House in disorder: Fewer women representatives lead to unequitable policies

Data shows gender participation matters for democracy and gender equality

All else being equal, developing countries that have a higher share of women parliamentarians are more likely to pass comprehensive laws on sexual harassment, rape, divorce and domestic violence. They find that gender participation matters for democracy and gender equality.

The democratic process requires the participation of all citizens. When women are absent, this results in unequitable social policies and unfair political processes. Women’s political inclusion challenges both power structures and relations that undermine the consideration of women’s needs and interest in policy-making. The inclusion of women in decision-making is a democratic good in itself and breaks male dominance