Elected women’s effectiveness at representing women’s interests (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1111)
This rapid literature review collates evidence on women’s actions and interactions in parliaments in Africa
Abstract
Query
What is the evidence on effectiveness of women elected in Africa in representing women’s interests once in power? What lessons are there on what can make them more responsive to their constituency/women in particular?
Overview
This rapid literature review collates evidence on women’s actions and interactions in parliaments in Africa. Having a quota to reserve a certain number of seats for women is increasingly common, and this has increased the numbers of women in parliaments. The debate, however, is now turning to look at how effective these women are at representing women’s interests once they are in power. This report treats ‘effectiveness’ in terms of whether they are representing women’s interests or a wider gender equality agenda, and whether they are having an impact on improving gender relations both within parliament, in legislation and policy, and in communities.
Citation
Browne, E. Elected women’s effectiveness at representing women’s interests (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1111). Governance and Social Development Resource Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2014) 11 pp.
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