30 years of voting freedom for Swiss women

On 7 February 1971, 65.7 percent of Swiss people recognised the right of women to vote. In the following October, 11 women were elected to parliament. Since then, women have been increasing their numbers in political positions, though they are still far from being on level ground with their male counterparts.

Today, women hold 13.8 percent of parliamentary seats world-wide. In Europe, the figure is about 16 percent, according to a study conducted by the Interparliamentary Union. Scandinavian countries are leading the way, boasting parliaments in which 39 percent of the members are women.

Switzerland comes in 21st place in the study, tied with Australia. Swiss women have a much better chance at getting into politics if they run for positions in more left orientated parties than in right wing parties.

(sda)