Cook Islands aim for half of MPs to be women by 2030

RNZ reports a practice parliament last week in the Cook Islands was part of a push to get female representation in the country's parliament up to 50 percent by 2030.

About 70 women took part in the events which coincided with International Women's Day on 8 March.

Parliamentary Speaker Nikki Rattle said there were women in the community who wanted to be involved but don't know how.

She said in the current parliament there were just four women among the 24 MPs.

"[In] 2015, globally, we were to reach 30 percent of women in parliament - we didn't do that, and now the theme for this year is Planet 50/50 by 2030. So I think it is quite obvious that you do need the voice of women to be better."

 

Photo: RNZ / Daniela Maoate-Cox