Women still disregarded in politics

Most parliaments across the world still disregard the role women can play in politics. That's one of the findings of equality in politics survey conducted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). It found women occupy less than 18% of parliamentary seats across the world and only a third of parliaments have more than 10% women representation.<br /> <br /> The IPU brings together MPs from across the world and on the first day of its 118th gathering the spotlight was on equality in politics. <br /> <br /> &quot;Gender and gender equality issues cannot be left to be a women's issue, it's a societal issue and for it to be addressed properly men have to come to the table too,&quot; the Secretary General of Inter-parliamentary Union Anders B Jonsson. Arguing their case, the women say they bring something special to politics - family values.<br /> <br /> &quot;It is that holistic approach, which they have, that assists in many cases where legislation is involved. Where discussions are involved,&quot; says Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde, South African National Assembly Deputy Speaker.