Speakers al a seminar on "Women's Representation in Parliament" said more meaningful system of election need to be devised to give the women members of Parliament an effective voice, reports UNB.

Centre for Analysis and Choice (CAC) organised the seminar at its office in the city on Sunday. Chairman of Public Accounts Committee of Parliament LK Siddiqui. MP. was the moderator while Chairman of Government and Politics Department of Jahangtrnagar University Dr Dilara Choudhury presented the keynote paper.

Some 21 participants, including members of the Parliament. political leaders and representatives of women's organisations took part in the' discussion.

Most of the discussants believed that the present system of electing women to the Parliament had rtn out of its effectiveness due to Inadequate representation behind them as they are elected indirectly. .

They said the present 10.6 per cent representation of the women, through indirect election. raised the question whether it provides adequate channel for the 49 per. cent women population of the country.

The speakers also pointed out that having 33 women MPs and two leaders — the leader of the House and the opposition in.the Parliament, tangible measures have yet to be .taken

to’ enhance women's role either In the Parliament or elsewhere.

Dr Dilara. the key-note speaker, quoting United Nations study mentioned that ineffectual and under-representation of women is not confined to Bangladesh only but is a worldwide phenomenon. Only 3.5 per cent of the Cabinet Ministers around the world are women and women hold on ministerial positions in 93 countries.

From the same study she also said women are shut out of all decision-making posts at four highest levels of government in 49 countries. Including 16 in the Asia-Pacific region.