In the case of political representation in Sri Lanka, we cannot even refer to a ‘glass-ceiling’ – as women have been kept in the ‘basement’ of politics.

This was one of the opinions stated by Leader of the Sri Lanka National Congress, Milinda Moragoda at a meeting held on Saturday in Maradana, which included grassroots women activists.

He added that while Sri Lanka has an excellent record on women’s health, education, and life expectancy, it is worst in the region when it comes to participation of women in politics. Moragoda stated that with the advent of the Centenary of Women’s International Day, he is urging all political parties, civil society leaders and opinion-makers to unite and support legislation to ensure a 25% reservation for women in parliament, provincial councils and local councils. He pointed to the fact that India is on the verge of bringing in an amendment to their Constitution to provide a reservation of 33% for women representatives in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. He added that this move was being initiated by the Congress Party with support from the main opposition party the BJP and parties from the Left, and that this legislation is likely to be taken up today to mark the Women’s Day Centenary. He highlighted the fact that, through a similar measure, already for many years, India has successfully brought in women to all local governing bodies and as a result, over a million women have entered politics at that level. He noted that India, with a population of over a billion people, has been able to achieve the necessary consensus to bring about this revolutionary change, and that this should provide us with serious food for thought.

Moragoda questioned how we can proudly call ourselves a democracy, when over 50% of our populations are not represented in Parliament.

As Moragoda pointed out, for over 30 years, we have been able to bring about improvements to the representation of minorities in parliament, yet our biggest majority – women – are largely missing.

The startling fact remains that since the introduction of universal franchise in Sri Lanka in 1931, the percentage of women members of parliament has remained constantly at less than 5% in any given parliament. At the local government level, more shockingly, this statistic is less than 1%.

With women largely missing in our political system at all levels - local, municipal and national government, Moragoda said that we need the ‘jump start’ of a quota to rectify this disgraceful situation. He pointed out the fact that at election time it is women who in many instances form the backbone of our campaign organizations.

Moragoda noted that a lot is spoken about change. However, that real change will come only if women enter politics in large numbers. Because they will bring with them experience, energy and enthusiasm as well as an alternative viewpoint when dealing with some of the major problems we face.