Abstract:
Research teams in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, supported by the Women’s Rights and Citizenship program of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) looked at factors that help or hinder women’s participation in local government. The research showed that it can be as hard at the local level as it is at the national level for women to gain access to decision-making bodies and ensure their needs and opinions are taken into account. More than rules and regulations are required. Raising male awareness about women’s political representation and participation is also crucial.
