About this Research Topic
The substantial increase in female political participation across developing countries exemplifies a crucial moment in the ongoing evolution of democratic governance and political reforms. Over the past two decades, there has been a remarkable increase in the representation of women in various echelons of political power, underscoring a shifting paradigm towards more inclusive and equitable decision-making processes. For example, the share of women in national parliaments globally has increased from 12% in 1997 to 26% in 2022. Moreover, women are increasingly assuming leadership roles as mayors, ministers, and even heads of government, signaling a departure from traditional gender norms and stereotypes that have long permeated political landscapes. The implications of this trend extend far beyond mere data points.
Extant research shows that female political empowerment has significant positive socio-economic implications. Studies show that greater representation of women in legislation is related to greater effort to reduce poverty and inequality (people). For example, Funk and Phillips (2019),using data for more than 5000 municipalities in Brazil, find that women mayors are more likely to allocate greater resources for social assistance and education, which benefits the society. In a similar vein, female political empowerment influences specific aspects of quality of life, including child health (Swiss et al., 2012) and longevity (Nobles et al., 2010). For example, Quamruzzaman and Lange (2016), using longitudinal data for 20 nations from 2003 to 2011, finds that female representation in parliament is positively associated with measles vaccination rate and negatively with infant death rates. Indeed, the elevation of women to positions of political prominence brings with it a confluence of benefits that reverberate across various sectors.
Research indicates that greater gender diversity in decision-making bodies correlates positively with improved governance outcomes, including enhanced transparency, accountability, and social justice. Furthermore, women tend to prioritize issues such as education, healthcare, and social welfare, thereby bolstering efforts to alleviate poverty, promote human development, and foster societal cohesion. Their advocacy for inclusive economic policies and equitable resource allocation fosters a conducive environment for sustainable growth and prosperity, benefiting not only women but entire communities and nations.
The goal of this special issue is to empirically assess the drivers of female political participation and examine the impact of increased female political empowerment on various socio-economic outcomes in developing countries both at macrosocial and individual levels.
Extant research shows that female political empowerment has significant positive socio-economic implications. Studies show that greater representation of women in legislation is related to greater effort to reduce poverty and inequality (people). For example, Funk and Phillips (2019),using data for more than 5000 municipalities in Brazil, find that women mayors are more likely to allocate greater resources for social assistance and education, which benefits the society. In a similar vein, female political empowerment influences specific aspects of quality of life, including child health (Swiss et al., 2012) and longevity (Nobles et al., 2010). For example, Quamruzzaman and Lange (2016), using longitudinal data for 20 nations from 2003 to 2011, finds that female representation in parliament is positively associated with measles vaccination rate and negatively with infant death rates. Indeed, the elevation of women to positions of political prominence brings with it a confluence of benefits that reverberate across various sectors.
Research indicates that greater gender diversity in decision-making bodies correlates positively with improved governance outcomes, including enhanced transparency, accountability, and social justice. Furthermore, women tend to prioritize issues such as education, healthcare, and social welfare, thereby bolstering efforts to alleviate poverty, promote human development, and foster societal cohesion. Their advocacy for inclusive economic policies and equitable resource allocation fosters a conducive environment for sustainable growth and prosperity, benefiting not only women but entire communities and nations.
The goal of this special issue is to empirically assess the drivers of female political participation and examine the impact of increased female political empowerment on various socio-economic outcomes in developing countries both at macrosocial and individual levels.
Keywords: Female Political Participation, Gender Equality, Socio-Economic Impact, Governance and Decision-Making, Developing Countries
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