She called for participation of more women in politics, saying that they are more skilled in conflict resolution than their male counterparts and their activities are transparent.

Women are also more responsive to their constituents, she added.

Carole was speaking at a programme titled 'Face to face with women journalists' organised by Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) in the city.

She said women have the highest representation in politics in Nordic countries and the lowest in Arab countries. In Sweden, 53 percent of the politicians are women, but in Arab countries, women accounted for only three percent of the politicians.

In the USA, women represent 15 percent of the politicians, she said.

Referring to the American women, Carole said they are more involved in public offices that are closer to home. At least 32 percent of school board members are women but only 10 percent of senators are represented by them.

She said women hesitate to join politics as they confront special challenges like cultural obstacles, responsibility to family and projecting a strong image.

Women should be encouraged to start their political career at the local level, she said.

She also called on women to educate themselves to move forward in their political career.