One possible method that countries are applying to incorporate more women into positions of leadership is the quota system. In this controversial practice, political parties reserve a number of their safe or winnable constituencies for women candidates. Some countries, like the UK, reserve spots on the voting ballots for women so certain percentage of the spots will be reserved for women.

Quotas are an attempt to minimize the inequality gap. By the end of 2004, 81 countries had adopted some form of affirmative action, such as party quotas or reserving seats for women in parliament to ensure their political participation. Most Commonwealth countries have continued to strengthen their democratic systems by increasing women’s representation through adoption and implementation of quotas and affirmative action measures. For example, Uganda introduced a constitutional reform measure to provide for one woman MP per district and one third of local political positions for women.

The Commonwealth recognizes that decisions on these matters are for each country to take and that the association can only make suggestions as to targets and other matters of broad policy. It has, however, initiated training and development programs for women candidates in countries and regions that have welcomed such activities.  These programs have achieved remarkably high levels of success.

The Commonwealth has created a Commonwealth Plan of Action (PoA) for Gender Equality 2005-2015. It is placed in the Commonwealth’s overall framework and agenda for development, democracy and human rights. The plan focuses on four critical areas:                                                 

1. Gender, democracy, peace and conflict;
2. Gender, human rights and law;
3. Gender, poverty eradication and economic empowerment;
4. Gender and HIV/AIDS.

This new plan provides the framework within which the Commonwealth will advance its commitment to gender equality and equity. The PoA incorporates the Commonwealth response to the different impacts of global changes on women and men, builds on achievements to date and seeks to close persistent gaps. Despite progress, there is still a clear need to accelerate the implementation by member countries of both key international conventions and treaties and national gender equality polices and programs.

Overall the position of the Commonwealth for ensuring greater participation of women in parliamentary spheres is that it is ultimately a matter of human rights and should be key to any country’s agenda for development.