1. European Interdistrict Seminar February 2015 Equal participation in decision making positions A human right to be respected

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3. Zonta’s vision Zonta envisions A world in which every woman is able to develop her full potential. A world in which women have access to all resources and are represented in decision making positions on the same level as men. A world in which no woman suffers from violence. 3

4. Governments commitments 4 Copenhagen 1995 Rio 1992 Istanbul 1996 Yet in many countries we are far from the goal

5. Women are still 5  Underrepresented in decision-making positions  Concentrated in the lower-paid sectors of the labour market.

6. 6 What holds women back from top jobs?

7. 7 Women excel at compromise, men at risk-taking

8. 8 Sustainable Development Goals Equal participation in decision making positions is not addressed directly in any of the 17 proposed goals.

9. 9 Sustainable Development Goals Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all. Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Goal no 5 is a pre-requisite for reaching any other goal.

10. ZI calls upon ALL decision makers To work on a transformative framework that Determines the root causes of gender inequality Addresses the structural impediments to gender equality Ensures the implementation of sound legislation that effectively addresses gender inequality 10

11. Non-discriminatory education – how? With laws and policies guaranteeing equal access to education for girls and boys regardless of marital or parental status. By adoption of a human rights-based approach through and in education: Learning of human rights, Respect of human rights, Practice of human rights within the education system. 11

12. More female decision-makers 12 Best way to achieve a more balanced representation on company boards – No general agreement in the EU: Self regulation Legal measures Voluntary measures No need Don’t know

13. We can not change the past 13 Let us build the new future!

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15. 15 Sustainable Development Goals

16. 16 Sustainable Development Goals