In person icon Gender Equality Policy in Practice: Do Current Strategies in Parties, Parliaments, and Government Work?

Abstract

Gender equality in political institutions is one of the preconditions for adequate representation and governance of diverse interests in democratic polities. In 2018, several EU member states such as Austria, Poland and Germany celebrate 100 years of women’s voting rights. However, whereas formal equality has become a staple of democratic parlance across Europe, actual parity in political participation remains elusive, notwithstanding the fact that governments and other political actors have taken numerous measures to increase the (mainly) descriptive representation of women. Gender quotas are often relegated to voluntary party quotas. Even in countries with legislative quotas, they do not always translate into a considerable gender balance in parliament. A lack of adequate sanctions or other weak spots invite neglect or defiance. And even if political institutions near levels of formal gender parity, policy output and outcomes often reflect longstanding hierarchies and exclusionary behaviors. Similar dynamics have been observed for public administration and government positions. Even though we can detect evolution towards more descriptive gender balance, all in all the results do not meet the initial expectations. This begs the question how gender equality policies are implemented in the political sphere. What are the criteria by which we judge implementation to be successful? Where does implementation go wrong and why? What are the issues at stake? Which dynamics and strategies of resistance or opposition play a role? And who are the main actors in these dynamics?