Women legislators from Mongolia exchange experiences with Swedish counterparts to advance gender equality

Strategies for strengthening women’s role in parliament and to advance gender equality were the focus of a study visit to Stockholm by women parliamentarians from Mongolia from 3 to 5 June 2014.

During the visit, which was organized by OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in co-operation with the Women’s Democracy Network of the International Republican Institute, participants from the Ulsyn Ikh Hural, Mongolia’s parliament, exchanged experiences with the representatives of the Riksdag, the parliament of Sweden, as well as of the Ministry of Education, the Equality Ombudsoffice, political parties and women’s organizations in Sweden.

“Gender equality is a priority for the Mongolian parliament,” said Luvsan Erdenechimeg, Member of Parliament and Chairwoman of the Women’s Caucus of the Ulsyn Ikh Hural. “The visit to Sweden has equipped us with skills and knowledge to continue our efforts towards ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens of Mongolia.”

Ajla van Heel, ODIHR Gender Adviser, said: “Women parliamentarians, working together across party lines, can influence policy and legislation from a gender perspective, ensuring that the interests, needs and priorities of both women and men are met.”

ODIHR supported the study visit within the framework of its programme to advance women’s political participation in the OSCE region, in line with the 2004 OSCE Gender Action Plan.