YEREVAN. – The role of women in local democracy should grow, UNDP representative said.

Bradley Busetto, UNDP Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, said women in local democracy is one of the priorities of UNDP.

Starting from 1991 Armenia has ratified over 50 international agreements on equality between women and men, including the government and local authorities. However, at present women hold only 11 percent of seats in parliaments and cabinets of ministers. Women comprise barely nine per cent of representatives in local government, and out of 924 rural communities there are only 23 female community leaders.

The organization wants to focus on increasing women’s role in society and decision making, Busetto emphasized.

Overall, 623 women run for elections in 2012 of which 406 were elected. With UNDP’s support 128 female candidates have stood for positions in local government, of which 84 were elected by their communities.

In 2012 UNDP allocated $1.3 million to “Women in Local Democracy” program and $71,00 this year.