The United States has welcomed the November 6 adoption by the U.N. General Assembly's Social (Third) Committee of a U.S.-sponsored resolution supporting the right of women around the world to participate in the political process and hold political office. The U.S. was joined by 110 nations as co-sponsors of the resolution.

In Washington a day after of the action, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher issued a statement calling the passage of the resolution a "resounding U.N. endorsement to women across the globe to become active participants in the political life of their countries." Boucher urged governments to take steps to implement the resolution.

November 7, 2003

On November 6, the U.S.-sponsored resolution on "Women and Political Participation" was adopted by consensus in the UN General Assembly's Third Committee. The United States, joined by 110 co-sponsors, succeeded in passing this much-needed resolution, giving a resounding UN endorsement to women across the globe to become active participants in the political life of their countries.

The resolution reaffirms basic principles on women's participation in the political process, such as a woman's right to vote in all elections and to run for and hold office. It proposes practical measures that governments and others in civil society can take to empower women. Governments are urged to ensure equal access by women to education and to eliminate laws and regulations that discriminate against women. The resolution also invites governments, non-governmental organizations and others to encourage political parties to seek qualified women candidates and provide them training and to support initiatives, such as public-private partnerships and exchange programs, aimed at expanding women's political, management and leadership skills.

We now look forward to governments and others taking steps to implement the resolution.