Giving women a voice in government

October 26, 2010

In the last two decades, decentralization of power and responsibilities from national to local levels has changed the face of governments around the globe. It has also given women new opportunities to participate in local politics and decision-making.

Although formidable challenges remain, research supported by IDRC in Asia, Latin America, and Africa is showing how women are gaining access to and participating in public decision-making — and how that process could be improved.

The studies have found a range of experiences and viewpoints. For example, a female district council member in Pakistan says, “The local government system is very good…Women are allowed to have opportunities to work through this system, to come out of their houses and work among and along with men.” At the same time, a woman in Nigeria complains, “I went for councillorship in my own ward and discovered that in these things women are men’s followers. Whatever music they play, women have to follow and dance to the music. Everything is manipulated, hijacked, and handled by men.”

To get the full picture about this complex issue, read on.