Oct-Dec (2024)

Women in Politics: Examining Gender Parity and Representation in Global Legislatures

Javid Ahmad Kumar

Independent Researcher

Nadeem Mohi ud Din

Independent Researcher

Shakeel Ahmad Ahanger

Independent Researcher

Zahoor Ahmad Ahanger

Independent Researcher

Gender parity in political representation is a crucial aspect of democratic governance, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in legislative bodies across the globe. Despite this, numerous countries have made strides toward gender equality in political participation through the introduction of gender quotas, reserved seats, and other affirmative actions. This paper explores the current state of women in politics, analyzing the barriers to their representation and the effectiveness of strategies aimed at achieving gender parity. Through a review of global trends and case studies from countries such as Rwanda, Sweden, and Bolivia, the paper highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges faced by women in politics. By examining structural, cultural, and institutional factors, this research underscores the importance of policy interventions in enhancing gender equality in political representation and offers recommendations for further advancing women’s political participation worldwide.

Keywords: Women in politics, gender parity, political representation, gender quotas, legislative bodies, gender equality, women’s political participation
Dahlerup, D. (2006). Women, Quotas, and Politics. Routledge.
Dawuni, J. (2013). The State of Women's Political Participation: International Perspectives. International Feminist Journal of Politics.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). (2023). Women in Politics: 2023. [Report].
Krook, M. L. (2009). Quotas for Women in Politics: Gender and Candidate Selection Reform Worldwide. Oxford University Press.
Tripp, A. M. (2015). Women and Power in Post-Conflict Africa. Cambridge University Press.
Dahlerup, D. (2006). Women, Quotas, and Politics. Routledge.
Dawuni, J. (2013). The State of Women's Political Participation: International Perspectives. International Feminist Journal of Politics.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). (2023). Women in Politics: 2023. [Report].
Krook, M. L. (2009). Quotas for Women in Politics: Gender and Candidate Selection Reform Worldwide. Oxford University Press.
Tripp, A. M. (2015). Women and Power in Post-Conflict Africa. Cambridge University Press.
UN Women. (2020). Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. United Nations.
Dahlerup, D. (2006). Women, Quotas, and Politics. Routledge.
Dawuni, J. (2013). The State of Women's Political Participation: International Perspectives. International Feminist Journal of Politics.
Krook, M. L. (2009). Quotas for Women in Politics: Gender and Candidate Selection Reform Worldwide. Oxford University Press.
Tripp, A. M. (2015). Women and Power in Post-Conflict Africa. Cambridge University Press.
Dahlerup, D. (2006). Women, Quotas, and Politics. Routledge.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). (2023). Women in Politics: 2023. [Report].
Krook, M. L. (2009). Quotas for Women in Politics: Gender and Candidate Selection Reform Worldwide. Oxford University Press.
Tripp, A. M. (2015). Women and Power in Post-Conflict Africa. Cambridge University Press.