F. Inequality between men and women in the sharing of power and decision-making at all levels 37. More women are serving as heads of State or Government, ministers, members of parliament, mayors and members of city councils than ever before. Yet, women still lack equal access to power structures that shape society. In a period of increasing democratization, women make up at least half of the voters in almost all countries, and have had the right to vote and hold office for more than a generation. Yet, they are not full participants in the public choices that affect their lives. All but a few countries are far from achieving the target set by the Economic and Social Council of 30 per cent women in decision-making levels by 1995. Nor do women participate fully in the leadership of international organizations, as top-level diplomats, in transnational corporations and banks, in the military, the police or in peace-keeping. Yet, without women’s full participation, democracy cannot be achieved or maintained. Experience has shown that women can make a difference by casting their votes and affecting the outcomes of electoral processes for change. 38. The continuing gap between women’s de jure equality and the reality of women’s lives and exclusion from power comes from many sources, and societies differ greatly. For example, in most countries, the norms and practices of political activity suit male lifestyles more than women’s. Women often have had little opportunity to compete fairly for leadership positions. Negative stereotypes have discouraged some women from such roles. 39. Inequality in the public arena is often matched by, and often starts with, inequality within the household. Yet, in some societies there have been gains in domestic partnership and role-sharing. Experience has shown that measures can be taken to increase power-sharing in the home, where children first witness gender relations. G. Insufficient mechanisms at all levels to promote the advancement of women 40. Effective mechanisms are needed at the international, regional, national and community levels to serve as catalysts for promoting the advancement of women. In most countries, the mechanisms established do not have the capacity in terms of financial and human resources to perform this function successfully. 41. National machineries for the advancement of women have been created in almost every country of the world. Diverse in form, they provide a tool for the advancement of women through advocacy, monitoring of public policies and mobilizing support. Women’s organizations, including grass-roots women’s groups, professional associations, women’s networks and other non-governmental organizations, have demonstrated success in effectively and forcefully mobilizing women, especially at the community level, in both rural and urban areas. 42. While statistics complete. compelling there has been an improvement in the development and use of and indicators disaggregated by sex, their coverage is by no means The availability of this information can provide the base for analysis of gender aspects, leading to action. 43. However, these national machineries are often marginalized in national government structures; they are understaffed and under-funded, and are often unable to mobilize the information and clout necessary for advocacy and -37-