Presentation Gender Equality B

Political Representation: Theory andPractice Article 51 of the Constitution ensures equalaccess to political office and “equalopportunities for men and women by means ofappropriate provisions” When asked to comment upon femalerepresentation in government, Berlusconiremarked that "It's not easy to get women toleave their husbands to move to Rome." Prior to the last election, women held only 11.4%of Parliamentary positions although theycomprise over half of the electorate. However,Prodi is expected to promote female politicalrepresentation, as well as other gender issues.