ABSTRACT
Most parts of the world and countries of different economic levels of development have a huge problem in ensuring the full and equal participation of women in the political process.1 Postconflict societies tend to magnify this problem.2 In postconflict societies, while women endure the same trauma as the rest of the population, literacy rates, poverty, violence, and gender-role stereotyping disproportionately harm/affect women. It seems that the main trend in the foreseeable future is the continuing of unequitable participation of women in political decision-making. This state of affairs deprives women of important rights and responsibilities as citizens. Therefore, women’s interest and perspectives cannot influence key decisions – like decisions on national budgets, major reforms, and the socioeconomic models to follow. This situation is not only discriminatory to women but is also disadvantageous to society as a whole and to future generations, as the situation deprives society of women’s skills and their distinct perspectives. If women are represented in sufficiently large numbers in the decision-making arena, they have a visible impact on the style and content of political decisions.3 This chapter discusses the participation of women in postconflict societies and looks at legislative measures that can enhance the participation of women. It also considers nonlegislative measures such as the role of the media. The chapter first provides a background on constitutional provisions relevant to elections. Next, section “Participation of women in the electoral process” examines the participation of women in elections and the problems that they face in their efforts to participate in elections. The section “Legislative measures to increase women’s participation in the electoral processes” considers legislative approaches that several countries have taken to increase women’s participation. The conclusion focuses on the chances of achieving the objective of improving women’s participation in elections.
