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Gender and Politics

Gender and Political Representation

Gender and Political Representation

Political representation is a fundamental aspect of democracy and involves the selection of individuals or groups to make decisions on behalf of the wider population. Gender plays a crucial role in this process as it determines whether women are adequately represented in government and whether their interests are protected.

Underrepresentation of Women in Politics

Despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in politics globally. Only 24% of parliamentary seats are held by women worldwide, and women make up just 22% of national-level elected politicians. This lack of representation has significant implications, as it means that women's perspectives and experiences are often excluded from political decision-making processes.

Gender Quotas

To address this issue, many countries have implemented gender quotas, which require political parties to include a certain percentage of women on their candidate lists. These quotas have been successful in increasing women's representation in government, and countries with quotas tend to have higher levels of female political participation than those without.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

However, quotas alone are not enough to address the systemic barriers that prevent women from entering politics. Other important factors include access to education and resources, the prevalence of gender-based violence, and cultural attitudes towards gender and politics. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that involves government, civil society, and individuals working together to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

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Gender and Political Participation

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