Gender Quotas and Women's Substantive Representation in Local-Level Government in Bangladesh

Abstract

This qualitative research examines how far gender quotas lead to women's substantive representation in the Union Parishad in Bangladesh. To what extent and how do quota-elected women members influence the decision-making process in the Union Parishad to materialize policy outcomes for citizens, especially for women constituents in Bangladesh? Using a purposive sample, primary data were collected through semi-structured and key informant interviews. This study contributes to the existing research on gender quotas and women's substantive representation in local-level politics and yields mixed results. The findings suggest that, although most quota-elected women members do not make a substantial contribution to masculine issues, including development projects and maintaining law and order, they have made significant contributions to feminine issues—including reducing violence against women and girls and combating sexual harassment and child marriage—in the Union Parishad. The patriarchal behavior of elected male chairpersons and members has barred quota-elected women members to function effectively to argue for and distribute government resources (masculine interests) to their women constituents. The findings somewhat support the argument that numbers generally establish a necessary, but insufficient, condition to ensure greater consideration for women's interests in the legislative process.

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