A decade ago, WEDO launched a Global 50/50 Campaign to boost women’s representation in political decision-making positions. Today, while the absolute increase is small, women’s representation in parliaments, now averaging worldwide at 18.2 percent, is the highest it has ever been. Twenty-two countries spanning all regions have reached the critical mass of 30 percent representation in national parliaments, with Rwanda topping the list with 56.3 percent!

The reality is that across the world, barriers to women’s entry and influence in politics remain. WEDO is working with its partners to increase the number of women in decision-making positions and to support women’s effective leadership once they have been elected. Going beyond the numbers, we focus on both quantitative and qualitative aspects of women leadership.

In 2009, WEDO found a way to combine goals in governance and climate change: with funds from Finland,a leader in championing women as agents of change, WEDO administered the Women Delegates Fund (WDF), which supported women to be part of their national delegations to the crucial global climate change negotiations. The WDF, which supported an average of 20 women to each of the major negotiating sessions, contributed to a milestone — 2009 saw the most women ever to participate on national delegations! At about 30%, it’s still not an equitable balance; but it is far improved over past years. WEDO looks forward to the continuation of the WDF in 2010-2011. Stay tuned for information on how to apply.

For more information on the WDF, email eleanor [at] wedo.org!