POLITICAL

Women’s low participation in public and political life is often shaped by the legal framework and by the nature of formal political institutions such as political parties and parliamentary structures, and electoral systems and processes. But gender norms and economic and social factors also limit women’s opportunities and capabilities to participate in decision making.

Discrimination based on sexuality and gender

Gender norms and social factors limit women’s opportunities to participate in decision making. As a result, women’s domestic roles and responsibilities are over-emphasised, so they often have less time to engage in informal and formal decision making and political activities outside of the household. Other reasons women have low participation in public and formal political life is because party politics and strategic resources are dominated by men.

These inequalities mean that women often face barriers that men don’t - such as lack of access to networks, resources and limits on mobility, all of which restrain women from political candidacy. Violence against female politicians is not uncommon. Candidates face discrimination based on sexuality, ethnicity, religion, disability, health status and marital and family status.

Changing social norms from the ground up

Getting more women into office does not by itself guarantee women’s substantive influence on political decision making or guarantee political decisions that further women’s rights, gender equality or other gender outcomes. Women are not a homogeneous group but come from very varied backgrounds. Increasing women’s representation and participation in governance is not simply about numbers and influence, but is also about the need for women’s strategic interests and gender equality concerns to be addressed in public policy decisions and resource allocations so that these better support women’s rights in general.

Challenging the social structures at the grassroots level which perpetuate inequalities can lead to an increase in sexual and reproductive health access. This leads to empowerment and not just inserting women into positions within the political framework.

Research shows that women’s combined strength, through collective action and women’s movements, can play a central role in building the momentum for progressive policy and legal reforms, changing adverse social norms and promoting accountability.