Author(s):
Constantin Gouvy
Type:
Written pitch
Department:
Department of International Relations
Exhibit no:
42
Applying a feminist theoretical lens to the case studies of Rwanda and Uganda, this research on electoral gender quotas studies both the incorporation and inclusion of women, and the substantive effects of the quota system on women’s political representation in these two countries.
It finds that quotas in Uganda have participated in opening political space for women, whereas in Rwanda, the tightening of the political space has constrained inclusive and meaningful gender reforms despite a high number of women in parliament. The research provides an avenue for rethinking how we assess women’s political representation in autocratic regimes.