This handbook examines the obstacles confronted by women when entering politics, which include political, socio-economic, ideological and psychological factors. It presents a range of solutions, such as changing electoral systems and introducing quotas, and it provides strategies for women to influence politics once elected to parliament.
Since the handbook was first published in English in 1998, women’s presence in national parliaments has increased gradually. It includes case studies from Argentina, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, France, Indonesia, Rwanda, South Africa and Sweden, plus overviews from the Arab world Latin America and South Asia, and a case study on the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
1. Introduction
Julie Ballington
Section 1. The Issues and the Obstacles
2. Obstacles to Women’s Participation in Parliament
Nadezhda Shvedova
Case studies
The Arab World, by Amal Sabbagh
Ecuador, by Nina Pacari
Indonesia, by Khofifah Indar Parawansa
Section 2. Overcoming Obstacles
3. Enhancing Women’s Political Participation: Legislative Recruitment and Electoral Systems
Richard E. Matland
Case studies
Latin America, by Mala N. Htun
France, by Mariette Sineau
Burkina Faso, by Nestorine Compaoré
4. Increasing Women’s Political Representation: New Trends in Gender Quotas
Drude Dahlerup
Case Studies
Rwanda, by Elizabeth Powley
Argentina, by Elisa Carrio
South Asia, by Shirin Rai
Section 3. Making an Impact
5. Women in Parliament: Making a Difference
Azza Karam and Joni Lovenduski
Case Studies
Inter-Parliamentary Union, by Sonia Palmieri and Kareen Jabre
South Africa, by Sheila Meintjes
Sweden, by Lena Wängnerud
6. Conclusion
Azza Karam
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