ABSTRACT
This chapter enables the participants to identify the advantages of participating in political and public life and the different forms that such participation takes. It helps to understand the various human rights linked to political participation. The chapter also provides examples of the obstacles faced by women with respect to participating in politics and public life at the community level. It explores what the governments, community leaders, the media, and women themselves can do to improve women's participation in public life. The chapter also helps to understand the role of the media in reinforcing gender stereotypes. It explains the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) regarding women's participation in politics and public life. Women's participation in politics, public life, and the media is critical if women are to enjoy their human rights. Women's voices and perspectives are needed in the drafting of policies and legislation that protects and promotes women's human rights.
