The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring equal rights of men and women; accordingly, participating States have agreed to take all actions necessary to promote equally effective participation of men and women in political, economic, social and cultural life.1 The equal enjoyment of human rights is essential for women to participate fully in all spheres of public and private life, as citizens, activists and leaders. The goal of strengthening gender balance in legislatures is of particular importance for democracy and social justice. 2010–2011 is an important time to reflect on progress, as it marks the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women (1995), aimed at removing all the obstacles to women’s active participation in all spheres of public and private life through a full and equal share in economic, social, cultural, and political decisionmaking