We work for Parity
In a context of growing democratic deterioration and structural challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean, CLADEM and Diakonia, with the support of the ASDI Regional Strategy, launch the Parity Program, an initiative designed to strengthen gender equality and the participation of women in all decision-making spheres.
The program is framed within a scenario of deep institutional crises, marked by socio-economic inequalities, gender-based violence, corruption, and setbacks in fundamental rights, which disproportionately affect women and girls. From Nicaragua to the Southern Cone, these challenges have limited female political representation and accentuated political and social violence against women.
"The Parity Program is an urgent call to ensure substantive equality in the region. Currently, women hold only 30% of legislative seats on average, and it is estimated that, at the current pace, it will take 130 years to achieve truly inclusive governance," says Rocio Palomino, Project Coordinator for Diakonia.
"At the current pace, it will take 130 years to achieve truly inclusive governance"
With the aim of making a significant impact, the Parity Program is presented as a space for dialogue and analysis between civil society actors, academics, and allies from ten countries in the region. Its first major activity is an International Seminar, which will bring together experts and leaders to address the main advances, setbacks, and challenges in building more inclusive democracies.
Main objectives of the program
- Analyze the state of democracy and parity in the countries of the region, with an emphasis on recent and upcoming electoral processes.
- Promote concrete strategies for the application of democratic parity, both in politics and in economic, judicial, and social life.
- Make visible and reduce the structural and cultural barriers that limit women's participation, especially those in more vulnerable situations, such as rural, indigenous, and Afro-descendant women.
"The program bets on regional cooperation as key to overcoming existing barriers and advancing towards more representative and equitable democracies, where women play a leading role in building fairer societies," says Rocío.
Diakonia's work for democracy
Truly just and sustainable development is only possible if rights holders themselves have the power to decide over their own present and future. The support to democratization processes is a cornerstone in Diakonia’s work. With focus at local level partners in all regions, we are promoting awareness raising, organization and mobilization, and advocacy work with rights holders.