Women in politics and the quota system

                                          Women in politics and the quota system



      In the world the presence of women in politics is lower than men. The difference is also noticed in other types of leadership, such as entrepreneurship.

OECD´s report (Women, Government and Policy Making in OECD Countries. Fostering Diversity for Inclusive Growth, 2014, www.oecd.org) says clearly : "Despite visible progress, women generally remain under-represented in key decision-making positions in politics..."

In order to resolve the problem, countries often present the quota system as the main solution. As we are going to conclude this idea is not fully true. Some countries have already the quota system (Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Belgium). According to the system, political parties include in their lists a minimum number of women. But the number of women´s activism in politics remains low. Why? The question is very complex. We can say its necessary to evaluate political parties and the way they include women in those lists. As OECDS´s report says "...due to the absence of placement mandates, women can be placed in unwinnable positions. This way reduce their chances of election."

 Gender equality must be considered a priority. Although the quota system introduced by law may help its not the solution or the pill that will  resolve the gender equality problem. Solution involves other specific areas of society and women´s education to activelly participate in society.

Susana M