ABSTRACT
The human development paradigm emphasizes the concepts of gender equality and gender equity. The main theme of the Women in Development (WID) initiative was the integration of women, achievement of equality between the genders and increased socio-economic development of women. In the mid-1980s, the thrust area shifted from WID to Gender and Development. One of the critical factors identified as responsible for the prevalent state of affairs is the insufficient representation of women in decision-making levels and influential positions in national and international institutions. A reason why political parties are wary of fielding women candidates is because of the ever escalating cost of election and the inability of women to mobilize huge financial resources in the absence of any state funding of elections. The Commonwealth has been consistently active in creating the necessary enabling environment for women's participation in political life.
