Electoral Quotas and Beyond: Strategies to Promote Women in Politics

Abstract

There have been significant advances in women’s political representation around the world in recent years. While impressive, these developments are still far from reflecting equal representation. To explore possibilities for breaking the glass ceiling in politics, this chapter assesses the progress that has been made—and explores additional ways forward in promoting women in politics—in Latin America, situated in relation to developments witnessed in other regions. The chapter focuses on several strategies where Latin American countries have led the way: gender quotas, political financing regulations, and laws criminalizing violence against women in politics. Drawing on global experiences, it then outlines additional strategies that could be pursued in the region to make politics a more attractive job for women and to empower women who have been elected.