discussion forum for parliamentarians of the Americas.
Our work improves inter-parliamentary dialogue through meetings and training opportunities, and through the facilitation of year-round discussions and follow-up actions. As delegates at our events, parliamentarians from across the Americas
convene to share experiences and best practices for enhancing regional cooperation
and sustainable development. They issue recommendations and take them back to their
respective legislative chambers.
The Group of Women Parliamentarians is the only permanent working group of ParlAmericas. Since 2003,
it has promoted respect for women’s human rights and the inclusion of a gender perspective on the
legislative agenda of member parliaments. The Group’s activities strengthen the work of women and
men parliamentarians by providing a space to exchange knowledge from a gender equality perspective.
It organizes events aimed at strengthening the political capacities of parliamentarians committed to
advancing women’s human rights.
Objectives
· To strengthen the leadership of female politicians through ongoing regional exchange
· To promote the creation of conditions for equal opportunities, prioritizing the fight against poverty and
the elimination of employment discrimination
· To strengthen democracies in the countries of the Americas in an effort to achieve respect for human
rights, and conditions that promote equitable and sustainable social development
· To promote the creation of mechanisms encouraging women’s participation in politics
· To strengthen women's active participation at ParlAmericas working meetings, incorporating a gender
perspective into each of the topics analyzed by the organization
Executive Committee
President – Jennifer Simons, Speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname
Vice-President – Martha González Dávila, Member of the National Assembly of Nicaragua
Secretary – Vacant (to be filled at the 11th Plenary Assembly in Chile, September 2014)