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The International Day of Parliamentarism, observed every year on June 30, was established in 2018 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) as a moment to recognize the critical role of parliaments in democratic systems. It is a reminder that parliaments, as key pillars of governance, can only be legitimate, responsive, and effective when they reflect the inclusive nature and diversity of the societies they serve.
Free, fair, and transparent elections are fundamental to building accountable legislatures. But for such elections to be meaningful, citizens must participate responsibly, choosing candidates based on merit, commitment, and a vision of public service.
Yet electoral procedures alone are not sufficient. An inclusive parliament must represent the full range of society—women, minorities, and historically marginalized groups. The meaningful presence of women must go beyond symbolism and reflect the undeniable fact that women make up approximately half of every society and therefore should hold half—or close to half—of all parliamentary seats. Achieving this goal requires political will and structural reforms to ensure genuine equality.
Equally, the effective inclusion of ethnic, racial, linguistic, and religious minorities is essential. In diverse societies, any attempt to engineer homogenous parliaments—often driven by political agendas—undermines democratic legitimacy and hampers social cohesion.
The Roya Institute emphasizes the importance of strengthening inclusive democracy, ensuring equal representation, and fostering meaningful participation of all societal groups in legislative institutions—so that every voice is heard, and the foundations of justice, solidarity, and sustainable development are upheld.
Caption: Women speakers have shaped their parliaments, both in the way they operate and in their outputs. Photo: © IPU
https://www.ipu.org/impact/gender-equality/women-in-parliament/women-speakers-parliament