Historic female majority in Swiss cantonal parliament
For the first time in Swiss history, women make up the majority in a cantonal parliament. Voters in Neuchâtel have elected a local parliament compromising 58% women.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
العربية
ar
أغلبية نسائية تاريخية في برلمان أحد الكانتونات السويسرية
In 2013, the Neuchâtel parliament was made up of 23% women while in 2017 it was 34%. But after Sunday’s vote, female representation moved into a clear majority.
Before the Neuchâtel vote the cantons of Basel City (42%, 2020), Zurich (40.6%, 2019) and Basel Country (40%, 2019) had returned the highest number of women in a cantonal parliament.
Political scientists Claude Longchamp told SWI swissinfo.ch that the Neuchâtel vote was inspired by political parties putting up a greater proportion of women candidates and a growing movement towards gender equality in all walks of life.
“This dynamic goes back to 2019, when the second women’s strike took place in Switzerland. Since then, discrimination in business, society and politics has increasingly become a public issue,” he said.
Neuchâtel, along with Vaud, was one of the first two cantons in Switzerland to introduce women’s suffrage at cantonal level in 1959.
More
The long road to women’s suffrage in Switzerland
Swiss women had to wait until 1971 until they got the right to vote. Why did it take so long?
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
How women’s suffrage in Switzerland changed the world
This content was published on
Although women's suffrage was only achieved 50 years ago in Switzerland, the country has become a global champion of equal rights abroad.
How the global battle for female suffrage influenced Switzerland
This content was published on
The risk of international reputational damage was another factor that brought an end to the Swiss resistance to giving women the vote 50 years ago.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.