Swedish political parties have pushed for gender parity since the 1970’s, and generally “adhere to the 60/40 principle: neither sex is to have more than 60 percent nor less than 40 percent of representation within party ranks” (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008, pg. 36). The principle is not formally legislated; rather, it is expected from political parties by the public and thus essential for a party’s electoral success (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008). In Iceland, the Althingi created a multi-party committee alongside women’s organizations to increase representation of women. The committee launched an awareness campaign in 1997 which Wicks and Lang-Dion (2008) describe as “a well funded, five year awareness campaign which included: a humorous, attention-getting advertising program, training courses, education, communications networks, public meetings, and mentoring programs” (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008, pg. 36). Within one year of the campaign, female representation increased from 25% to 35% (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008). Wicks and Lang-Dion (2008) suggest that Canadian political parties nominate more women so that Canada can reach the 30-35% female representation threshold recommended by the United Nations for women’s priorities to be reflected in legislatures and “changes in “management style, group dynamic and organization culture” take place” (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008, pg.
Swedish political parties have pushed for gender parity since the 1970’s, and generally “adhere to the 60/40 principle: neither sex is to have more than 60 percent nor less than 40 percent of representation within party ranks” (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008, pg. 36). The principle is not formally legislated; rather, it is expected from political parties by the public and thus essential for a party’s electoral success (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008). In Iceland, the Althingi created a multi-party committee alongside women’s organizations to increase representation of women. The committee launched an awareness campaign in 1997 which Wicks and Lang-Dion (2008) describe as “a well funded, five year awareness campaign which included: a humorous, attention-getting advertising program, training courses, education, communications networks, public meetings, and mentoring programs” (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008, pg. 36). Within one year of the campaign, female representation increased from 25% to 35% (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008). Wicks and Lang-Dion (2008) suggest that Canadian political parties nominate more women so that Canada can reach the 30-35% female representation threshold recommended by the United Nations for women’s priorities to be reflected in legislatures and “changes in “management style, group dynamic and organization culture” take place” (Wicks and Lang-Dion, 2008, pg.