Women in politics

“I got involved in Volt politics because I felt that we were in danger of losing Europe, which is the only political organisation that gives me hope. National politics have had their day, there's nothing new to look forward to. I don't feel that I've committed myself as a woman, but rather as a person, to help make Europe sustainable, and so much the better if I'm actually helping to increase parity in political life.” - Nadine L.

In Switzerland, only 19% of local councils are presided over by women, and the 2023 federal elections have reduced the proportion of women in the National Council from 42% to 38.5%. In seven cantons, not a single woman was elected. In the Council of States, the number of cantons represented solely by men has risen to eleven, and the proportion of women is 34.8%.

“I've been involved with Volt since I was 18, and I've been able to work my way up from my local section in Toulouse to the national office and stand as a candidate in three elections. This experience has given me confidence and a better understanding of politics, including its less glamorous aspects such as the lack of engaged women. I think that every party needs to take action to promote gender equality internally, beyond political rhetoric.”- Élise M.

History is full of talented women who have dared and led the way. Today, too many women don't take the plunge, or don't dare to take the plunge, into politics.

“When I got involved in politics late in life, the trigger was ‘what kind of world will my grandchildren live in?‘ ... Volt's major objective is for the medium to long term, and corresponds well to their adult life. But we need to start working on it now.  In my opinion, my motivation is marked by femininity... It has to do with passing on to others, starting with the protection of my dear ones, rather than a purely financial inheritance, which is generally a more masculine commitment, of course.”- Christine G.

Apprehension, lack of moral, financial and logistical support, as well as psychological or educational barriers are all reasons why women still take a back seat today, even though they have the desire and the skills to play an active part in their country's political life.

“I entered politics because I want to bring my perspective to the construction of society. But where a man is simply a human being, I, as a woman, am always considered first and foremost as a woman. So I can't help but keep coming back to the theme of equality and being the person who should represent ‘women’. But I'm not just a woman and I certainly can't represent all women. We need many female voices to make the diversity of women and society in general visible.”- Paula H.

In our daily lives, we see both women and men encouraging, advising, debating, innovating, reflecting, proposing, organising, making use of diplomacy and self-control. Having a sense of commitment, being a good listener, being a team player, being strategic, resilience, honesty, eloquence... are all human qualities and are not linked to gender.

“Getting involved in politics is difficult, but essential, especially when you're under-represented and have little say. I chose Volt because this party embodies my values, but also because it really applies parity and shared leadership. Here, equality isn't just a promise, it's a reality built every day.” - Valérie C.

There are still many barriers to women's participation in politics, and we are clear about the battles still to be fought. But on this 8 March 2025, we all want to say: women have their place in the discussions and in the co-construction of our society.

“I got involved in politics so that women would be represented, visible and listened to. I've had enough of this pseudo-parity where male politicians speak on behalf of all citizens, including women. I've also joined a European party to ‘duplicate’ parity practices at European level or in other European countries if they are relevant to the French context.”- Christine P.

We want to send out a strong message and an appeal:

We encourage all women to get involved in politics, whatever the nature and degree of that involvement, and we encourage those around them to help them along the way and support them in their actions!

We call on all political parties to take action to include more women and make it easier for them to get involved!

“My political involvement came quite naturally to complement my involvement with associations at the time of the legislative elections in June 2024, because I wanted to work to see what I believe in become a reality: a federal Europe. I'm not getting involved as a woman, but as an individual with convictions, projects, skills and a lot to learn, just like everyone else. You don't have to be afraid of difficulties along the way, you simply have to surround yourself with caring people who have the same aspirations for our society. At Volt I've found a place where women are given the space, the support and the resources they need to fully develop and flourish in politics. I'm committed to strengthening this dynamic because I believe that it's by working together, and not against each other, that we can make real progress.”- Elisa C.

We've started by reinforcing parity in the public arena: electoral lists, round tables, the media… It's time to go one step further, by creating real spaces for inclusion, expression and projects for women (within parties, in decision-making bodies, etc.), subsidies dedicated to projects by and for women, and reinforced communication with the outside world. Women need to have a more general and systematic presence on the political scene.

“For several years, my life went along to the rhythm of: kids, work, sleep. Then my kids became teenagers. And then there were municipal elections. And the [French] Parity Act. So I raised my hand, to find out what was being done with my taxes and also to propose actions for our young people. I thus got into politics because of, or thanks to, the Parity Act. And I wasn't disappointed! Since then, I've never stopped being involved in politics, according to my possibilities and aspirations. One thing is certain for me now: I no longer wish to leave it to others to decide my future, or that of my children.” - Anne G.

It's high time our public policies were made by and for all our fellow citizens.