Women’s Political Networks Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Lucina Di Meco

WOMEN’S POLITICAL NETWORKS THE COMPLETE GUIDE Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Acknowledgements I’d like to gracefully acknowledge all the politicians, gender experts and managers of political networks who generously took part in this study, sharing with me their experiences and thoughts regarding women’s political networks. In alphabetical Gwen K. Young, Director order, they are: Achol Williams, Aida Balamaci, Ajla van Heel, Alessia Mosca, Anita Perez Ferguson, Anna Burke, Aretha Frances, Caroline Hubbard, Federiga Bindi, Marie Principe, Funke Baruwa, Gabriela Jakovleva, Gabriella Borovsky, Hanane Ennadir, Hilary Program Associate Anderson, Krishanti Dharmaraj, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Jessica Berns, Jessica Althea Lloyd, Grounds, Jessica Huber, Joanna Maycock, Joyce Banda, Kah Walla, Kent Da- Program Coordinator vis-Packard, Khadija Idrissi Janati, Khatoun Haidar, Kristin Haffert, Kristen Sam- Ellysse Dick, ple, Kudzai Makombe, Lana Ackar, Lesia Radelicki, Lia Quartapelle, Lindy Wafula, Communications Assistant Margarita Percovich, Maria Eugenia Valverde, Maria Ysabel Cedano, Mahnaz Afkhami, Mary Balikungeri, Massimo Tommasoli, Melanne Verveer, Randi Davis, Special thanks to Gwen K. Sandra Pepera, Susannah Wellford, Sonia Palmieri, Sonja Lokar, Susan Markham, Young and Marie Principe Teina Mackenzie, , Valerie Dowling, Vivian Roza, Zeina Hilal. In for editing this publication and to Ellysse Dick for the addition, I’d like to acknowledge Karine Lepillez, who read the manuscript and design and layout. provided critical comments and Elyse Gainor, who kindly proofread it. Finally, a special thank you goes to Gwen Young, Director of the Global Women’s Leadership About the Initiative and Women in Public Service Project at the Wilson Center, who believed in the importance of this research and made it possible. Women in Public Service Executive Summary Project This paper seeks to understand the impact women’s political networks have globally in supporting women overcome the universal cultural and structural barriers they The Women in Public Ser- face in engaging in a political career. With best practices from national, regional vice Project will accelerate and international networks, this paper explores the role and modus operandi net- global progress towards women’s equal participa- works have adopted in supporting women running for national office in congres- tion in policy and political sional or parliamentary elections, enhancing their effectiveness and shaping their leadership to create more leadership once in office. Through desk research of existing literature, interviews dynamic and inclusive in- with women engaged in national politics and experts in this field, this paper also stitutions that leverage the seeks to raise questions on the role of technology, the media and the correlation full potential of the world’s between women’s participation in networks and their substantive representation. population to change the way global solutions are About the Author forged. Cover: Northrop Grumman/The Lucina Di Meco is a Senior Gender Expert with more than 15 years of experience Wilson Center/Women in Public in the design, management and implementation of international development Service Project; Anna Burke: programs addressing gender inequality. Lucina has worked for the , @Work (CC BY-SA 3.0 au), via Wikimedia Com- as well as a wide range of international nonprofits and foundations, defending and mons; all other photos courtesy promoting women’s and ’ rights and in , and Latin of individuals pictured. America. 2 The Women in Public Service Project

Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Background and Research Paper...... 2

Introduction 4

Women in Politics: Considerations on Descriptive and Substantive Representation 4

Women’s Political Networks: Definition, Role, Membership and Key Relations 6

Women’s Networks as Barrier Breakers 12

Women’s Political Networks: Suggestions for Further Investigation 24

Conclusion 26

Endnotes 27

Annex I: Researching Women’s Political Networks: A Resource Guide...... 33

Background 34

Women in Politics: Key Bibliography 35

Women’s Political Empowerment: Mapping of National and International Actors 42

Annex II: Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit...... 56

Background 57

Roadmap: Designing your Women’s Political Network 58

Tools and Key Questions for Designing a Women’s Political Network 60

Further Resources: Manuals and Toolkits for Designing Women’s Networks 66

1 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

WOMEN’S POLITICAL NETWORKS BACKGROUND AND RESEARCH Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change Background and Research Paper Annex I: Researching Women’s Political Networks: A Resource Guide

Annex II: Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit

Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks Introduction 4

Women in Politics: Considerations on Descriptive and Substantive Representation 4

Why Does This Matter? Going Beyond Sheer Numbers...... 5

Women’s Political Networks: Definition, Role, Membership and Key Relations 6

Women’s Political Networks in Civil Society, Political Parties and National Legislatures: A Multiplicity of Experiences and Goals...... 7 Are All-Women Networks Always Best? ...... 9 Women’s Networks and the Women’s Movement: Difficulties and Gains of a Complicated Relationship...... 10 Women’s Political Networks, Social Media and Digital Technologies: Online Networks, Hashtag Activism and More...... 12 Women’s Networks as Barrier Breakers 12

Ambition and the Confidence Gap: Women’s Networks as Political Recruiters and Confidence Boosters...... 13 Societal Expectations, Prevailing Models of Macho Leadership and Media Misrepresentation: Women’s Networks as Agents of Cultural Change ...... 16

Domestic Responsibilities and Family Penalty: Women’s Networks as Support and Practice Changers...... 19

Gender-Based Violence in Politics: Women’s Networks as Advocates and Women’s Rights Defenders...... 20 Substituting the Old Boys’ Club: Women’s Networks as Resources for Networking, Mentoring and Coaching...... 22 Lack of Financial Resources: Women’s Networks as Assets to Sustain Political Campaign Costs...... 23

Women’s Political Networks: Suggestions for Further Investigation 24

Conclusion 26

Endnotes 27

3 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

Introduction ceilings of UN Secretary-General and President. In 1995, when the Fourth World Conference on Women was convened by the United Na- This paper seeks to understand the impact wom- tions (UN) in Beijing, , the world average en’s political networks have on supporting women of women in parliament was 11.3 percent. The running for office, getting women elected, and conference represented a turning point for the shaping their policies and effectiveness once in global women’s movement, with the affirmation office. of “women’s rights as human rights” and the To explore these issues, Part I reviews contem- adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, an porary thinking on women’s descriptive and agenda for women’s empowerment with very substantive representation. In Part II, this study specific goals, measures and indicators to increase, defines and describes the different types of wom- among other things, equal participation of men en’s political networks and explores answers to and women in politics. some key questions that concern their member- Since then, progress has been made, as women ship, their relationship to the women’s movement doubled their representation in and and their use of technology. Part III analyzes the congresses all over the world (at the end of 2015, universal cultural and structural barriers women women held 22.7 percent of seats). Still, as the face in each stage of a political career and provides Sustainable Development Goals remind us, ensur- best practices of how different types of networks, ing women’s full and effective participation and separately or working in cooperation, have sup- equal opportunities for leadership in the political ported women in overcoming these barriers. Part public life globally is a goal not yet fully achieved. IV highlights some of the main opportunities for Progress in this respect is uneven: while the further investigation from this research. Accom- Nordic countries achieved on average 41 percent panying this paper are a key bibliography on women’s representation and and Boliv- women in politics and a mapping of national and ia have a majority of women in their national international actors active in this field (Annex legislatures, most countries have failed to achieve I), and a toolkit with basic guidelines on how Beijing’s target of 30 percent women’s representa- to design a network fostering women’s political tion at a decision-making level in legislative and representation. governmental bodies. In 2013, in In Asia and the Pacific, where 60% of the world population lives, women hold on average 18.4% of seats in I. Women in Politics: national legislatures.1 It is also important to note Considerations on that increased representation does not necessarily mean equal voice and power. Since 1960, only Descriptive and Substantive 54 women have become the top political execu- Representation tive in their countries;2 women hold only about The fact that women represent approximately half 17 percent of ministerial positions worldwide of the world’s population should in and of itself and even then, they tend to be reliably entrusted be a strong argument for equal representation. with social welfare portfolios, which do not grant In addition, women’s participation in legislatures power to decide how revenues should be allocat- is proven to have a positive impact on the policy ed or to take part in national security or foreign agenda, profound consequences on the way pol- policy decisions.3 Finally, still in 2016, despite the itics is practiced and a beneficial ripple effect on presence of extremely strong female candidates, society as a whole. women have not yet shattered the highest glass

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Globally, women legislators tend to be more sen- to run for office. Now we only have one female sitive to community needs, as they often prioritize president. What if it was the other way round?”10 4 issues like childcare, education and health; wom- Another question also remains to be fully ad- en lawmakers are also much more engaged in gen- dressed. What are the conditions under which der equality matters, including gender-based vio- 5 nationally-elected female legislators drive these lence, equal pay and parental leave. While there changes? Is the effectiveness dependent upon is no ultimate evidence regarding the differential their sheer numbers, the strength of their internal pervasiveness of corrupt behaviors among men network, their connections to their constituency, and women in public office, multiple surveys in or other factors? have found a correlation between women’s increased representation and improved popular perceptions about public office.6 In the United Why Does This Matter? Going Beyond Sheer States, 34 percent of the people interviewed for Numbers a recent survey said they perceived women to be The Beijing Platform for Action asserts that wom- more ethical and honest, while only 3 percent said en must achieve at least 30 percent representation the same about men.7 in political institutions before their presence can Furthermore, a growing body of research exam- have a transformative effect. This approach, often ining leadership styles finds women to be less referred to as the critical mass theory, suggests aggressive, more cooperative and have a more that only when a certain critical mass of wom- democratic approach in decision making.8 In en is present in a political institution, will they October 2013 in the United States, during the be strong enough to confront the dominating federal “shut down,” as the prospect culture, organize themselves as a group and act on of a historic default loomed close, it was women behalf of women’s interests. from the Senate who worked across party lines to Since Beijing, 77 countries all over the world have put a plan that successfully reopened the adopted compulsory gender quotas to increase government. A study from the Canadian public the number of female lawmakers through legislat- service points at the positive impact that equal ed candidate quotas or reserved seats.11 Political representation has on institutional culture, pro- parties in fifty-four countries have also adopted grams and operations at all levels.9 voluntary quotas, with degrees of effectiveness Lindy Wafula, member of the of that generally reflect their overall gender-sensi- Kenya who ran for office in the last two parlia- tivity, the presence of women in party elites and, mentary elections, sums it up: “I keep asking my- to a lesser extent, their ideological make-up.12 In self and women and men in Africa: what would countries like Rwanda and Bolivia, where women achieved and surpassed that critical mass almost overnight due to ambitious quota rules, they were “Now we only have one female president. able to pass legislation that would What if it was the other way round?” have seemed unrealistic only a few years earlier. Lindy Wafula, Member of the Labour Party of While certainly useful in increasing the sheer Kenya and two-time parliamentary candidate number of women in office (women’sdescriptive representation), quotas can produce resistance or backlash in some countries.13 Also, quotas do not Africa be like if we had 52 female presidents? necessarily increase the ability (or even willing- Would we still see war, hunger, poverty? This is ness) of female legislators to work on gender the question I ask to women as I encourage them equality and women’s policy concerns (women’s

5 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

substantive representation). Neither do they remove the needs of its population must include an equal many of the cultural and structural barriers wom- number of women legislators to ensure a truly en face in entering the political life and achieving democratic representation. senior leadership positions.14 The critical mass approach has also come un- II. Women’s Political Networks: der harsh criticism in recent years for a variety of reasons. First, it assumes women legislators Definition, Role, Membership should primarily respond to women as their core and Key Relations constituency.15 According to a 2008 global IPU survey of men and women in parliament, howev- A social network can be defined as a set of actors er, while women parliamentarians reported feeling (individuals, groups, organizations, or societies) a responsibility to represent the needs and inter- and the relations between these actors.18 Building ests of women, they also noted feeling an equal upon this definition, this paper considers wom- responsibility to represent the needs of men and en’s political networks as the set of critical actors children.16 Second, this approach strengthens a working to increase women’s political participa- gender-stereotypical notion of which matters are tion, recruitment and leadership and the rela- of women’s interest, often with a strong focus on tions among them. These actors include the men health and education.17 Third, the critical mass and women who, through women’s civil society approach demands for women representatives a organizations, women’s wings and higher and different standard of accountability, women’s parliamentary bodies (by themselves neither taking into consideration nor challenging women’s political networks), represent important the role played by a multiplicity of stakeholders in stakeholders to the legislative process. The paper the legislative process, which includes civil society will analyze the role each one of these stakehold- organizations, political parties and national legis- ers plays to increase women’s representation, both latures. Finally, this approach does not explain the individually and in strategic partnerships some- incredible achievements made by women lawmak- times referred to as women’s co‐operative constella- ers who were able have important gender-equality tions.19 legislation passed despite holding very few seats. Women’s networks are not necessarily substitu- These considerations reflect the need to overcome tive, but complementary with respect to policies the critical mass approach in favor of a new narra- aimed at increasing women’s descriptive repre- tive for gender parity in the political life: one that sentation. In some cases they prepare the ground assumes equal representation as a precondition for them, such as when networks advocate for for political institutions that are inclusive, able to gender quotas. In other cases, they contribute to mirror the realities and respond to the needs of all eliminating some of the barriers that make those people in their societies. Worldwide, to a greater policies necessary in the first place. For example, or lesser extent, men and women are educated networks can increase the supply or demand and socialized differently because of their gender of female candidates by increasing the pool of identity, which fosters differing life experiences with respect to health, education, social norms, “Having been part of a women’s network, economic constraints and much more. By virtue when you get into office you will have greater of those experiences, their perspectives are differ- political will to advance the position of women.” ent albeit often complementary and need to be represented equally in the political life. With this Dr. Joyce Banda, Former President of Malawi in mind, any government aiming at fully meeting

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qualified female political aspirants or convincing political parties and the “In order to make significant progress in electorate of the importance of hav- women’s political empowerment, we need a ing more women in office. Women’s lot more of such networks.” networks also play an essential role Melanne Verveer, Executive Director, Georgetown in promoting women’s substantive Institute for Women, Peace and Security and former representation, by fostering dialogue U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues among critical actors to the legislative share experiences and tools on how to successfully process, including , civil advance gender equality policies. In order to make society and political party activists.20 For Joyce significant progress on women’s political empow- Banda,21 former president of Malawi and women’s erment, we need a lot more of such networks.”24 rights activist, “having been a part of a women’s network and having gotten that support from your fellow women, when you get into office Women’s Political Networks in Civil Society, you will have greater political will to advance the Political Parties and National Legislatures: A position of women”. Multiplicity of Experiences and Goals Finally, women’s networks shape and inform Since Beijing, a great number of women’s political women’s leadership. According to Joanna Barsh, networks have been created, varying for geograph- Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, many ic outreach (national, regional or international) very successful women use a “centred leadership”, and membership (political party wings, parlia- heavily reliant on the power of “connecting”, or mentary committees and caucuses, civil society “identifying who can help you grow, building groups), among other categories. Each of them stronger relationships, and increasing your sense offers different advantages and services to their 22 of belonging.” Speaking with over seventy fe- members. Asked about the role of different wom- male leaders for their book Fast Forward, Verveer en’s networks for her political career, Kah Walla,25 and Azzarelli also found “connecting with others” the first to run for president in Camer- to be absolutely essential in unlocking women’s oon, explained: “Each network provides you with 23 potential.” It’s through these connections that something. Being part of national women’s net- women discover their power and purpose, as well works you can understand and reach out to wom- as find the strength and validation to pursue their en involved at the grassroots level and build your political vision. constituency. In a regional network you share experiences and understand how to advance your Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of the issues. The international network enables you to Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and first ever U.S. Ambas- sador-at-Large for Global Women’s “Being part of national women’s networks, Issues at the Department of State you can understand and reach out to from 2009 to 2013, explains it this women involved at the grassroots level.” way: “I believe women’s networks are invaluable in providing female Kah Walla, first woman to run for President in political aspirants with the tools they Cameroon need to get elected, despite the many hurdles in their paths. Women’s take your grassroots work to a global level, find networks also make an enormous difference in en- similarities and differences with other activists in abling female legislators to meet across party lines,

7 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

the world, learn and build the connections”. budgetary allocations.29 In some countries, wom- Women’s civil society organizations and networks en’s parliamentary bodies allow men to serve as play a very important role in raising political honorary members. awareness, acting as a loudspeaker for issues and While each one of the above mentioned actors grievances and monitoring the government and (women’s civil society organizations, political par- political parties’ commitment to gender equality ty wings and parliamentary bodies) independently at the national, regional and international lev- plays an important role improving women’s politi- el. For example, in view of the 2014 European cal representation and leadership, they can achieve Parliament elections, the European Women’s their goals most effectively when they strategically Lobby (EWL), the largest umbrella organization work together, even in a challenging political of women’s associations in the European Union, climate. In , and the United States performed “gender audits” of the manifestos of in the 1960s and 1970s, a very small number of the main European parties, assessing their com- female lawmakers managed to advance important mitment to women’s rights. Because of the sheer laws on gender equality thanks to the strength de- numbers of their members, women’s organizations, rived from the connection they had with women’s especially if organized through networks, can civil society organizations and women’s political influence the agenda of political parties interested party wings.30 In the 1990s in Uruguay, women in reaching out to women as a constituency. legislators, despite occupying only 15 percent of Often referred to as the gatekeepers of , seats, succeeded in shaping the legislative agenda political parties are very important actors in the in favor of gender equality thanks to the strength Banca- promotion of women’s inclusion in democratic of their cross-party parliamentary network da Femenina and its connectivity with the Uru- institutions. Women who are members of politi- 31 cal parties organize themselves through formal or guayan women’s movement. According to Mar- informal groups or networks commonly referred garita Percovich, a long-time feminist, politician Bancada Femenina to as “women’s wings.” These bodies are generally and one of the founders of the , this connectivity has been important to “multiply aimed at supporting women who run for office 32 and/or seek senior leadership positions within the actions and enrich the political agenda.” 26 party, as well as influence the party’s agenda with Speaking about her experience with women’s net- respect to policies concerning women. While the works, the European parliamentarian from Italy majority of political parties globally have women’s 33 27 Alessia Mosca says: “I strongly believe in wom- wings, their effectiveness varies widely, from very en’s networks. I have had the chance to be elected influential to purely symbolic, often as a reflection also thanks to the support of many female groups of the overall gender-sensitivity of the party and its record of addressing gender issues in gover- 28 nance and electoral processes. “I have had the chance to be elected thanks In parliaments, congresses and parliamentary to the support of many female groups and assemblies, women often organize themselves networks that have believed in me.” through what the Inter-Parliamentary Union Alessia Mosca, European Parliamentarian from Italy (IPU), the international organization of parlia- ments, describes as parliamentary committees or caucuses, depending on their structure and func- tioning. These bodies monitor the implementa- and networks that have believed in me. And I tion of gender mainstreaming across the country’s had proof of its strength also a step further the legislative work, practices and, in some instances, elections, while working on the law that bears my

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name and introduces in Italy gender quotas in the gender roles and be judged upon them. Several boards of listed companies. If it was not for the experts and coordinators of international wom- help of different professional groups representing en’s political networks interviewed for this study professional women’s interests, female colleagues pointed to the relationships of validation, mento- in the Parliament that supported us, the media ring, support and solidarity that women develop attention mostly started by female , and in such spaces. According to Jessica Huber, Senior the awareness raised among all the men coun- Gender Specialist at the International Foundation terparts, we would not have achieved that result for Electoral Systems (IFES): “There is a strong so quickly. And it would not have had such an demand and enthusiasm for the camaraderie, vali- impact on the Italian society in general.” dation and kinship among women who are in the

Are All-Women Networks Always “There is a strong demand and enthusiasm for the camraderie, vaidation and kinship among Best? women who are in the singular role of being a All over the world, the majority of woman and an election leader.” networks fostering women’s political Jessica Huber, Senior Gender Specialist, International leadership include mostly, if not only, Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) female members. There is a strong case to be made for female-only net- works in some circumstances, for example when it singular role of being a woman and an election comes to capacity building, mentoring and coach- leader.”39 Federiga Bindi, scholar and former gov- ing. Research on girls shows how they perform ernment official in Italy who directed a training better in same-sex environments34 and when the program for women leaders in international rela- teacher is female.35 Also, when working in same- tions in 2013 confirmed: “I am still in touch with sex teams, women and girls boost their self-con- many participants: each time they never fail to re- fidence and draw on each other’s strengths.36 The peat how that week in Brussels changed their life reason behind this seems to be that people tend forever. They gained a self-awareness and self-con- to relate and learn from “similar others” and that fidence, in addition to a set of specific skills and the social ties that participants forge with one tools that have since made the difference in both another play a key role in going beyond a simple their professional and personal lives.”40 learning experience to an actual capacity-building experience.37 Former United States Secretary of While female-only political networks are import- State and presidential candidate Hillary R. Clin- ant, female political aspirants, activists and legis- ton echoed this notion when reflecting on her lators need to complement them with other kinds experience at the women’s college Wellesley: “In of political networks that are open to men, as they so many ways this all-women college prepared might have more of the breadth, connectivity and me to compete in the all-boys club of presidential dynamism that are so important in the passage politics.”38 from a simple support network to one that truly helps people advance in their careers. 41 In addi- In some countries more than others, women feel tion, when it comes to achieving policy change more comfortable in female-only environments, that tackles societal norms on gender identity and where they report feeling safe, able to share their roles, the inclusion of men, generally the power experiences, ambitions and the challenges they brokers in political institutions, can prove very face in accessing the political career without the important. For example, the involvement of male pressure to perform according to stereotypical lawmakers was key for achieving positive changes

9 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

in legislation with respect to female genital muti- women’s roles in the family as “complementary” lation in Uganda and abortion in Uruguay. 42 to that of men.47 The Tunisian women’s move- Finally, there is a point to be made in favor of ment took to the streets in protests and ultimately political networks that take into consideration the succeeded in having the word “complementary” restrictive gender norms in society through the substituted by the word “equal,” in direct oppo- challenges women and men face for their gender sition to what had been advocated for by many identity, engaging both beyond traditional nar- women lawmakers. Other times, women start ratives of men’s and women’s roles and interests. a political career after having been part of the Created in 2016, the Finnish parliamentary group women’s movement, where they found a training on , open to (and attended by) both ground and a support network. Once elected, men and women, does just that. The founder these women are more likely to continue engaging explained: “Men are favored in recruitment in with for an open dialogue on their Finland. are favored in custody battles. A policy agenda. feminist group looks at both of these issues.”43 For many women politicians, however, the reality is in between: while they developed some rela- Women’s Networks and the Women’s tionship with the women’s movement prior to en- 44 tering politics, they do not see this relationship to Movement: Difficulties and Gains of a be the only--or even the main--factor that helped Complicated Relationship them running for office, become a party candi- For many women and girls who are skeptical date and be elected. In those instances, women in towards political parties and politics in general,45 power will often try to push forward some items activism in civil society organizations linked to on the women’s movement agenda but they might the women’s movement often represents a first be negotiable in exchange for support from senior step in the direction of political engagement. The party leadership. relationship between the women’s movement and Often, women legislators find themselves in women in government or political parties is how- a dilemma: on the one hand, they fear being ever a complicated one. Khadija Idrissi Janati, an identified as “women’s issues” politicians and entrepreneur and political activist from Moroc- pigeonholed, particularly if newly-elected.48 On co, described her relationship with the women’s the other hand, they try to keep a connection to movement in her country as: “Supportive, as we the women’s movement and receive support for all have the same objective of encouraging more their gender-sensitive legislative work. Sometimes, women to go into politics but conflictive, because in the political compromising and negotiating we do not do it the same way.”46 process, the relationship between female lawmak- Sometimes, this relationship depends on the ers and representatives of the women’s movement movement’s role in getting a female candidate get strained, leaving women legislators and the elected. Some women access the political life gender-equality agenda vulnerable. through typically “male” channels (family, po- Despite its difficulties and complications, the litical party affiliation, friends); in those cases, relationship between women legislators and the they do not necessarily engage with the women’s women’s movement is a very important and po- movement and do not always share its ideology. tentially beneficial one for both stakeholders: for In Tunisia, after the 2011 elections, most women female lawmakers, it keeps them connected with elected in office belonged to the moderate Islamist their female constituency, informs and grants le- Ennahda Party; in the discussions on the new gitimacy and public support to their policy-mak- constitution, they supported a draft describing ing and supports their voices when they are being

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sidelined. For women’s civil society activists, it provides a channel to in- “There hasn’t been any moment in my fluence policies and promote lasting political life which hasn’t intersected with the change. policy discussions happening within women’s networks” In Central and Eastern Europe, Valeria Fedeli, Education of Italy women from progressive political parties, civil society organizations and parliament, organized through Fedeli, Italy’s and long-term the CEE Network for Gender Issues, successfully feminist, said about her political trajectory: advocated for the adoption and implementa- “There hasn’t been any moment in my politi- tion gender quota policies in Slovenia, Kosovo, cal life which hasn’t intersected with the policy the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, discussions happening within formal or informal , Ukraine, and several other women’s networks. Being connected with women countries. In Rwanda, grassroots activists from who share one’s own experiences is fundamental the women’s movement created a common front in achieving common goals and gender-sensitive 52 with women from the leading political party policies.” (Rwandan Patriotic Front, RPF) and women Anita Perez Ferguson, former President of the legislators to successfully advocate for quotas, National Women’s Political Caucus and White a modification in inheritance laws favorable to House Liaison to the U.S. Department of Trans- women and the introduction of stark legislation portation reported that “women who had been to prevent gender-based violence and rape.49 In in networks were much more able to accomplish, 2003, in Mozambique, more than one thousand understand policy changes. They had deeper women marched to the National Assembly to levels of conversation, were more open to differ- demand the passing of the New Family Law Act ent approaches, had a greater comfort level and a (which contained provisions to allow women to strengthened ability to function further in their work without their husband’s permission). Af- political careers. They were better equipped.”53 ter having previously stalled for four years, the bill was passed one month after the demonstra- According to Sonja Lokar, member parliament tion.50 According to Mary Balikungeri, Director in Slovenia from 1986 to 1992 and Executive and Founder of the Rwanda Women’s Network: Director of the CEE Network for Gender Issues “Grassroots women’s organizations since 1998: “All the women from the progressive in their efforts to empower women and promote gender equality need to “All the women from the progessive parties be capacitated to make linkages with that stayed long in politics were brought up women in decision making levels to through the women’s networks.” join efforts in finding durable solu- Sonja Lokar, Executive Director, CEE Network for Gender Issues and former Member of tions to fundamental challenges Parliament, Slovenia faced by grassroots women.”51 Some current and former women parties that stayed long in politics, surviving the politicians interviewed for this study reported pressure of the political life and working on issues finding a direct correlation between their ability of violence, sexual rights and care in Southern to push forward a gender equality agenda (in and Eastern Europe were brought up through the other words, their substantive representation) and women’s network. The others came, stayed for a their experience in women’s networks. Valeria mandate and disappeared.”54

11 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

Women’s Political Networks, Social Media mentor one another with limited cost.55 In addi- and Digital Technologies: Online Networks, tion, specialized online platforms like iKNOW 56 Hashtag Activism and More Politics, WikiGender, PROLID and Apolitical connect women at various stages of the political Digital technology has revolutionized the way career and support them in accessing, sharing and men and women work, live and think. This rev- disseminating information and resources, and olution has not left out the political arena; social launching advocacy and awareness campaigns media plays an increasing important role in the with very limited costs. way information is shared globally and contrib- utes to defining the relationship between Women legislators and coordinators of women’s and . political networks interviewed for this study have pointed out the importance of online tools Women’s networks in civil society are capitalizing to connect women with one another nationally on social media’s unprecedented political and and internationally. At the same time, they have awareness-raising potential. Hashtag activism has stressed how these tools should be seen as comple- brought women’s issues to the forefront of polit- mentary, not substitutive with respect to in-per- ical agendas, helping to increase the visibility of son gatherings, where women at all stages of polit- issues that were under-reported in mainstream ical recruitment truly connect, learn to trust one media, like the #BringBackOurGirls campaign another and develop bonds that enable them to in 2013, which reached over 1 million tweets. continue mentoring and supporting one another. 57 Women’s political party wings and women’s par- As Sonja Lokar put it: “Virtual things are good liamentary bodies globally have also become savvy if they are in support of the real thing.” in using technology and social media for reaching out to their constituency, mobilizing support for their agenda, celebrating activities and achieve- III. Women’s Networks as ments and raising awareness on important issues. Barrier Breakers The Georgian Dream, the political party leading Today, women can run for office almost any- the governmental that won the 2012 where,58 theoretically having the same chances to elections, has a website with information on the get elected as their male counterparts. The reality initiatives carried out by their female members at is, however, quite different: in the overwhelming the national and local levels. In 2016, Hillary for majority of countries, women find it extremely America, the political action committee sup- difficult to consider, let alone pursue, a political porting the Democratic Presidential Candidate career, because of obstacles often perceived as Hillary R. Clinton, released an application for insurmountable that directly relate to their gender iPhones which engaged supporters with quizzes identity. on policy issues, information on local advocacy and fundraising events and suggestions on how to Structural and cultural barriers59 are the main support the candidate. challenges women face in the three stages of the political career: from eligible to aspirant (as Women who are actively engaged in politics women decide they want to run for office); from have much higher familiarity and access to such aspirant to candidate (as women are selected by technologies compared to the overall population. political parties as candidates); and finally from They rely on commercial social media platforms, candidate to elected official (as women are vot- like , , Skype and Whatsapp to ed by the population and selected for office).60 connect with one another, share information, Structural barriers reflect the overall gender gap build a constituency, disseminate their ideas and

Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks | 12 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

in a society: educational, professional, economic sal some of the barriers they face are. The degrees and social differences in the roles and achieve- are different, but the principles are the same. This ments of men and women. Cultural barriers refer has led to WDN’s concerted effort to first focus to a societal belief of women and men’s roles, on addressing these barriers in order to set the acquired early in life through family, community, foundation for successfully increasing women’s and education, and reinforced through media and leadership in this field.”63 61 continued socialization. Some barriers, like gen- Women’s networks in civil society, political parties der-based violence in politics, have both a cultural and legislatures have an incredibly important role and a structural dimension, as they build upon to play, each by its own right or working coop- existing prejudices of women’s roles to restrict eratively, in supporting women to overcome the their ability to attain professional roles in public barriers they face. office. While attaining a political career is difficult for Ambition and the Confidence Gap: Women’s men and women, the analysis of their sex-disag- gregated responses on what are perceived as the Networks as Political Recruiters and main obstacles faced in this direction are very dif- Confidence Boosters ferent. For male legislators, lack of support from In 2013, Lawless and Fox surveyed more than the electorate and from political parties, lack of 2,100 American college students between the ages finances and lack of experience in representative of 18 and 25, assessing their political ambitions. functions are the top four barriers. For women, Their findings were, in their own words, “trou- they are domestic responsibilities, prevailing cul- bling”, as the young men interviewed were twice tural attitudes regarding the role of women, lack as interested in a political career than their female 62 of support from family and lack of confidence. peers.64 What is more, this ambition gap was sim- At a closer analysis, two things are clear: first, the ilar to the one found in older age groups, where main barriers women report facing relate closely women are burdened by family obligations and to their gender identity; second, these barriers do painfully aware of the difficulty achieving work- not substitute, but mostly add to the ones report- life balance. What creates such a gap, so early on? ed by their male colleagues, making their climb to 65 power even steeper. According to Lawless and Fox, encouragement (or lack thereof) is key in defining young people’s According Valerie Dowling, Director at the Wom- political ambition. The young men and women en’s Democracy Network (WDN) at the Inter- they surveyed were just as likely to respond posi- national Republican Institute (IRI), which has tively if encouraged to consider a political career, trained thousands of women engaged in politics but female students received such encouragement all over the world: “The more women we train as much less than male students did. Girls’ ambition our network grows, the more we see how univer- gap can also be explained by the scarcity of female political leaders. As Madeleine Albright, the first “The more women we train as our network woman Secretary of State in the United States, grows, the more we see how universal some of famously said: “I never dreamed one day becom- the barriers they face are.” ing secretary of state. It’s not that I was modest; Valerie Dowling, Director, Women’s Democracy it’s just that I had never seen a secretary of state Network, International Republican Institute (IRI) wearing a skirt”. Conversely, several studies find a very strong positive correlation between the political aspirations of adolescent e models in the political life.66

13 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

Women and girls’ ambition gap is also closely mance is ambiguous, successful women are rated related to their confidence gap. In The Confidence as less competent than men.”74 One consequence Code, by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, the au- is that women who enter politics are on average thors stress how very often women are burdened more educated and experienced than their male by levels of self-doubt exponentially superior colleagues;75 another one, though, is that many to the ones men with similar professional and extremely qualified women simply never run. educational achievements face.67 In the political field, like in many others, women hold themselves Women’s networks have an incredibly important to a much higher standard than their male coun- role to play in providing the encouragement, vali- terparts and often feel too unqualified to con- dation and role models that women and girls need sider running for office. Also, women are more to consider pursuing a political career that, unlike reluctant to promote themselves and are averse to men and boys, they might not find elsewhere. competitive environments, particularly when the competition is against men.68 As the Executive All over the world, civil society networks imple- Director of the Massachusetts Women’s Political ment leadership programs to ignite women’s polit- Caucus Priti Rao stated: “Women in particular ical ambitions. According to Randi Davis, Di- tend to be less likely to be self-promoters. In rector of the Gender Team in UNDP’s Bureau order to get a woman to agree to run for office for Policy and Programme Support (UNDP), she has to be asked seven times by seven different “these networks supports women’s leadership with people.”69 mentoring, research, advocacy and they therefore play a vital role in supporting women to become The confidence gap does not only impact the -be leaders and be effective in leadership roles. They ginning of women’s political career (from eligible are also incubators and mentors of leadership. to aspirant and candidate), but it influences their They are vital to supporting women to become work once elected into office. In the United States leaders and be successful ones.” For example, and Sweden, women legislators give fewer speech- the European Women’s Lobby organizes a Young es than their male colleagues because they are Feminist Summer School. In the United States, the concerned about being perceived as too assertive non-governmental organizations Running Start and facing backlash.70 Their concerns are very and IGNITE, among others, introduce young real, as women-sponsored bills often receive more girls to the importance of political participa- hostility and scrutiny than male-sponsored bills.71 tion and leadership through trainings in public Risk-aversion also plays a role. One study found speaking, networking, platform development and that female state legislators in the United States more. According to Susannah Wellford, President were willing to consider running for congress only and Founder of Running Start: “Women and if their perceived odds at winning were 20 per- cent or more, while men in the same roles were “Encouraging girls to be self-confident about willing to consider running for any odds above their aspirations is an extremely important zero.72 From a behavioral psychology stand- step in ensuring their political engagement.” point, this risk-aversion is a direct consequence of the high social price in likeability women pay Susannah Wellford, President and Founder, Running Start for being perceived aggressive or competitive.73 Women who are performing stereotypically male jobs seem to be in a lose-lose situation: “When performance is observable, successful women girls’ networks are important because leadership are rated as less likeable than men; when perfor- for women can be lonely in a way that it is not for

Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks | 14 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

men. What we heard from the girls we work with lead and they appreciate the manner in which I is that, before the program, they felt that saying lead and that is a very supportive environment to that they wanted to run for office was not OK. be a part of.”78 Encouraging girls to be self-con- fident about their aspirations and “Many other women in the community trust connecting them with others who me to lead, and that is a very supportive share them is an extremely import- environment to be part of.” ant step in ensuring their political Teina Mackenzie, former parliamentary engagement.”76 candidate, Cook Islands

TheShe Should Run initiative offers an online nomination tool, where individuals can submit the information of a wom- Political parties have also started realizing the an who they think should consider running for importance of recruiting women. In the Unit- office someday, and the program gives her positive ed Kingdom, the Conservative and the Labour encouragement, connections, and the necessary parties have programs to encourage young women resources to take the next step. In Ireland, the to run for office. The Canadian Liberal Party has Women for Election Initiative inspires and equips a Women’s Candidate Search Director to help women to succeed in politics through trainings on recruit women to the party. The Swedish Social confidence, communications and campaigning. features a handbook for women Many more trainings are developed by interna- party members on how to identify and remove the tional civil society organizations like the National traps that make it difficult for them to advance Democratic Institute (NDI), the International within the party, unmasking socio-behavioral pat- Republican Institute (IRI), Women’s Leadership terns that tend to leave them behind.79 In Cam- Partnership (WLP) and others. Talking about bodia, the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) women’s wing the role women’s networks played in her political provides trainings for female activists. trajectory, Kah Walla reported: “I had made up In some instances, women’s parliamentary bodies my mind to go into politics and was politically have successfully advocated for the introduction active, but being part of a network focusing on of practices aimed at recruiting more women in women’s leadership allowed me to be on panels politics and boosting the confidence of female with world class leaders. This contributed tremen- legislators. In 1997 in , a multi-partisan dously to my confidence in running for president. parliamentary committee created and funded a Networks that I am part of have then invited me 5-year campaign to increase the number of wom- to speak about my experience to other women, en in politics through ads, mentoring programs which in turn gave courage to many more women 77 and trainings. In the German Bundestag, when to become politically engaged.” Teina Mack- a woman raises her hand to speak in discussions, enzie, who ran as the only independent female she is automatically shifted to the top of the list of candidate in the 2014 parliamentary elections in male speakers. This practice aims at overcoming the Cook Islands, also stressed the importance of women’s diffidence about speaking in male-dom- women’s networks as confidence boosters: “The inated groups and maximizes their opportunities greatest element has been the self-esteem boost to participate.80 I receive as I recognize that many other women in the community (and beyond) count on me to Women in civil society organizations, political take their concerns to a variety of forums on their party wings and parliamentary bodies can cata- behalf - they trust me to lead, they expect me to lyze change at an even greater extent when they

15 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

work co-operatively and strategically together as ical career and be identified as leaders in the first a network. In Lithuania, the government brings place. together women from different political parties For centuries, women’s perceived primary roles into non-governmental organizations known as as mothers, wives and caretakers limited their Women’s Politicians (Milda) clubs. These clubs, engagement in the public sphere. Consequently, funded through state budget, hold seminars and leadership has been associated with traits consid- training events aimed at increasing the confidence ered to be stereotypically male, like aggression, and number of women in politics locally and 83 81 competitiveness, dominance and decisiveness. nationally. In the United States, the Women A 2010 Pew Global Attitudes survey of 46 coun- in Public Service Project (WPSP) of the Global tries found that, despite women’s advances in Women’s Leadership Initiative at the Wilson Cen- the last century, women’s ability to lead is still ter engages an ever-growing number of women at questioned in many countries where women have the highest levels of decision-making, including traditionally enjoyed very little political repre- women working in the government, academia, sentation: majorities in Mali, Palestine, , civil society organizations and political parties to , and Ethiopia and nearly half build a network of stakeholders that will allow of Jordanians and Nigerians still said men make women to assume positions as public leaders better political leaders than women.84 The idea of across the globe. As Gabriela Jakovleva, WPSP a woman leader, particularly in an eminently public and male-dominat- “Behind every successful man stands a ed environment like politics, often successful woman, but behind every successful defies cultural norms and expecta- woman stands the network that we have built.” tions, demanding from women who Gabriela Jakovleva, Women in Public Service engage in this field and, often from Project Institute Alumna from Macedonia their families, the willingness and ability to challenge long-held percep- tions of femininity and leadership. In alumna from Macedonia summed up: “‘Behind this context, it is not surprising that many women every successful man stands a successful woman’, lawmakers consider prevailing cultural attitudes but behind every successful woman stands the 82 regarding the role of women and lack of support network that we have built.” from families as the primary obstacles to pursuing a political career. Societal Expectations, Prevailing Models Media outlets play an extremely important role of Macho Leadership and Media in shaping perceptions around women as poli- Misrepresentation: Women’s Networks as cy-makers, politicians and leaders, however their Agents of Cultural Change influence has often been a negative one, as high- lighted by the 2011 documentary Miss Represen- Ambition and confidence gaps are strictly relat- tation. In 2015, women made up only 16 percent ed to the gendered roles that women and men of the people in news about politics and govern- are socialized to play. While programs like the ment worldwide;85 female politicians are not only ones mentioned above are incredibly important covered less than their male colleagues, but the in empowering women and girls and changing nature of their coverage is often very gender-ste- society one woman at a time, they should al- reotypical, as much larger attention is paid to the ways be framed within a wider discussion about way they are dressed, their body image and their the cultural norms and stereotypes that make it family life.86 A study on the media coverage of counter-intuitive for women to consider a polit-

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female candidates in Canada found that women down cultural and structural barriers -- improving are generally described according to four roles: leadership around the world and showing every- “sex object, , pet, and iron maiden.” Each one what women can achieve.”91 of these roles “poses dangers for women’s equal Societal expectations and attitudes evolve in- representation in politics, as well as societal gen- crementally (under normal circumstances) or der equality more generally. Indeed, to the extent abruptly (often as a result of conflict and political that news coverage perpetuates well-entrenched, unrest). In both cases, women’s networks have an but tired stereotypes about men’s and women’s extremely important role to play in supporting roles, abilities, and aspirations, media contribute the women who are defying societal expectations to broader dysfunctions in how the genders see to gain larger shares of representation and power. themselves and each other.87 In the past century, conflict has been a catalyst for These attitudes matter enormously, as they have change and women’s enhanced political repre- proven to be better predictors of women’s ad- sentation for many countries, including Rwanda, vancement in public life than, for example, a Burundi, , Mozambique, Namibia, South country’s level of socioeconomic and democratic Africa and Uganda. After the Arab Spring, wom- development, or women’s participation in the 88 en gained unprecedented representation in na- labor force. The way media treats female politi- tional legislatures in Algeria, and Tunisia.92 cians does not only impact the demand of female Because conflict disrupts social norms and prac- candidates (how the electorate and political tices, women often need to step out of the private parties perceive women as candidates), but also sphere to occupy new roles as heads of house- their supply (the pool of women willing to run). holds, combatants or at the fore-front of peace In a survey conducted after ’s first female building activities aimed at de-escalating conflict. Prime Minister left office in 2012, These activities offer women a training ground 80 per cent of women over the age of 31 said they in political engagement and the opportunity of were less likely to run after seeing how negatively 89 gaining the popular support and visibility neces- Gillard was treated by the media. sary to become viable candidates for democratic Societal and cultural expectations are however not elections. Women can also play an essential role as permanent. Evidence shows that where women countries re-write constitutions and basic electoral hold public office for a sustained amount of time, and civil laws, to ensure that the new legislation is the general perception about their ability to lead gender-sensitive and provides greater opportuni- improves.90 As Gwen Young, Director of the ties for representation to female political activists. Women in Public Service Project at the Wilson In these situations, it is key that women organize Center, pointed out: “Simply having female through political networks, where they gain the leaders changes the norms about who can lead connections, information and skills to take advan- and what qualities are necessary in leadership. tage of the opportunities presented to make their Having women in leadership roles is breaking voices heard and ensure lasting change. Even in the absence of an external, dramatic “Having women in leadership roles is breaking shock like conflict, women’s networks are ex- down cultural and structural barriers, improving tremely important to promote incremental change leadership around the world.” in societal expectations around women, politics Gwen K. Young, Director, Women in Public and leadership. Service Project at the Wilson Center Women’s civil society organizations all over the world have been particularly savvy in using the

17 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

media for challenging the gender status quo women’s wing supported a civic education radio in political campaigns. In the Czech Republic, program to advocate for increased women’s partic- before the 2006 elections, the local non-govern- ipation in legislatures.96 mental organization Forum 50 percent sponsored Women in national legislatures can foster change a poster campaign featuring a long row of trousers in parliamentary culture, challenging prevailing and ties and the question “Do you really have a cultural norms on men’s and women’s roles within choice?” In , the local civil society associa- democratic institutions, with positive ripple tion Ka-Der created posters featuring well-known effects on the entire society. Because of women’s Turkish businesswomen and female artists wear- advocacy within parliament, in South Africa, the ing a tie or moustache and asking: “Is it necessary 97 93 term “chairman” was replaced by “chairperson.” to be a man to enter parliament?” During the Since 2012 in Italy, several women parliamentar- 2010 electoral campaign in Haiti, women from ians started demanding to be referred to with the civil society produced and disseminated the “Elect feminine form of their professional titles, instead Haitian Women” television and radio campaign of the default masculine forms, still widely in use. to encourage voters to elect women candidates. This request encouraged a national debate involv- The campaign subverted the traditional stereo- ing academics, journalists and feminist groups type of women as homemakers with slogans such on the use of language to reinforce or challenge as “If we can run our families, we can run our stereotypes regarding women’s roles in politics. country.”94 Women’s organizations have also been active in documenting and protesting against gen- Changing cultural norms regarding what is der bias in the way women are depicted by media, macho and what is feminine is however a long- training media outlets on gender-sensitive media term process and one that requires engagement coverage and encouraging opinion surveys on of a broad range of stakeholders from civil society voter attitudes towards women in politics. Recent organizations, national legislatures and political research from the United States and Europe has parties, each working individually, as well as in reported a positive evolution in media coverage cooperation. According to Jennifer Siebel New- with respect to ,95 possibly in som, who wrote, directed, and produced the 2011 response to the pressures received from women’s award-winning documentary Miss Representation civil society organizations and networks. and currently leads The Representation Project, a nonprofit organization that uses film and media Women organized in political parties can raise awareness on the importance of women’s political representation and disseminate media messages “Our culture’s limiting gender stereotypes highlighting the central role women play in the perpetuate many of society’s injustices.” public life. In recent years, several to-be Prime Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Writer, Director, and Ministers highlighted their commitment to gen- Producer, Miss Representation der equality, winning large portions of the female vote in view of the general elections: Zapatero in 2004 in Spain; Hollande in 2012 in and as a catalyst for cultural transformation: “Our cul- Trudeau in 2015 in Canada. In the United States, ture’s limiting gender stereotypes - that our girls EMILY’s List, a political action committee that value lies in their youth, beauty, and sexuality and aims to help elect pro-choice Democratic female that our boys value lies in physical dominance, candidates to run for office, disseminates tele- sexual prowess, and financial control - perpetuate vision ads specifically addressing women voters many of society’s injustices. Our #AskHerMore and asking for their support to elect women in campaign calls out sexist reporting for focusing office. In Cambodia, the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP)

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on what and who women are wearing, and sug- so at a higher personal cost, facing higher trade- gests ways to re-focus the reporting on women’s offs than their male counterparts. One legislator achievements. #AskHerMore has a broad range of interviewed for this study reported: “It is difficult stakeholders who have actually helped transform to balance politics and family. I separated from the media’s sexist reporting, including media out- my husband because I was forced to chose either lets and influencers.”98 being a politician or housewife.”100 Another success story is the HeForShe campaign Even once elected in office, women continue pay- launched by the United Nations to engage men ing a “family penalty,”as they spend substantially and boys in ending gender inequality is a great more time caring for their families than their male example of such efforts at the global level. Es- colleagues.101 A Rwandan female parliamentarian poused by high-level politicians, including the explained: “He [her husband] wants everything to United States President Barack Obama, politi- be ready by the time he wakes up, he should find cal party activists, lawmakers, as well as media all lined-up for him, warm water in the bath- outlets, universities, financial service companies room, breakfast ready on the table, clothes ironed, and well-recognized film actors, the campaign has shoes polished, socks on top of shoes, plus you to quickly gained media attention and contributed be ready by the time he is done if you have to go to starting conversations regarding gender roles with him somewhere or use the same car.”102 and expectations all over the world. As a result of this situation, female politicians often shy away from leadership positions in Domestic Responsibilities and Family parliamentary committees or government, hin- Penalty: Women’s Networks as Support and dering their chances of advancement and possi- Practice Changers bly re-election. As Anne-Marie Slaughter put it talking about her experience as the first female Politics is often experienced as an all-consuming Director of Policy Planning for the U.S. State activity by the men and women who engage in it. Department: “Having it all it all was not possible Even before entering office, a candidate (or aspi- in many types of jobs, including high government rant) needs to travel extensively and take part in office—at least not for very long.”103 activism and networking events, often carried out at night and on the weekends, as stepping stones Women’s networks can be extremely important of the political career. In most countries, women in advocating for changes in cultural expectations carry a disproportionate share of domestic work around family and domestic responsibilities and and find it extremely difficult to find the time to in supporting women in their quest to balance invest in anything other than their families and political ambitions and family. Civil society jobs, particularly if they have small children. organizations like Vital Voices Global Partnership offer trainings where women leaders share best As a result, women tend to become politicians lat- practices on work-life balance, learn to better pri- er in life than men (once their children are grown oritize, delegate and be more efficient in the use up and require less attention); they are more often of their time. Almost more importantly, they pro- single (including divorced or separated), have on vide participants with role models: women who average fewer children than both their male col- have gone through the same challenges and found leagues and the overall female population.99 These ways to overcome them or learned to accept some statistics point to the fact that, as in other pres- trade-offs. tigious and male-dominated professions, women find it extremely hard to balance career and family Women’s wings in political parties play a critical and the ones who enter the political career do role in ensuring that the practices of the party are

19 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

gender-sensitive and take into consideration men Modern technology, including emails, blogs and and women’s needs to balance political activism social media platforms have provided new chan- and family responsibilities. Allowing party mem- nels for misogyny and gender-based violence, bers to bring their children to congresses and with 95 percent of all aggressive behavior, abusive meetings and providing child care (or financial language and denigrating images in online spac- support to sustain childcare costs) are important es aimed at women.106 In 2011, Laura Boldrini, first steps. The annual political meetings orga- Speaker of Italy’s lower house, divulged multiple nized by former Italian Prime Minister Matteo emails she has received threatening rape, torture Renzi in Florence are open to (and attended by) and murder. She was not alone: for women in men and women bringing small children. politics, threats, online harassment and graphic 107 Women’s parliamentary bodies are uniquely sexual taunts are often common occurrences. positioned to mainstream gender into political In some cases, online threats lead to physical vio- institutions and practices, making sure that it is lence and even murder. In 2016, Jo Cox, a female possible for female legislators to balance domestic in the United Kingdom, and public responsibilities. Women’s caucuses was killed by a male far-right activist. Ms. Cox have successfully worked to make legislatures had been victim of repeated online harassment more family-friendly working environments by and threats. In recent years, female candidates limiting sitting hours (Denmark, Sweden, South have been targeted by violence during the party Africa and Spain), having the parliamentary nomination stage and the electoral campaign in calendar match the school calendar (South Africa Kenya, and many other countries. and Switzerland), providing child care (Australia) Sometimes, women are singled out for harassment and establishing lactation rooms or proxy votes when “populist strongmen turn to patriarchal nar- for new mothers (Peru).104 Given that changes rative of putatively traditional social values—for in parliamentary protocols and practices have example, as both Russian President Vladimir Pu- financial implications and often need to be voted tin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan upon, the ability of women lawmakers to involve have done in recent years.”108 their male colleagues in advocating for such These attacks, starting at the political aspirant changes is of fundamental importance and can be stage and often continuing (or worsening) as a first step towards a society-wide discussion with women are in office, increase the perception of respect to gender equality, parenting and domestic politics as an inherently “dirty,” corrupt, cynical responsibilities. and violent field, where characteristics such as empathy and honesty, predominantly attributed Gender-Based Violence in Politics: Women’s to women, do not have a place.109 Women who Networks as Advocates and Women’s Rights decide to enter this field often do so at their own Defenders personal risk and are blamed if they become vic- tims of attacks, scaring away new generations of Gender-based violence is a vicious barrier for female political aspirants. women who defy traditional roles and engage In recent years, women’s civil society networks in the political arena, as they become objects of have been particularly active in denouncing insults and cat-calling at best, death threats and gender-based violence in politics and advocating murder at worst. Women lawmakers sometimes for legislative tools to prevent and punish it. They report feeling intimidated by the “gentlemen’s have served as shields and human rights defenders club” atmosphere and the sexist language which for female political activist, organizing advoca- pervade many legislatures.105 cy and media campaigns to protect them from

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abuse. Women’s civil society organizations have women civil society organizations, government, also promoted the use of new technologies in international cooperation, as well as experts and this respect, through online spaces like GenderIT activists from all backgrounds and origins, includ- and Take Back The Tech!, where activists connect ing from both urban and rural areas. According globally, share information, best practices and to Maria Eugenia Valverde, Gender Expert and launch awareness campaigns. They have increas- Director of ACOBOL from 2002 to 2012, this ingly trained female political aspirants on how to coordinated work was extremely important: “On protect themselves from online harassment and the one hand, we succeeded in having greater gender-based violence. Finally, women’s organiza- outreach and visibility as a very wide set of actors tions and networks have successfully applied text messaging technology “Women from very different backgrounds learned and mapping tools to document to understand one another and find a common and respond to violence and ha- denominator in the battle for gender equality” rassment.110 In Kenya, Mali, , Syria, Senegal and Sierra Leone, Maria Eugenia Valverde, Gender Expert and former these tools have been incorporated Director, Association of Women Mayors and into efforts to monitor gender-based Councilwomen (ACOBOL) violence around elections. was advocating with us. On the other hand, as the Perpetrators of gender-based violence are often women in the network shared information, our within political parties and women in party wings collective understanding of the various forms of have a critical role in uncovering and denouncing political increased and so them. In 2015, the Tanzania Women Cross-Party did our ability to propose a comprehensive law to Platform, supported by the National Democratic fight it. In this process, women from very differ- Institute, conducted a systematic observation of ent backgrounds built a common language to gender-based violence before the elections, report- share and disseminate information on the various ing numerous incidents of “sextortion,” where forms of violence, learned to understand one female political aspirants or candidates were another and find a common denominator in the 111 demanded sexual favors by male party leaders. battle for gender equality.”112 Thanks to this reporting, Tanzania’s Indepen- dent Ethics Secretariat issued stricter disciplinary In 2013, adopted amendments to its elec- measures to be taken against any official found to toral law and its law on violence against women abuse his or her power. to include cases of violence against women in politics and in the electoral process. In Afghan- In many countries, women who are in legisla- istan, women’s civil society groups, the Afghan tures and government, locally or nationally, often Independent Election Commission and several side by side with civil society organizations and international actors successfully lobbied the Min- women political activists across parties, have istry of Interior to obtain body guards for female successfully advocated for laws protecting female parliamentary candidates, increasing their ability politicians from violence. In 2012, Bolivia passed to campaign in safety.113 a ground-breaking law to combat gender-based harassment and violence in politics. The law was the result of twelve years of advocacy by the Steer- ing Committee for the Political Rights of Women, led by Association of Women Mayors and Coun- cilwomen (ACOBOL), working together with

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Substituting the Old Boys’ Club: Women’s of such networks is, for the women who take part Networks as Resources for Networking, in it, incredibly enriching. As the WPSP alumna 116 Mentoring and Coaching Hanane Ennadir put it: “WPSP has created a platform where women from different culture but As newcomers to the political life, women lack active for the same gender equality cause can ex- access to traditionally male-dominated networks change information and ideas. Automatically, this linked to political parties, such as trade unions, impacts our vision and our ability to get things business and other associations where the knowl- done once we’re back at work”. edge sharing, mentoring and coaching activities necessary to launch, sustain and grow a political Through women’s political party wings, female career take place. For this reason, women’s net- political activists mentor one another, share works represent valuable alternative channels knowledge and build a common front to in- where women at all stages of the political career crease their voice and leadership. In the United to connect with one another, advocate on specific Kingdom, the women’s organizations of the policy issues and share information and strategies. Conservative and Labour Parties provide men- According to Caroline Hubbard, Senior Advisor, torship, training and networking opportunities Gender, Women and Democracy at the National to female activists who want to become members Democratic Institute (NDI): “Women’s networks of parliament. Women’s political party wings in are important for women to have access to power Croatia, Indonesia and Morocco, among others, groups they normally do not have access to.”114 organize trainings for women political activists to support them in ascending to party leadership positions.117 In Australia, the Labor “Women’s networks are important for women Party’s women’s annual conference to have access to power groups they normally provides women with the opportuni- do not have access to.” ty to discuss policy, lobby on specific Caroline Hubbard, Senior Advisor for Gender, issues and network with one another. Women and Democracy, National Democratic In El Salvador, the Farabundo Martí Institute (NDI) National Liberation Front party or- ganizes annual conferences bringing together women leaders, stakeholders Women’s civil society networks connect wom- and members of the party’s senior leadership to en across society and sometimes, countries and formulate gender equality strategies and policies. regions to strategize around common struggles TheWomen Can Do It (WCDI) program, orga- and advocacy efforts, sometimes propelled by nized by the Women’s Wing of the Norwegian international women’s conferences, where they Labour Party, trained and provided over 20,638 find a new sense of urgency for their local work.115 women from more than 25 countries with a Women’s civil society networks are also strong platform to learn, strategize and build alliances.118 propellers of training, mentoring and networking The Tha’era network of women, set up in 2013 opportunities. Based in the United States, the by the women’s organizations of social democratic National Democratic Institute, the Internation- parties in Egypt, , Morocco and Tunisia, al Republican Institute, the Women in Public has built the capacity of over 150 women politi- Service Project (WPSP) and the International cal activist to become trainers for female political Foundation for Electoral Systems support wom- activists at the grassroots level. en at all stages of political recruitment through trainings, technical assistance and mentorship Parliamentary women’s bodies help women leg- programs. The experience provided by being part islators share information and strategic advice, as

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well as refine and implement their individual and common agenda. In several countries, including , “Someone who has never run for office Burundi, Morocco and Ethiopia, the cannot give you the lived experience of what national women’s parliamentary bod- it is like to try to enter parliament.” ies train their newly elected members Anna Burke, former member of the Australian Labor on the rules and procedures in place, Party and Speaker of the House of Representatives helping them be effective legislators. The Rwanda Women Parliamentary in hand with civil society organizations in de- Forum (RWPF) trains both its male and female fining the policy items to prioritize and was able members in gender-related policies, gender to have several gender-equality bills passed.122 In mainstreaming and gender-responsive budgeting. Peru, the women’s parliamentary caucus engaged The Ugandan Women’s Parliamentary Association women from grassroots civil society networks and raises awareness on gender equality legislation succeeded in getting the issues that were of main and promotes activities to support and develop concern to them (like gender-based violence) women’s leadership.119 In El Salvador, the Associa- translated into policy reforms. According to Anna tion of Salvadorian Women Parliamentarians and Burke, former member of the Australian Labor Ex-Parliamentarians supports female politicians Party and Speaker of the House of Representa- in reaching senior leadership positions. The In- tives, national networks where women political ter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) The Inter-Parlia- aspirants and women in office meet are crucial: mentary Union (IPU) is the world organization of “Someone who has never run for office cannot parliaments, it has a membership of 170 Mem- give you the lived experience of what it is like to ber Parliaments. Since 1985, at the initiative of try to enter parliament, the many obstacles and women parliamentarians from different countries, challenges.”123 it has established a forum of women parliamen- tarians to enhance solidarity among women and Lack of Financial Resources: Women’s advance the gender equality agenda. According to Zeina Hilal, IPU Program Officer for the Gender Networks as Assets to Sustain Political Partnership Program: “The women see the forum Campaign Costs as a space to share best practices, report on de- On average, women have less financial resources velopments in their respective countries. A place than men do, as a result of unequal gender divi- where they can share their challenges not only in sions of labor, patriarchal laws on inheritance and 120 the forum’s meetings but also in the corridors.” land ownership, domestic responsibilities, cultural An even greater value is generated by networks practices and much more. Women have also less that include women from civil society organiza- access to business networks and rich individuals tions, political parties and legislatures. Together, that sometimes financially support the electoral they multiply knowledge and skills and ensure campaigns of male candidates. For this reason, that the concerns of women at the grassroots level systems where aspirants need large amounts of are taken into account and translated into policies money to become candidates tend to disadvan- at the national level. In Uganda, women’s civil tage female candidates; conversely, limitations on society organizations have successfully partnered campaign spending and on the amount of indi- with the women’s caucuses by building their vidual donations tend to have a positive effect on members’ capacity to write and present bills.121 women’s representation. With more limited assets In Uruguay, the Bancada Femenina worked hand to begin with, fewer financial sponsors and, often, less support from the party’s senior leadership

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(often all-male), women find sustaining the costs local EMILY’s List chapters, including Australia of a political campaign extremely hard. Financial and the UK. risk-aversion also plays a role: women are in fact Women’s parliamentary bodies, most often in syn- generally less willing to put their financial resourc- ergy with female party and civil society activists, es into a personal objective perceived as risky (the have succeeded in changing some of the norms political career) and more likely to invest them in that make campaign financing unsustainable for their families. Ironically, the very same traits that women and encourage political parties to include are highly desirable in public office, such as con- more women in electoral lists. Several countries, cern for balanced budgets and selflessness, make where public funding is a major driver of political many women less likely to run for office. campaigns, have adopted policies in this respect. Women’s civil society organizations and net- In Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bolivia, works are very important sources of monetary Colombia, , Niger and Haiti, among and in-kind support for female candidates, who others, political parties receive additional fund- sometimes rely on their members to volunteer ing for women candidates. In France, Ethiopia, time and sometimes financial resources in their Burkina Faso and Ireland, parties which do not campaigns.124 In the case of Maria Ysabel Cedano, meet the gender quotas see their public funding long-time feminist and member of the Socialist reduced or forfeited.126 In Mexico, the electoral Party in Peru, women from the Peruvian wom- code demands that two percent of the public en’s movement were the largest donors in her funding of political parties be used specifically 2016 electoral campaign.125 Women’s civil society for building women’s capacity as candidates and networks can also connect female candidates with politicians. In the 2001 elections in East , business networks and other sources of funding. additional television advertising time was given to The Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund supports fe- women candidates and parties that placed women male political aspirants and candidates irrespective in “winnable” positions on their candidate lists. In of political affiliation, providing them with the Brazil, a 2009 reform provided 10 per cent addi- financial resources and trainings. In Kazakhstan, tional media time to political parties, to be used the Association of Businesswomen runs a political by female candidates.127 leadership school for businesswomen, encourag- ing them to consider starting a political career. I V. Women’s Political Networks: Women political party activists can advocate for changes in the party’s campaign financing Suggestions for Further rules in favor of female representation, as well as Investigation organize campaign financing activities specifically for women. In the United States, EMILY’s List The experiences and best practices so far de- supports pro-choice Democratic women candi- scribed highlight how different women’s political dates by raising contributions, organizing cam- networks support women’s decision to run for paigns and mobilizing Democratic women voters. national office, influence their success in being A similar initiative has also been developed by the elected and increase their ability to push forward pro-life Susan B. Anthony List to support female a gender-equality agenda once in office. Several candidates on the other side of the ideological important questions remain however unanswered spectrum. The Women’s Campaign Fund provides regarding the link between women’s substantive women from both political parties with the finan- representation and the role of women’s networks cial resources necessary to run for office. Other globally. countries have started similar initiatives or opened While the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the

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Quota project provide important tools to track decision to run for office? What tools did they women’s descriptive representation in national provide them with, which proved crucial for their legislatures, very little is being done to track wom- legislative work? Did these networks influence in en’s substantive representation globally. In most any way their leadership approach? Did any other countries in the world, there is no systematic network they joined after entering parliament (for analysis on the legislative record of women in na- example, women’s parliamentary bodies)? Surveys tional legislatures: the types of bills they propose, of female parliamentarians globally could provide their rate of success or their longevity in office. some interesting responses to these questions and Also, while several models have been proposed shed some light on the impact of women’s politi- to analyze the reasons behind advances in gender cal networks. 128 equality in some countries, they have not been Responses to these questions are important in systematically applied to explain variances across order to design political empowerment programs time and regions. and structures that truly improve women’s politi- In particular, an area that demands much greater cal representation. investigation is the role various types of women’s According to Kristin Haffert, Founder and Princi- networks have played in supporting women’s pal of Haffert Group, co-founder of Project Mine descriptive and substantive representation global- the Gap Women’s Global Leadership & Gender ly. Are women lawmakers who started their career Equality Expert: “If we’re going to move more through women’s networks in civil society or women into elected positions around the world, political parties more effective in their legislative we need a sustainable model to institutionalize work than the ones who started it through other channels? Do they propose more bills than the latters? Do they succeed in “We need a sustainable model to institutionalize getting them passed and are the bills academies/centers for women that are cultivated they propose more gender-sensitive with committed partners in-country.” than the ones presented by other Kristin Haffert, Founder and Principal, Haffert female legislators? Are they more Group and Co-Founder, Project Mine the Gap or less successful at being re-elected than female lawmakers who have not been supported by women’s networks? Are academies/centers for women that long outlive these indicators the same or different for women donor programs and are cultivated with commit- lawmakers who were not part of a woman’s net- ted partners in-country. These centers would not works before entering parliament but joined, once only provide training on critical leadership skills elected, a women’s parliamentary or congressional and navigating political processes, but they would body? How are their chances to achieve senior establish a network of mentors and peers that political roles in parties or government? women in different stages of the political career In addition to these questions, which have a can leverage throughout their life in politics. Over mostly objective dimension (longevity in office, time, this could become a locus of support to en- number and, to some extent, quality of bills courage new women to run and create a stronger proposed or passed can be measured), there are pipeline of talents.”129 additional ones, equally interesting, which look According to Jessica N. Grounds, founder of Sol- at the impact of women’s networks from the id Grounds Strategy, co-founder of Project Mine perspective of female legislators who engaged in the Gap and women’s political leadership expert: them. Which role did these networks play in their “There is a great need to increase the dialogue

25 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

“There is a great need to increase the dialogue Conclusion among nonpartisan actors working to increase Today, women have the right to vote women’s participation” and run for office almost everywhere 131 Jessica N. Grounds, Founder, Solid Grounds in the world. Still, most women Strategy and Co-Founder, Project Mine the Gap find it extremely difficult to consider and pursue a political career because of barriers that are closely related to among nonpartisan actors working to increase their gender identity and the highest glass ceilings women’s political participation in the Unite d are still not shattered in many countries and po- States and internationally. Women in the United litical institutions, including the United Nations States would benefit from knowing best practices and the United States Presidency. Analyzing best from women’s networks that have been successful practices from women’s political networks glob- in advancing female political representation in ally, this paper highlights the incredible results ob- their countries, through legislative change and tained by women’s political networks, particularly other tools. On the other hand, international when composed by various stakeholders in the networks would benefit from the lessons learned legislative process (civil society, political parties of the work women’s nongovernmental organi- and legislators) in supporting women overcome zations have done in the United States, in order these challenges. In doing so, the paper uncovers to increase the demand of women in office (for the need for more qualitative and quantitative example, by generating and disseminating re- research on the long-term impact of women’s search on the positive outcomes of having more networks on women’s descriptive and substantive women legislators), as well as expanding the pool representation in national legislatures, as well as in of qualified candidates, for example by boosting their approach to leadership. women’s self-confidence, motivation and skills to run for office.”130

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Endnotes

1. “Women in National Parliaments,” Inter-Parlia- 12. Left-leaning parties have generally more gen- mentary Union, March 1, 2017, http://www.ipu. der-sensitive platforms and include more women org/wmn-e/world.htm. than right wing ones. However, in some regions, like , right-wing parties have 2. Melanie Hughes and Pamela Paxton, Women, Pol- recently proven to be better than left-wing ones itics, and Power: A Global Perspective (Los Angeles: at engaging and supporting female candidates. Pine Forge, 2016). See Mala Htun and Laurel Weldon, “When 3. “Facts and Figures: Leadership and Political Do Governments Promote Women’s Rights? A Participation,” UN Women, August 2017, http:// Framework for the Comparative Analysis of Sex www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leader- Equality Policy,” Perspectives on Politics 8, no. 1 ship-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures. (2010): 207-216, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ S1537592709992787. 4. Sarah F. Anzia and Christopher R. Berry, “The Jackie (and Jill) Robinson Effect: Why Do 13. , “Contesting Gender Quotas: Congresswomen Outperform Congressmen?” Dynamics of Resistance,” Politics, Groups, and American Journal of Political Science 55, no. Identities 4, no. 2 (2016): 268-283, DOI: http:// 3 (2011): 478-493, DOI: 10.1111/j.1540- dx.doi.org/10.1080/21565503.2016.1151797 5907.2011.00512.x 14. Mona Lena Krook and Pippa Norris, “Beyond 5. Jessica C. Gerrity, Jeanette Morehouse Mendez, Quotas: Strategies to Promote Gender Equality in and Tracy Osborn, “Women and Representation: Elected Office,” Political Studies 62, no. 1 (2014): A Different View of the District?”Politics & Gen- 2-20, DOI: 10.1111/1467-9248.12116 der 3, no. 2 (2007): 179-200, DOI: https://doi. 15. Michele L. Swers, The Difference Women Make: org/10.1017/S1743923X07000025 The Policy Impact of Women in Congress (Chicago: 6. David Dollar, Raymond Fisman, and Rober- University of Chicago Press, 2002). ta Gatti, “Are Women Really the ‘Fairer’ Sex? 16. Julie Ballington, Equality in Politics: A Survey of Corruption and Women in Government,” Women and Men in Parliaments (Geneva: In- Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization ter-Parliamentary Union, 2008). 46, no. 4 (2001): 423-429, DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/S0167-2681(01)00169-X 17. Karen Celis, Sarah Childs, Johanna Kantola, and Mona Lena Krook, “Constituting Women’s In- 7. “Women and Leadership: Public Says Wom- terests through Representative Claims,” Politics & en are Equally Qualified, but Barriers Persist,” Gender 10, no. 2 (2014): 149-174, DOI: https:// Pew Research Center, January 14, 2015, http:// doi.org/10.1017/S1743923X14000026 www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/01/14/wom- en-and-leadership/. 18. Stanley Wasserman and Katherine Faust, Social Network Analysis (Cambridge: Cambridge Uni- 8. Joni Lovenduski (ed), State Feminism and Political versity Press, 1994). Representation (Cambridge: Cambridge Universi- ty Press, 2005). 19. Anne Maria Holli, “Feminist Triangles: A Conceptual Analysis,” Representation 44, 9. Marika Morris, Women’s Leadership Matters: The no. 2 (2008): 169-185, DOI: http://dx.doi. impact of Women’s Leadership in the Canadian org/10.1080/00344890802080407 Federal Public Service, (Ottawa: Centre for Wom- en in Politics and Public Leadership, Carleton 20. Sarah Childs and Mona Lena Krook, “Analyz- University, 2016). ing Women’s Substantive Representation: From Critical Mass to Critical Actors,” Government 10. Lindy Wafula, personal interview, October 2016. and 44, no. 2 (2009): 125-145, DOI: 11. “Quota Database,” Quota Project, http://www. 10.1111/j.1477-7053.2009.01279.x quotaproject.org/.

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21. Joyce Banda, personal interview, October 2016. 31. Nelida Archenti and Niki Johnson, “Engendering the Legislative Agenda With and Without the 22. Joana Barsh, Susie Cranston, and Geoffrey Lewis, Quota: A Comparative Study of Argentina and How Remarkable Women Lead: The Breakthrough Uruguay,” Sociologia, Problemas e Prácticas no. 52 Model for Work and Life (New York: Crown Press, (2006): 133-153. 2009). 32. Margarita Percovich, personal interview, October 23. Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzarelli, Fast 2016. Forward: How Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose, (New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 33. Alessia Mosca, personal interview, September Publishing Company, 2015). 2016. 24. Melanne Verveer, personal interview, November 34. See: Thomas Spielhofer, Tom Benton, and Sandie 2016. Schagen, “A Study of the Effects of School Size and Single‐sex Education in English Schools,” 25. Kah Walla, personal interview September 2016. Research Papers in Education 19, no. 2 (2004): 26. In some cases, like the National Federation of 133-159, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0267152 Democratic Women and the National Federation 0410001695407; and Alice Sullivan, Heather of Republican Women the United States, they Joshi and Diana Leonard, “Single- sex school- are financially and organizationally independent ing and academic attainment at school and from the political parties, but promote the par- through the lifecourse,” American Educational ties’ vision, objectives and policies. While wom- Research Journal 47, no. 1 (2010): 6-36, DOI: en’s wings are mostly national networks, some are 10.3102/0002831209350106. regional or international, like the Women Section 35. Jaegeum Lim and Jonathan Meer, “The Impact of of the Party of European Socialists (PES), bring- Teacher-Student Gender Matches: Random As- ing together women from the Socialist, Social signment Evidence from South ,” (working Democratic and Labour Parties of the European paper, National Institute of Economic Research, Union and the Socialist International Women. 2015). 27. Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu, Political 36. Alison Booth and Patrick Nolen, “Choosing to Parties in Africa through a Gender Lens (Stock- Compete: How Different Are Girls and Boys?” holm: International Institute for Democracy and Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization Electoral Assistance, 2013). 81, no. 2 (2012): 542-555, DOI: http://dx.doi. 28. Julie Ballington et. al, Empowering Women for org/10.1016/j.jebo.2011.07.018 Stronger Political Parties: A Good Practices Guide 37. Iris Bohnet, What Works: Gender Equality by to Promote Women’s Political Participation (Unit- Design (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, ed Nations Development Programme and the 2016). National Democratic Institute, 2011). 38. Ed Okeefe, “Wellesley Women for Hillary,” ABC 29. Organization for Security and Co-Operation in News (blog), December 17, 2007, http://blogs. Europe, Office for Democratic Institutions and abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/11/welles- Human Rights, A Comparative Study of Struc- ley-women.html. tures for Women MPs in the OSCE Region (OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human 39. Jessica Huber, personal interview, September Rights (ODIHR), 2013). 2016. 30. Karen Beckwith and Kimberly Cowell-Mey- 40. Federiga Bindi, personal interview, September ers, “Sheer Numbers: Critical Representation 2016. Thresholds and Women’s Political Represen- tation,” Perspectives on Politics 5, no. 3 (2007): 41. Herminia Ibarra, “How to Revive a Tired Net- 553-565, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ work,” Harvard Business Review, February 3, S153759270707154X 2015, https://hbr.org/2015/02/how-to-revive-a- tired-network.

Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks | 28 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

42. Niki Johnson and Cecilia Josefsson, “A New Way and the Meanings of Women in Governance in of Doing Politics? Cross-Party Women’s Caucus- Post-Genocide Rwanda,” African Affairs107, es as Critical Actors in Uganda and Uruguay,” no. 428 (2008): 361-386, DOI: https://doi. Parliamentary Affairs 69, no. 4 (2016): 845-859, org/10.1093/afraf/adn024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/pa/gsw011 50. Jennifer Disney, “Incomplete Revolutions: 43. Sonia Palmieri, “Embracing Feminism: The Case Gendered Participation in Productive and of Finland,” LinkedIn Pulse (blog), July 29, 2016, Reproductive Labor in Mozambique and https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-femi- Nicaragua,” Socialism and Democracy 18, nism-case-finland-sonia-palmieri. no.1 (2004): 7-42, DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.1080/08854300408428380. 44. The notions of feminism and women’s movement vary across national and cultural boundaries 51. Mary Balikungeri, personal interview, October and need to be interpreted in the context of 2016. the culture in which they develop. Historically, feminist movements, in their various shapes and 52. Valeria Fedeli, personal interview, June 2016. forms, have been instrumental in advocating 53. Anita Perez Ferguson, personal interview, August for women’s rights. In some countries, however, 2016. the term feminism is associated with ideological radicalism and approached critically by many 54. Sonja Lokar, personal interview, August 2016. women, including women in politics. For this reason and in order to be as inclusive as possible 55. The National Democratic Institute,Women, in the descriptions of a very diverse spectrum of Technology and Democracy Survey (National Dem- experiences and ideologies, this paper will refer ocratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), to women’s (instead of feminist) movements and 2008. civil society organizations, unless otherwise specif- 56. The International Knowledge Network of Wom- ically identified. en in Politics (iKNOW Politics) is an online 45. Kent Portney, Richard C. Eichenberg, and Rich- workspace designed to serve the needs of anyone ard G. Niemi, “Gender Differences in Political interested in learning more the science and best and Civic Engagement Amoung Young People” practices to advance women in politics. The old- (APSA 2009 Toronto Meeting Paper, 2009). est online network of this kind, iKNOW Politics also includes fora for e-discussions on specific 46. Khadija Idrissi Janati, personal interview, Octo- topics related to women and politics and a global ber 2016. network of experts. 47. Mounira M. Charrad and Amina Zarrugh, 57. Sonja Lokar, personal interview, August 2016. “Equal or Complementary? Women in the New Tunisian Constitution after the Arab Spring,” The 58. The only exception is the Vatican State, where Journal of North African Studies 19, no. 2 (2014): only men detain the right to active and passive 230-243, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13629 . 387.2013.857276. 59. A third category of barriers sometimes referred to 48. Karen Beckwith, “Mapping Strategic Engage- are institutional barriers, referring to the political ments: Women’s Movements and the State,” system and focusing on the electoral and cam- International Feminist Journal of Politics 9, paign financing laws and regulations as drivers no. 3 (2007): 312-338, DOI: https://doi. in explaining women’s under-representation in org/10.1080/14616740701438218 political systems (See Pippa Norris, “The Impact of Electoral Reform on Women’s Representation,” 49. Elizabeth Pearson, Demonstrating Legislative Lead- Acta Politica 41 (2006): 197-213). This paper ership: The Introduction of Rwanda’s Gender-Based touches upon the “institutional barriers” only in Violence Bill, ed. Elizabeth Powley (Initiative the analysis of campaign financing. It does not for Inclusive Security, Hunt Alternatives Fund, enter into the debate around electoral systems 2008); and Jennie E. Burnet, “Gender Balance (proportional versus majoritarian), as it aims at

29 | Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks The Women in Public Service Project

analyzing first and foremost the barriers that are 10.1177/1065912914525861; and reported by women activists and women elected L. Brescoll, “Who Takes the Floor and Why: in national legislatures as “universal”, applying to Gender, Power, and Volubility in Organizations,” all political, social, legal and religious contexts. Administrative Science Quarterly 56, no. 4 (2011): 622-641. 60. Mona Lena Krook, “Female Quotas in Parlia- ment: Do They Make a Difference?”International 71. Lyn Kathlene, Susan E. Clarke, and Barbara Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, A. Fox, “Ways Women Politicians are Making a ed. James Wright, 2nd ed. (Philadelphia: Elsevi- Difference,”Gender and Policymaking 2001, ed. er, 2015): DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-097086- Debra L. Dodson (Rutgers: Eagleton Institute of 8.64064-3. Politics, 1991): 31. 61. Pippa Norris and Ronald Inglehart, “Cultural 72. Sarah A. Fulton, Cherie D. Maestas, L. Sandy Obstacles to Equal Representation,” Journal of Maisel, and Walter J. Stone, “The Sense of a Democracy 12, no. 3 (2001): 126-140. Woman: Gender, Ambition, and the Decision to Run for Congress,” Political Research Quarterly 62. Ballington, Equality in Politics 59, no. 2 (2006): 235-248. 63. Valerie Dowling, personal interview, September 73. Sheryl Sandberg and Nell Scovell, Lean In: Wom- 2016. en, Work, and the Will to Lead (New York: Knopf, 64. Jennifer L. Lawless and Richard L. Fox, Girls 2013). Just Wanna Not Run: The Gender Gap in Young 74. Iris Bohnet, What Works: Gender Equality by Americans’ Political Ambition (Washington, DC: Design (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, Women & Politics Institute, 2013). 2016). 65. Ibid. 75. Frances Rosenbluth, Joshua Kalla and 66. Christina Wolbrecht, and David E. Campbell, Teele, The Female Political Career(Women in “Leading by Example: Female Members of Parlia- Parliaments Global Forum, 2015). ment as Political Role Models,” American Journal 76. Susannah Wellford, personal interview, October of Political Science 51, no. 4 (2007): 921-939, 2016. DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-5907.2007.00289.x. 77. Kah Walla, personal interview, September 2016. 67. Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-assurance-- 78. Teina Mackenzie, personal interview, October What Women Should Know (New York: Harper 2016. Business, 2014). 79. The Power Handbook is available at: http://www. 68. Uri Gneezy, Muriel Niederle, and Aldo Rustichi- socialdemokraterna.se/Webben-for-alla/S-kvin- ni, “Performance in Competitive Environments: nor/S-kvinnor/In-English1/The-Power-Hand- Gender Differences,” The Quarterly Journal of book1/ Economics 118, no. 3 (2003): 1049-1074, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1162/00335530360698496. 80. Joni Lovenduski, “Feminizing Politics,” Women: A Cultural Review 13, no. 2 (2002): 207-220, DOI: 69. Caroline Cox, “Why Women Don’t Win,” http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09574040210149004. Harvard Political Review, April 12, 2011, http:// harvardpolitics.com/covers/women-in-the-world/ 81. Ballington et. al, Empowering Women for Stronger why-women-dont-win/ Political Parties 70. See: Hanna Baek, Marc Debus, and Jochen 82. Gabriela Jakovleva, personal interview, September Mueller, “Who Takes the Parliamentary 2016. Floor? The Role of Gender in Speech-Mak- 83. Hughes and Paxton, Women, Politics, and Power. ing in the Swedish ,” Political Science Quarterly 67, no. 3 (2014): 405-418, DOI: 84. “Gender Equality Universally Embraced, but

Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks | 30 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Inequalities Acknowledged,” Pew Research Gender 12, no. 2 (2016): 223-253, DOI: https:// Center, July 1, 2010, http://www.pewglobal. doi.org/10.1017/S1743923X16000106 org/2010/07/01/gender-equality/ 96. Ballington et. al, Empowering Women for Stronger 85. Sarah Macharia, Who Makes the News? Global Political Parties Media Monitoring Project 2015 (; Toron- to: World Association for Christian Communica- 97. Sonia Palmieri, Gender-Sensitive Parliaments: A tion, 2015) Global Review of Good Practices (Geneva: In- ter-Parliamentary Union, 2011) 86. Beatriz Llanos, Unseeing Eyes: Media Coverage and Gender in Latin American Elections (International 98. Jennifer Siebel Newsom, personal interview, Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance December 2016. (IDEA) and UN Women, 2011). 99. Rosenbluth et. al, The Female Political Career 87. Elizabeth Goodyear-Grant, Gendered News: 100. Female legislator, personal interview, September Media Coverage and Electoral Politics in Canada 2016. (Vancouver: UBC Press, 2014). 101. Ballington, Equality in Politics 88. Norris and Inglehart, “Cultural Obstacles to Equal Representation” 102. Justine Uvuza, “Hidden Inequalities: Rwandan Female Politicans’ Experiences of Balancing Fam- 89. Suzanne Williams, Women Can Do It! A Capac- ily and Political Responsibilities” (dissertation, ity-Building and Awareness-Raising Project for University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 2014) Women: External Evaluation Report (Norwegian People’s Aid, 2013). 103. Anne-Marie Slaughter, “Why Women Still Can’t Have it All,” The Atlantic,2012, https://www. 90. Lori Beaman, et al., “Powerful Women: Does theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why- Exposure Reduce Bias?” Quarterly Journal of women-still-cant-have-it-all/309020/ Economics 124, no. 4 (2009): 1497-1540, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1162/qjec.2009.124.4.1497 104. Palmieri, Gender-Sensitive Parliaments 91. Gwen K. Young, “Why We Need More Women 105. Palmieri, Gender-Sensitive Parliaments Leaders,” CNN.com, July 31, 2016, http://www. 106. United Nations, General Assembly, Background cnn.com/2016/07/29/opinions/women-ris- st ing-benefits-society-young/. Documentation for 61 Session of the General Assembly, Item 60(a) on Advancement of Women: 92. Hughes and Paxton, Women, Politics, and Power. Secretary-General’s Study on Violence against Wom- en, A/61/122/Add. 1 (2006). 93. OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Handbook on Promoting Women’s 107. iKNOW Politics, Consolidated Response on Pre- Participation in Political Parties (Organization vention and Mitigation of Electoral and Political for Security and Co-Operation in Europe Office Violence Targeted at Women (iKNOW Politics, for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, 2015). 2014). 108. Thomas Carothers, “Democracy Support Strat- 94. Susan Markham, Women as Agents of Change: egies: Leading with Women’s Political Empow- Having Voice in Society and Influencing Policy erment,” Carnegie Endowment for International (Washington: The World Bank, 2013). Peace, September 14, 2017, http://carnegieen- dowment.org/2016/09/14/democracy-sup- 95. See: Danny Hayes and Jennifer L. Lawless, Wom- port-strategies-leading-with-women-s-politi- en on the Run: Gender, Media, and Political Cam- cal-empowerment-pub-64534 paigns in a Polarized Era (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2016); Maarja Luhiste and Susan 109. Nadezhda Shvedova, “Obstacles to Women’s Par- Banducci, “Invisible Women? Comparing Can- ticipation in Parliament,” Women in Parliament: didates’ News Coverage in Europe,” Politics & Beyond Numbers, ed. Azza Karam (International

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Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 123. Anna Burke, personal interview, October 2016. 2002): 63-84. 124. Marcela Tovar, Women Candidates and Campaign 110. Gabrielle Bardall, “Gender-Specific Election Vio- Finance (New York: Women’s Environment and lence: The Role of Information and Communica- Development Organization, 2007). tion Technologies,” Stability: International Journal of Security & Development (2013). 125. Maria Ysabel Cedano, personal interview, Octo- ber 2016. 111. Caroline Hubbard and Claire DeSoi, “Votes Without Violence: Monitoring Media,” Votes 126. Lolita Cigane and Magnus Ohman, “Political Without Violence: A Citizen Observer’s Guide to Finance and Gender Equality” (white paper, Addressing Violence Against Women in Elections International Foundation for Electoral Systems, (Washington: National Democratic Institute, August 2014). 2016). 127. Julie Ballington, and Muriel Kahane, “Women in 112. Maria Eugenia Valverde, personal interview, Politics: Financing for Gender Equality,” Fund- November 2016. ing of Political Parties and Election Campaigns: A Handbook for Political Finance, ed. Elin Falguera, 113. iKNOW Politics, Consolidated Response on Pre- Samuel Jones, and Magnus Ohman (Stockholm: vention and Mitigation International IDEA, 2014). 114. Caroline Hubbard, personal interview, July 2016. 128. See: Htun and Weldon, “When Do Governments Promote Women’s Rights?”; Celis et al, “Consti- 115. Mona L. Krook, “Promoting gender-balanced tuting Women’s Interests through Representative decision-making: the role of international fora Claims”; Beckwith and Cowell-Meyers, “Sheer and transnational networks,” Crossing Borders: Numbers”; Archenti and Johnson, “Engendering Re-Mapping Women’s Movements at the Turn of the the Legislative Agenda” 21st Century, ed. Roemer Christensen, Beatrice Halsaa, and Aino Saarinen (Odense: University 129. Kristin Haffert, personal interview, August 2016. Press of Southern Denmark, 2004). 130. Jessica Grounds, personal interview, November 116. Ms. Ennadir, Division Head Of Social Engi- 2016. neering in the Moroccan Ministry Of Solidarity Of Women, Family And Social Development, 131. See endnote no. 58. Personal interview, September 2016. 117. Ballington et. al, Empowering Women for Stronger Political Parties 118. Williams, Women Can Do It! 119. Inter-Parliamentary Union, Guidelines for Wom- en’s Caucuses (Geneva: Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2013). 120. Zeina Hilal, personal interview, July 2016. 121. Johnson and Josefsson, “A New Way of Doing Politics?” 122. Niki Johnson, “La Bancada Femenina en Uru- guay: un ‘Actor Crítico’ para la Representación Sustantiva de las Mujeres en el Parlamento,” América Latina Hoy 66 (2014): 145-165, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14201/alh201466145165.

Background and Research Paper on Women’s Political Networks | 32 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

ANNEX I RESOURCE GUIDE Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Background & Research Paper Annex I: Researching Women’s Political Networks: A Resource Guide Annex II: Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit

Researching Women’s Political Networks: A Resource Guide

Background This resource guide has been designed to complement the paper:Women’s Political Networks: Defin- ing Leadership, Breaking Barriers And Fostering Change, which explores the role and modus operandi of women’s networks in supporting female political aspirants get elected, gain higher leadership positions and in shaping their policy making once in office. The resource guide includes two main sections: Women in Politics: Key Bibliography, and Women’s Political Empowerment: Mapping of Nation- al and International Actors. Following a similar approach to the research paper, the bibliography focuses on a few key areas of investigation, namely: contemporary thinking on women’s descriptive and substantive representation; analysis of the universal cultural and structural barriers women face in all stages of the political carrier (and their solutions); the main lessons learned from experiences and programs fostering women’s polit- ical participation through civil society, political parties and national legislatures. Drawing on some of the resources referenced in the research, it includes a substantial amount of additional sources. The mapping of actors provides a list of the most authoritative and reliable international, regional and national organizations working to promote women’s political participation and leadership all over the world, arranged by geographic outreach. The mapping includes, among many others, some of the networks and institutions that are referred to in the paper for their best practices in enhancing women’s political engagement.

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Women in Politics: Key Bibliography

This bibliography provides an overview of key resources available from feminist and non-feminist1 literature on women and political participation: articles from some of the key scholars on this topic,2 as well as policy papers, toolkits and manuals of best practices. Following a similar approach to the paper, it is arranged by issue-specific sections:

1. Women in Politics: Considerations On Descriptive and Substantive Representation 2. Women’s Confidence and Ambition Gap: On Competition and Political Participation 3. Societal Expectations and Media Coverage of Women in Politics 4. Family Penalty: The Impact of Domestic Responsibilities on Women in Politics 5. Gender-Based Violence in Politics 6. Women and Financing of Political Campaigns 7. Women and Political Leadership 8. Fostering Women’s Political Participation in Civil Society, Political Parties and National Legislatures: Best Practices and Manuals

1 Methodological note: what is feminist research? There is a large amount of literature on gender and conflict. Some of this research self identifies as “feminist research”. In absence of a unanimously accepted definition, it is safe to say that feminist research tends to have a very strong social change agenda and use methods “which can best answer particular research questions, but always using them in ways which are consistent with broad feminist goals and ideology’ (Jayaratne and Stewart, 1991)”. Most of the existing research, however, does not identify as feminist, but follows a “gender ap- proach”, consisting, of a set of agreed principles, namely: consideration of the hierarchical power relations between men and women that tend to disadvantage women throughout the research process; integration of diversity, including the differing ways that race, ethnicity, class, caste, sexuality, age, and (dis)ability, affect gender relations, with special attention to the voices of the marginalized, into all levels of the research process; analysis of the relationships between and among all research parties (including the researcher/s); common use of qualitative methods considered ‘non-traditional’ in the physical and social sciences and in research for development in particular; adap- tation of quantitative methods to take into consideration ‘hard-to-measure’ aspects such as women’s empowerment, and sensitive items such as gender-based violence. References: Jayaratne and Stewart, “Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in the Social Sciences: Current Feminist Issues and Practical Strategies,” in Gender Development 2007, ed. Gwendolyn Beetham & Justina Demetriades, pp. 85–107 2 They are: Jennifer Lawless, American University; Joni Lovenduski, Birkbeck College, University of London; Karen Beckwith, Case Western Reserve University; Karen Celis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Mala Htun, University of New Mexico; Melanie Hughes, University of Pittsburg; Mona Lena Krook, Rutgers University; Nikki Johnson, Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay; Pamela Paxton, University of Texas; Pippa Norris, Harvard; Sarah Childs, Bristol University.

Annex I: Researching Women’s Political Networks: A Resource Guide | 35 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Women in Politics: Considerations on Descriptive 1 and Substantive Representation Anzia, Sarah F., and Berry, C. (2011) The Jackie Women’s Substantive Representation: From (and Jill) Robinson Effect: Why Do Congresswomen Critical Mass to Critical Actors. Government and Outperform Congressmen? American Journal of Opposition. Political Science. Htun, M. and Weldon, L. (2010) When Archenti, N. and Johnson, N. (2006) Do Governments Promote Women’s Rights? A Engendering the Legislative Agenda With and Framework for the Comparative Analysis of Sex Without the Quota: A Comparative Study of Equality Policy. Perspectives on Politics. Argentina and Uruguay. Sociologia, Problemas e Krook, M. (2015) Female Quotas in Parliament: Prácticas. Do They Make a Difference? International Beckwith, K. (2007) Numbers and Newness: Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences The Descriptive and Substantive Representation of Krook, M. (2016) Contesting Gender Quotas: Women . Canadian Journal of Political Science/ Dynamics of Resistance. Politics, Groups, and Revue Canadienne De Science Politique. Identities Beckwith, K. and Cowell-Meyers, K. (2007) Krook, M. & Norris, P. (2014) Beyond quotas: Sheer Numbers: Critical Representation Thresholds Strategies to promote gender equality in elected office. and Women’s Political Representation . Perspectives Political Studies. on Politics. Pande, R. and Ford, D (2012) Gender Quotas Celis, K., Childs, S., Kantola, J. and Krook, and Female Leadership: A Review. Background M. (2014) Constituting Women’s Interests through Paper for the World Development Report on Representative Claims ’, Politics & Gender. Gender. Chattopadhyay, R. and Duflo, E. (2004) Women Swers, M. (2002) The Difference Women Make: as Policy Makers: Evidence from a Randomized The Policy Impact of Women in Congress. Chicago: Policy Experiment in India . Econometrica. The University of Chicago Press. Childs, S. and Krook, M. (2009) Analysing

Women’s Confidence and Ambition Gap: On 2 Competition and Political Participation Back, H., Debus, M. and Muller, J. (2014) Who in Politics: Financing for Gender Equality’, in Takes the Parliamentary Floor? The Role of Gender Falguera, E., Jones, S. and Ohman, M. (eds), in Speech-making in the Swedish Riksdag. Political Funding of Political Parties and Election Research Quarterly. Campaigns. Stockholm: International IDEA. Ballington, J. and Kahane, M. (2014) Women Booth, A. and Nolen, P. (2012) Choosing to

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Compete: How Different Are Girls and Boys? W (2006) The Sense of a Woman: Gender, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. Ambition, and the Decision to Run for Congress. Brescoll, V. (2011) Who Takes the Floor and Why: Political Research Quarterly Gender, Power, and Volubility in Organizations. Lawless, J. and Fox, R. (2013) Girls Just Wanna Administrative Science Quarterly. Not Run: The Gender Gap in Young Americans’ Dargnies, M. (2012) Men Too Sometimes Political Ambition. Washington, DC: Women & Shy Away from Competition: The Case of Team Politics Institute. Competition. Management Science. Sandberg, S. and Scovell, N. (2013) Lean In: Fulton, S., Maestas, C., Maisel, L. and Stone. Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. Knopf, New York.

Societal Expectations and Media Coverage of 3 Women in Politics Aalberg, T. and Jenssen, A., ‘Gender Stereotyping Available at: http://whomakesthenews.org/gmmp/ of Political Candidates. An Experimental Study gmmp-reports/gmmp-2015-reports. of Political Communication’, Nordicom Review 28 Hayes, D. and Lawless, J. (2016) Women on the (2007), pp. 17-32. Run: Gender, Media, and Political Campaigns in a Bhatt, M., Payne, R., Feldt, G. and Polarized Era. New York: Cambridge University Press. Litzenberger, A. ‘Leadership Actions: Gender, Lake, C., Snell, A., Gormley, C. and leadership and the media. A report by Fem Inc. and Lethbridge-Cejku, F., ‘An Examination of the Take the Lead’ (2013). , Breaking Barriers, and Fosing Impact of Media Coverage of Women Candidates’ Campbell, D. and Wolbrecht, C., ‘See Jane Run: Appearance. Findings from an online dial survey of Women Politicians as Role Models for Adolescents’. e 1500 likely voters nationwide with an oversample of Journal of Politics, 2 (2006), pp. 233- 247. 100 young women voters’ (Lake Research Partners Washington, 2013). Campus, D., Women Political Leaders and the Media (Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave. Macmillan, 2013). Llanos, B. and Fraser, B. (2011) Unseeing Eyes: Media Coverage and Gender in Latin American Ducat, S., The Wimp Factor: Gender Gaps, Holy Wars Elections. Stockholm: International IDEA. and the Politics of Anxious Masculinity (Boston, Beacon Press. Easton, 2004). Murray, R. (ed), Cracking the highest glass ceiling: a global comparison of women’s campaigns for executive European Institute for Gender Equality office(Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 2010). (EIGE), ‘Women and the Media: methods, tools and good practices. Policy Review in EU Member States’ Raicheva-Stover, M. and Ibroscheva, E. (eds.), (EIGE 2014). Women in Politics and Media: Perspectives from Nations in Transition. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014). Falk, E. (2010) Women for President: Media Bias in Nine Campaigns. Urbana: University of Illinois. Ross, K., Gender, Politics, News: A Game of Three Sides. (Wiley-Blackwell, 2016. E-book). Global Media Monitoring Project 2015 (2015).

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Siebel Newsom, J. et al., ‘Miss representation’. Van Zoonen, L., ‘ The personal, the political and (Film), (2011), . 301.

Family Penalty: The Impact of Domestic 4 Responsibilities on Women in Politics Arunachalam, R. and Watson, S. (2015) Quite . . . How Traditional Gender Roles Do Not and the Political Gender Gap. Working Paper. Affect Women’s Political Ambition. Governance Iversen, T. and Rosenbluth, F. (2010) Women, Studies at Brookings, July, Washington, DC: Work, and Politics: The Political Economy of Gender Brookings. Inequality. Yale University Press. Fox, R. (2010) Congressional Elections: Women’s Iversen, T. and Rosenbluth, F. (2006) The Candidacies and the Road to Gender Parity. In Political Economy of Gender: Explaining Cross- Gender and Elections, 2nd edition, eds. S. Carroll National Variation in the Gender Division of Labor and R. Fox. New York: Cambridge University and the Gender Voting Gap. American Journal of Press. Political Science 50 (1): 1–19. Thomas, Sue. 2002.“The Personal is the Fox, R. and Lawless, J. (2014) Reconciling Political: Antecedents of Gendered Choices of Family Roles with Political Ambition: The New Elected Representatives.” Sex Roles 47(7-8):343- Normal. In Fox, R. and Lawless, J. (2003) Family 53. Structure, Sex-Role Socialization, and the Decision Uvuza, J. (2014) Hidden inequalities: Rwandan to Run for Office. Women & Politics 24(4):19-48. female politicians’ experiences of balancing family and political responsibilities Lawless, J. (2014) It’s the Family, Stupid? Not . 5 Gender-Based Violence in Politics Bardall, G. (2011) Breaking the Mold: International Journal of Security & Development, Understanding Gender and Electoral Violence. IFES 2(3). White Paper. Davies, L. (2014) Laura Boldrini: The Italian Bardall, G. (2013) Gender-Specific Election Politician Rising above the Rape Threats, Observer, Violence: The Role of Information and February 9. Communication Technologies. Stability: Höglund, K. (2009)Electoral Violence in Conflict-

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Ridden Societies, Terrorism and Political Violence, Political Science Association, Washington, D.C., 21(3), pp. 412-427. August 28-31. iKnowPolitics (2007) E-Discussion: Eliminating Krook, M. and Sanin, J. (2016) Gender and Violence Against Women in Politics (December 10- Political Violence in Latin America: Concepts, 14, 2007), available at: http://iknowpolitics.org/ Debates, and Solutions. Politica y Gobierno 23 (1). Krook, M. and Sanin, J. (2014) Mapping National Democratic Institute (NDI) (2016) Violence against Women in Politics”, paper Votes Without Violence: A Citizen Observer’s Guide presented at the Annual Meeting of the American To Addressing Violence Against Women In Elections.

6 Women and Financing of Political Campaigns Adams, B. and Schreiber, R. (2011) Gender, Office: Past, Present, and Future.Oxford University Campaign Finance, and Electoral Success in Press. Municipal Elections Journal of Urban Affairs . Cigane, L. and Ohman, M. (2014) Political 33:83–97. Finance and Gender Equality. IFES. IFES White Ballington, J. (2003) Gender Equality in Political Paper. Party Funding in Funding of Political Parties Herrick, R. (1996) Is There a Gender Gap in the and election Campaigns . Stockholm: IDEA - Value of Campaign Resources? American Politics Handbook Series. Research 24:68–80. Ballington, J. and Kahane, M. (2014) Women International IDEA (2013) Funding of Political in Politics: Financing for Gender Equality’, in Parties and Election Campaigns: A Handbook on Falguera, E., Jones, S. and Ohman, M. (eds), Political Finance. International IDEA Handbooks Funding of Political Parties and Election series. Campaigns. Stockholm: International IDEA. Jenkins, S. (2007) A Woman’s Work Is Never Barber, M., Butler, D. and Preece, J. (2016) Done? Fund-Raising Perception and Effort among Gender Inequalities in Campaign Finance , Female State Legislative Candidates. Political Quarterly Journal of Political Science: Vol. 11: Research Quarterly 60:230. No. 2, pp 219-248. Tovar, M. (2007) Women Candidates and Burrell, B. (2005) Campaign Financing: Women’s Campaign Finance. WEDO. New York. Experience in the Modern Era - Women and Elective

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7 Women and Political Leadership Barsh, J., Cranston, S. and Lewis, G. (2009) Jalalzai, F. (2013) Women Executives. Shattered, How Remarkable Women Lead: The Breakthrough Cracked, or Firmly Intact? Women and the Model for Work and Life. New York: Crown Press. Executive Glass Ceiling Worldwide. New York: Beaman, L., Chattopadhyay, R., Duflo, E., Oxford University Press. Pande R. and Topalova, P. (2008) Powerful Morris, M. (2016) Women’s Leadership Matters: Women: Does Exposure Reduce Bias? Quarterly The impact of Women’s Leadership in the Canadian Journal of Economics, 124.4 MIT Press. Federal Public Service. Ottawa: Centre for Women Beckwith, Karen (2014) From party leader to in Politics and Public Leadership, Carleton prime minister? Gender and leadership contests in University. West Europe. Paper presented at the ECPR. Norris, P. and Inglehart, R. (2008) Cracking Bohnet, I. (2016) What Works: Gender Equality the Marble Ceiling: Cultural Barriers facing women leaders by Design. Harvard University Press , 13 January 2008, (pp. 1 - 28). Cambridge, MA, United States of America: Carothers, T. (2016) Democracy Support Harvard Kennedy School. Strategies: Leading with Women’s Political Verveer, M. and Azzarelli, K. (2015) Fast Empowerment. Carnegie Endowment for Forward: How Women Can Achieve Power and International Peace. Democracy Support Purpose Strategies: Leading with Women’s Political . Mariner Books. Empowerment.

Family Penalty: The Impact of Domestic 8 Responsibilities on Women in Politics Afkhami, M. and Eisenberg, A. (2010) Leading International Feminist Journal of Politics. to Action: A Political Participation Handbook for de Silva de Alwis, R. (2014) Women’s Voice and Women. Women’s Learning Partnership. Agency : The Role of Legal Institutions and Women’s Ahern P; Nuti P; Masterson JM (2000) Movements. World Bank, Washington, DC. Development and Population Activities began Htun M. (2005) Women, Political Parties and working on the Promoting Women in Development Electoral Systems in Latin America, in Women in (PROWID) grants program . Synthesis Paper. Parliament. Beyond Numbers. A New Edition, eds. Beckwith, K. (2007) Mapping Strategic Julie Ballington and Azza Karam Stockholm: Engagements: Women’s Movements And The State. International IDEA.

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Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) (2008) Leadership as a Route to Greater Empowerment: Equality in Politics. Geneva. Desktop Study (Arlington, VA: Management Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) (2016) Systems International, 2014) Guidelines for women’s caucuses. Geneva. National Democratic Institute, (2013) Johnson, N. and Josefsson, C. (2016) A New Increasing Women’s Political Participation Through Way of Doing Politics? Cross-Party Women’s Effective Training Programs: A guide to best Practices Caucuses as Critical Actors in Uganda and and Lessons learned Uruguay. Parliamentary Affairs Norris, P. and Krook, M. (2010) Gender Kandawasvika-Nhundu, R. (2013) Political Equality in Elected Office: A Six-Step Action Parties in Africa through a Gender Lens. Plan, Harvard University and Washington International IDEA, Stockholm University in St. Louis. Report commissioned for the Programme on Increased Participation of Krook, M. (2013) Women’s Political Participation. Women in Democratic Governance by the Office Presentation at the “Women’s Political for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Participation in Asia and the Pacific” Meeting Organization for Security and Cooperation in organized by the Conflict Prevention and Peace Europe. Forum of the Social Science Research Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation New York, NY, June 14, 2013. in Europe (OSCE) (2015) Creating Mentor Lovenduski, J. and Karam, A. (2002) Women Networks in the OSCE Region: A Practical in Parliament: Making a Difference. International Roadmap. IDEA’s Handbook: Women in Parliament: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions Beyond Numbers, Stockholm, International and Human Rights (ODHIR), (2013) A IDEA Comparative Study of Structures for Women MPs in Markham, S. (2013) Women as Agents of the OSCE Region, Warsaw Change: Having Voice in Society and Influencing OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Policy, Women’s Voice, Agency and Participation Human Rights (ODIHR) (2016) Compendium Research Series 2013 of Good Practices for Advancing Women’s Political Mona Lena Krook, Darcy Ashman, Layla Participation in the OSCE Region. Moughari, and Milad Pournik, Women’s

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Women’s Political Empowerment: Mapping of National and International Actors Since Beijing, a great number of networks, organizations and institutions have been created, aimed at fostering women’s political participation and leadership nationally, regionally and globally. While it does not claim to be exhaustive, this mapping provides and overview of some1 of the most authorita- tive and reliable institutions, organizations and networks working to promote women’s political partici- pation and leadership all over the world, arranged by geographic outreach.

1 An important caveat needs to be made: this list does not include women’s caucuses and parliamentary bodies, neither women’s political party wings. While these bodies are extremely important, their effectiveness varies over time and political context. For more on this issue: http://www.ipu.org/pdf/publications/caucus-e.pdf. International Actors and Global Knowledge Platforms

Agora is a global knowledge platform on parlia- the grassroots, national, regional, and internation- mentary development. It has been designed as a al levels. tool and a meeting space used by parliamentar- Global Database of Quotas for Women is a joint ians, parliamentary staff and the community of project of International IDEA and Stockholm practice in order to facilitate information ex- University. This website provides information on change. the various types of quotas existing today, detail- Apolitical is a website and online forum which ing the percentages and targets in countries where highlights and shares new ideas, effective solu- they are applicable. tions and stories of the impactful work of public The GlobalFund for Women is a US-based non- servant everywhere. profit funding women’s human rights initiatives. BRIDGE, Institute of Development Studies It focuses on improving sexual and reproductive (IDS), supports the needs of policy makers, prac- heath and rights, freedom from violence and titioners, advocates and researchers in bridging economic and political equality all over the world the gaps between gender theory, policy and prac- through advocacy campaigns, grantmaking and tice to make gender equality happen. BRIDGE collaborations. targets both gender and non-gender specialists in The International Knowledge Network of Women an effort to ensure gender is central to all develop- in Politics (iKNOW Politics) provides a web- ment thinking and practice, and to inspire trans- based forum for exchanging information and formation in attitudes, policies and legislation. debate on member fora on the status of women Creating Resources for Empowerment in Action in politics around the globe. The project is a joint (CREA) is a women’s human rights organization initiative of the United Nations Development that empowers women to articulate, demand and Programme, UN Women, the National Demo- access their human rights by enhancing women’s cratic Institute and the International Institute for leadership and building networks at the local, Democracy and Electoral Assistance (Internation- regional and international levels. Based in New al IDEA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Delhi, India, it is one of the few international Institute for Inclusive Security (ISS) is a DC- women’s rights organizations based in the global based NGO advocating for full inclusion of all South, led by Southern feminists, which works at stakeholders (particularly women) in peace and

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security processes, consulting with governments, cation, and organizing support services to wom- conducting field research, and providing lead- en’s organizations and community groups work- ership development for women leaders in con- ing to improve the lives of , Asia flict zones around the world. Inclusive Security and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, includes the Women Waging Peace Network, a Eastern Europe and . network of more than 2,000 women peacemakers Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) from conflict areas around the world, launched researches and identifies successful strategies to in 1999 to connect these women with each other encourage women’s participation in civic and and with policy shapers. political life. IWPR has conducted research with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the world female activists working in a range of contexts— organization of parliaments, it has a membership including interfaith organizations, unions, and of 170 Member Parliaments. Since 1985, at the secular social justice movements—about their initiative of women parliamentarians from differ- experiences in taking on public leadership roles ent countries, it has established a Forum of wom- and the sources of motivation that inspired their en parliamentarians to enhance solidarity among involvement in this work. women and advance the gender equality agenda. National Democratic Institute (NDI) believes International Civil Society Action Network that equitable participation of women in politics (ICAN) is a registered non-profit, US based orga- and government is essential to building and sus- nization whose mission is to support civil society taining democracy. The Institute trains, educates, activism in promoting women’s rights, peace and and motivates women candidates and elected human security in countries affected by conflict, leaders, as well as female citizens, in the political transition and closed political space. It offers a process. network of activists and women leaders working Socialist International Women is the international in the space of women, peace and security. organization of the women’s organizations of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems socialist, social democratic and labor parties affil- (IFES) supports citizens’ rights to participate iated to the Socialist International. It aims to end in free and fair elections. IFES works to fortify discrimination against women, build relations women in political and electoral processes as within its member organizations and create pro- candidates and elected leaders, technical experts grams to foster women’s political participation. in elections, engaged civil society leaders and in- The GlobalWomen’s Leadership Initiative formed voters. IFES implements innovative wom- (GWLI) at the Wilson Center. The Women in en’s empowerment activities to increase women’s Public Service Project (WPSP) seeks to build a political participation and leadership. new generation of global female leaders. Founded International Institute for Democracy and through a partnership between the US Depart- Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an ment of State and five leading women’s colleges, intergovernmental organization committed to the WPSP aims to train women to enter the pub- promoting sustainable democracy worldwide. lic sector by cultivating the ‘strategic leadership Among their fields of research, IDEA produces skills, energy, and commitment required to tackle comparative knowledge on democracy as it relates today’s global challenges to gender, diversity, and conflict and security. The International Research and Training Institute International Women’s Tribune Centre (IWTC) is for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) an international non-governmental organization aims at strengthening women’s role in politics and that provides communication, information, edu- decision-making.

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The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is a Wikigender is a global online collaborative DC-based non-partisan, independent, federal in- platform linking policymakers and experts from stitution that provides analysis of and is involved both developed and developing countries to find in conflicts around the world. The Institute was solutions to advance gender equality. It provides established by an act of Congress in 1984. a centralized space for knowledge exchange on TheWomen in Parliaments Global Forum key emerging issues, with a strong focus on the (WIP) is the global network of female Parliamen- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in tarians at national level, including the European particular on SDG 5. Both English and French Parliament, of whom there currently are around speakers worldwide can discuss current issues, 9000. relevant research and emerging trends on gen- der equality. Wikigender places the spotlight on The Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) is an gender data and statistics as a complement to the initiative of the International Republican Institute Gender, Institutions and Development Database to increase women’s political participation, lead- (GID-DB) and the Social Institutions and Gen- ership and representation in elected office. WDN der Index (SIGI), both developed by the OECD accomplishes this goal by linking these women Development Centre. with their peers in other countries who share sim- ilar struggles, providing mentorship from experi- Womankind Worldwide partners with local enced women who have are leaders in their fields, organizations in Africa, Asia and Latin America and through skills-building trainings designed to that challenge discrimination and violence. The target their identified needs. organization aims to enable women to understand their legal rights and ultimately improve their UN Women provides training for women politi- lives. cal candidates to help build their capacities, and offer civic education and sensitization campaigns Women for Women International provides wom- on gender equality. UN Women backs gender en survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts equality advocates in calling on political parties, with the tools and resources to move from crisis governments and others to do their part in em- and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, there- powering women. by promoting viable civil societies. U.S. State Department’s Office of international Women Thrive Alliance, an initiative of Women Women’s Issues provides information and fact Thrive Worldwide, is a leading voice for global sheets on women’s situation in several countries. women’s rights. We work to empower grassroots women so their perspectives and solutions shape Vital Voices Global Partnership is the preeminent local, national, and global policies to help women non-governmental organization (NGO) that and their families break free from poverty, vio- identifies, trains and empowers emerging women lence, and inequality. leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe and gives them training and visibility to support Women Waging Peace Network (WWPN) them in their leadership trajectory. believes sustainable peace is possible only when those who shape policy include women and other WEDO works on a range of cross-cutting is- affected groups in the prevention and transfor- sues—from climate change and natural resource mation of violent conflict. Through networking, management, to global governance and finance research and recommendations, WWPN aims to and UN reform—toward three interlinked goals: increase involvement of women in preventing, women’s leadership, sustainable development and resolving and rebuilding after conflicts. global governance. Women’s Campaign International (WCI) is a

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nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to ted to the creation of tolerant, egalitarian, and increasing the participation of women in political democratic communities developed through part- and democratic processes worldwide. WCI’s mis- nerships based on cooperation, trust, and respect. sion is to increase the number of female elected International Women’s Democracy Center officials throughout the world, ensure their effec- (IWDC) provides the necessary training for wom- tiveness once elected and build the capacity of en to increase their participation in local, state, local organizations working on women’s issues. and national politics, policy and decision-making, Women’s Centre for Democracy and Human working in partnership with established NGOs Rights is a nongovernmental organization aimed and recognized community leaders around the at developing democratic society based on hu- world. man rights, gender equity and social justice. The Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) com- organization achieve its goals through education, piled by World Bank researchers, shows that advocacy and research. many developing-country governments are mak- Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP) is made up ing important gains in control of corruption, and of WLP International in the USA and 20 WLP some of them are matching the performance of national and regional partners. WLP is commit- affluent countries in overall governance measures.

United States Organizations, Networks and Institutions

National Organizations and Institutions

Elect Women Magazine is a U.S.-based online butions, organizing campaigns and mobilizing media site that provides campaign tips, stories, Democratic women voters. Recognizing that and resources to women running for political of- early campaign money is crucial for establishing fice or thinking about it. Candidates and elected the viability of a political campaign, EMILY is an officials provide acronym, which stands for ‘Early Money Is Like the blog posts, and women candidates can blog in Yeast’ – because it makes the ‘dough’ rise. to ask questions, offer advice, and share informa- IGNITE trains young women from high schools, tion. colleges, and universities across the United States. EMERGE provides a seven-month program for IGNITE teaches young women how to think Democratic women who want to run for elected critically about policy and understand where the office. Emerge gives Democratic women who levers of power to make change actually reside. want to run for public office a unique opportu- Via our high school curriculum, college chapters, nity. We are the only in-depth, seven-month, 70- annual conferences, and elected women net- hour, training programs providing aspiring female work, IGNITE teaches young women to become leaders with cutting-edge tools and training to civically engaged and ultimately step into public run for elected office and elevate themselves in service. our political system. National Foundation for Women Legislators seeks Emily’s List supports pro-choice Democratic to provide strategic resources to women leaders women candidates by raising campaign contri- for leadership development and effective gover-

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nance through conferences, effective seminars, TheSusan B. Anthony List (SBA List) is a educational programs, professional relationships, non-profit organization that seeks to reduce and and networking at both the state and federal levels ultimately end abortion in the U.S. by supporting in nonpartisan ways. pro-life politicians, primarily women, through its National Organization for Women Political SBA List Candidate Fund political action com- Action Committees supports feminist candidates, mittee. male and female, for federal office. The NOW Women Under Forty Political Action Commit- Equality PAC (NEP) supports feminist candidates tee (WUFPAC) is a nonpartisan political action for state and local office in the US. committee that supports women forty years of age National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) is and under running for state and federal public a non-partisan national grassroots membership office. It aims to represent voices of young women organization dedicated to increasing the number in shaping public policy and to build seniority of of pro-choice women in elected and appointed women in Congress by getting them elected at a office in the US. younger age. Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) Women’s Campaign Fund (WCF) is a nonpar- introduces college women to role models, career tisan organization, is dedicated to dramatically paths, and skills trainings before they enter the increasing the number of women in elected office workforce. PLEN’s mission is to increase the who support reproductive health choices for all. number of women in top leadership positions in- WCF provides financial support to its endorsed fluencing all aspects of the public policy process. candidates and produces original research related to women in politics. Running Start introduces young women to role models, talks to young women about the impor- Women Living Under Muslim Law is an interna- tance of politics in their lives, and gives them the tional solidarity network that provides informa- encouragement and skills to pursue a career in po- tion, support and a collective space for women litical leadership. Running Start’s Young Women’s whose lives are shaped, conditioned or governed Political Leadership Program introduces second- by laws and customs said to derive from . ary school (high school) girls to the importance Women Waging Peace (WWP) connects women of women in political leadership and trains them addressing conflict around the world in the belief in public speaking, networking, on-camera media that they have a role to play “in preventing violent training, and platform development. conflict, stopping war, reconstructing ravaged She Should Run is an online nomination tool societies, and sustaining peace in fragile areas and resource center that asks women to consider around the world.” Women Waging Peace advo- a run for office. An individual can submit a form cates for the full participation of women in formal with the information of a woman who he or she and informal peace processes. The initiative is believes should run for office someday, and the run by the Women and Public Policy Program at program will guarantee that she gets positive Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and encouragement, connections, and the necessary Hunt Alternatives. resources to take the next step

University Sponsored Organizations Athena Center for Leadership Studies – Bar- nard. The Athena Center aims to be a globally

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renowned center for advancing women in leader- education endeavors, publications, and a resource ship. The Center encourages women leaders to be center. visionary, bold, and globally aware. Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Se- Center for American Women and Politics – Rut- curity (GIWPS) examines and highlights the roles gers University. CAWP uses research and data, ed- and experiences of women in peace and security ucation and outreach programs to promote great- worldwide through cutting edge research, timely er knowledge and understanding about women’s global convenings, and strategic partnerships. participation in politics and government and to NYU Women’s Leadership Forum – New York enhance women’s influence and leadership in University fosters leadership development, facil- public life. The Rutgers Center for American itate professional growth, and sponsor opportu- Women and Politics, for example, runs a number nities for outreach among women in leadership of programs for women who are interested in run- roles. Through networking, access to electronic ning for office. The Ready to Run program is- di resources, and participation in an array of events vided into two parts, one tailored to women who such as conferences, guest presentations, and op- plan to run in the near future, and one for those portunities for professional development, women who are thinking about running sometime in the can exchange information and interact with oth- future. Additional sessions are targeted towards ers who have common interests and goals. African- American, Hispanic and Asian-American women, to address potential group-specific chal- Wellesley Centers for Women – Wellesley College lenges in the campaign process. is the largest social science organization in the US dedicated to gender research. The Center con- Center for Integrative Leadership – University of ducts research and creates programs with wom- Minnesota. The Center for Integrative Leader- en’s perspectives and experiences at the core and ship (CIL) is a forum for the study of leaders and ensures this work reaches a wide audience and leadership across sectorial and geographic bound- influences public policies and programs. aries. CIL engages in collaborative teaching, community outreach, and research initiatives with Women and Politics Institute – American Uni- other University centers, and external community versity. Based at American University’s School of partners. Public Affairs, the Women and Politics Institute offers courses, training, research and other op- Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy – portunities to learn about women in the political University of Massachusetts, Boston. Part of the arena. John W. McCormack Graduate Institute of Public Affairs, the Center seeks to expand involvement Women and Public Policy Program – Kennedy of women in politics and policies affecting them School, Harvard University. WAPPP’s primary through quality graduate education, collaborative activities focus on developing the relationship research and events, and focusing on intersection between women and public policy through facil- of race and gender. itating scholarship, encouraging and enhancing teaching, publishing materials, and influencing Center for Women’s Global Leadership – Rut- the policy process by strengthening women’s gers University fosters women’s leadership in leadership and the advocacy power of grassroots the area of women’s human rights and social women. justice through women’s global leadership insti- tutes, strategic planning activities, international Women’s Campaign School – Yale University mobilization campaigns, UN monitoring, global aims to provide training for women who want to

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run for office or who want to move up the ladder personal and professional challenges facing wom- to higher elective office. For five days, participants en in the 21st century. are put through an intense political immersion Women’s Leadership Initiative – Yale University program designed to teach campaign skills, strate- aims to create a campus culture that encourages gic assessment, and improvisation. and empowers aspiring female leaders at Yale. Women’s Initiative in Leadership – Harvard Uni- Since its inception, WLI has grown to support versity (WIL) was created to address the interest both small and large forums of discussion, from and importance of female students at Harvard in WLI Salon Nights to mentorship families, and developing leadership skills. The program strives Job Shadowing Days to an annual Women in to explore and understand leadership through Leadership Conference. seminars, discussions, and interactive workshops Women’s Leadership Institute – Auburn Univer- over the course of a semester. sity. The Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) Women’s Leadership Academy – University at Al- was established to help women associated with bany, State University of New York. The purpose Auburn University take a proactive step in closing of the Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) is to the gender gap of women in politics, corporate strengthen participants’ self-efficacy, leadership -ca boardrooms, and the administrations of business pacity and capabilities to increase female presence and educational institutions. WLI also hosts pub- in public policy and politics. WLA hosts a week- lic programs to train and inspire a new generation long summer program for undergraduates and of women leaders. a six-month fellowship for graduate students to Women’s Leadership Program – George Washing- foster leadership skills. ton University. The Women’s Leadership Pro- Women’s Leadership Conference – George gram is a year-long, selective, living and learning Washington University. Each spring, the Women’s program for freshmen women of any school at Leadership Conference and the Elizabeth Somers GWU. WLP students have the benefit of small Leadership Center bring together an intergenera- classes, close contact with faculty and women in tional audience of professional women, many of leadership roles, and strong community ties with- whom are alumnae and students, to discuss the in the Program.

Regional and National Organizations and Networks

Regional And National Organizations And Networks, Europe The European Parliamentary Forum on Popula- world’s principal regional human rights bod- tion & Development (EPF) is a network of mem- ies. Based in Warsaw, Poland, ODIHR is active bers of parliaments from across Europe who are throughout Europe, the , committed to protecting the sexual and reproduc- and North America. The Office promotes -dem tive health of the world’s most vulnerable people, ocratic elections, respect for human rights, toler- both at home and overseas. ance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. TheOSCE Office for Democratic Institutions ODIHR implements programs on increasing the and Human Rights (ODIHR) is one of the participation of women in the political and public arena, capacity building of women’s networks,

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combating violence against women and the im- women’s leadership within the European Union. plementation of UN Security Council Resolution TheEuropean Women’s Lobby (EWL) is the larg- 1325 emphasizing the involvement of women est umbrella organization of women’s associations in conflict prevention, crisis management and in the European Union (EU), working to pro- post-conflict rehabilitation. mote women’s rights and equality between wom- TheCentre for Advancement of Women in Pol- en and men. It has a network of 2500 women’s itics aims to foster an appreciation for women’s groups across Europe and provides a number of contributions to politics, government, and pub- lobbying tools on its website, available in a range lic decision-making in the UK and Ireland. The of languages, to help ordinary citizens to put website includes research on women’s political pressure on elites in their own countries to take participation and representation, public attitudes gender balance seriously in their nominations to women in politics, and women in parliament. The International Gender Policy Network Women for Election is an Irish not-for-profit, (IGPN) is a non-profit, non-governmental net- non-partisan organization whose vision is of an work organization aimed at promoting gender Ireland with balanced participation of women and equitable and gender sensitive public policy at men in political life. Our mission is to inspire all levels of global society. IGPN advocates for and equip women to succeed in politics. the inclusion of women’s human rights into the Engender is Scotland’s feminist organization. En- national, regional and global policy agenda and gender has a vision for a Scotland in which wom- for full implementation of social, economic and en and men have equal opportunities in life, equal culture rights of women. IPGN is situated all access to resources and power, and are equally safe over Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, and secure from harm. Caucasus and Central Asia. National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) is TheCEE Network for Gender Issues includes the national representative organization for wom- women from progressive political parties, civil so- en and women’s groups in Ireland. Its purpose is ciety movements and parliament from twenty-one to achieve women’s equality in a society where countries in Easter Europe and the former Soviet women and men can participate effectively as Union. This network has been extremely success- citizens in all aspects of social, cultural, economic ful in establishing strong feminist streams within and political life. left wing parties, lobbying for gender quota rules and ensuring high representation of women with- The European Institute for Gender Equality in parties and parliaments. (EIGE) is an autonomous body of the European Union, established to contribute to and strength- The Association of European Parliamentarians for en the promotion of gender equality, including Africa (AWEPA) forges cooperation with African gender mainstreaming in all EU policies and the Parliaments to strengthen parliamentary democ- resulting national policies, and the fight against racy in Africa, and to attain the Millennium discrimination based on sex, as well as to raise Development goals by supporting human rights, EU citizens’ awareness of gender equality. Among development, and democracy in Africa. other things, EIGE issues reports and studies on

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Regional And National Organizations, Africa and MENA Region African Women’s Development Fund is a and building active solidarity among women of grant-making foundation that supports local, na- different social classes. tional and regional women’s organizations work- BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights (BAO- ing towards the empowerment of African women BAB) is a non-pro t organization working for and realization of their rights. women’s human rights and legal rights under Akina Mama wa Afrika is an international, religious laws, statutory laws, and customary laws, pan-African, non-governmental development with a particular focus on Muslim women. BAO- organization for African women. It creates a space BAB works with legal professionals and paralegals, for African women to organize, and build links policymakers, women’s and human rights groups, with African women active in the areas of their other non-governmental organizations, and mem- own development. bers of the general public. Its programs promote Arab Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI) human rights education, particularly women’s supports the efforts of Arab women to increase human rights. BAOBAB sponsors women’s rights their participation in public life and the political training and education projects, and programs process throughout the and North that enhance understanding of women’s rights to Africa region. AWLI offers training, networking influence social and government policies. and mentorship opportunities to advance women Be-Free Center/ Women’s Association in leadership positions. (BFC/BWA) is a woman’s rights and child em- Association Démocratiquedes Femmes du powerment organization in Bahrain. The orga- Maroc (ADFM) is an independent association nization strives to increase awareness of women’s established in 1985 to defend and promote the legal rights, as well as other issues that affect human rights of women, and to foster equitable women, such as , information tech- policies and social practices. As one of the larg- nology, the environment, health care, culture, and est non-governmental organizations in Morocco the family. The Be-Free Center focuses on elimi- focused on the rights of women, ADFM has been nating child abuse and neglect and empowering successful in forming networks with civil society children to be powerful and productive citizens. and governmental institutions regionally and Through activities including training workshops internationally. The organization guarantees and and seminars, radio and television programs, reinforces the rights of women through advocacy, advocacy campaigns, and networking, BWA pro- awareness raising, literacy campaigns, direct assis- motes active citizen participation among women. tance, and education, among other activities. Officially established in 2001, the vision of BWA is “to empower leaders for the human develop- Association des Femmes Chefs de Famille (AFCF) ment era.” is a non- governmental organization in Maurita- nia whose primary mission is to promote human Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) is a rights and to defend the rights of women and registered national non- governmental organi- children. AFCF strives zation (NGO) advocating for good governance, to bring support to women in precarious situa- freedom, democracy, and gender equity in Sierra tions (particularly female heads of households), Leone. create a network of associations working to Club de Madrid works directly with women improve living conditions for women and chil- leaders and women’s groups in the Greater Horn dren, and contribute to fostering gender equality of Africa and the Andean Region to promote

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interaction and dialogue with national, regional against women. Launched in 1997 by 15 civil and international decision-making structures and society organizations, FWID advocates for the mechanisms to engage in conflict prevention, reform of policies and legislation that discriminate management and resolution. against women. It is made up of groups of activ- Collectif 95 Maghreb Egalite is a network an- ists, both male and female, from different social chored in the women’s movement of the countries and professional backgrounds, who work together of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The founders to build a democratic, just, and egalitarian society. of this network, coordinators of women’s organi- Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work zations, intellectuals and researchers, believe that (FSWW) is a non-governmental organization in the struggle for equality between women and men Turkey seeking to ensure women’s equal partic- is a determining factor in the achievement of full ipation in social, economic, and political deci- citizenship. sion-making by drawing on the expertise and The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians potential of local women. Established in 1986, it (CWP) was founded by women delegates at the supports low- income women’s groups to improve 1989 plenary conference so women at future the quality of their lives, their communities, and conferences could discuss ways to increase female their leadership. KEDV/FSWW works in Istan- representation in Parliament and work towards bul, the Marmara earthquake region, and south- the mainstreaming of gender considerations in all eastern Turkey. The organization also provides CPA activities and programs. In 2004, the group consultancy, training, and monitoring support was formally recognized in the CPA Constitution to those local governments, non-governmental and its elected Chairperson added to the CPA organizations, and other organizations that want Executive Committee. to integrate FSWW programs into their activities. Femmes Africa Solidarite (FAS) is an interna- Kayan Feminist Organization, a feminist organi- tional non-governmental organization that works zation established by Palestinian-Israeli women, is to promote and strengthen the role of African a capacity-building non-governmental organiza- women in preventing, managing and resolving tion devoted to women’s development. conflicts. KIND stands for the Kudirat Initiative for De- The African Women’s Development and Com- mocracy, a not-for-profit organization based in munication Network (FEMNET) is a mem- Lagos, Nigeria. We work primarily in Nigeria in bership-based pan-African Network set up in the areas of leadership development for young 1988 to advance African women’s development, women and on collaborative projects aimed at equality and other human rights. Over the years removing barriers to women’s public participation FEMNET has played a central role in sharing and ending violence against women. information, experiences, ideas and strategies Mano River Women’s Peace Network is an or- among African women’s NGOs in order to ganization with a mission to advocate for and strengthen women’s capacity to participate effec- promote at all decision-making levels the involve- tively in the development processes on the conti- ment of women and youth in the prevention, nent. management and resolution of conflict in the Forum for Women in Development (FWID) is a Mano River sub-region, throughout Africa, and the world. network of Egyptian non-governmental organi- zations working for the emancipation of women Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in and elimination of all aspects of discrimination Africa strives to engage, inspire and equip young

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women and girls to become the next generation human rights activists working to support and of leading politicians, activists, social entrepre- promote women’s rights through education, skills neurs and change agents. Moremi Initiative is a training, and modern technology. Its programs non-profit organization based in Nigeria and the include human rights education, initiatives for United States and operating throughout Africa. combating violence against women and girls, Mowatinat means ‘Female Citizens.’ This Ara- and a knowledge partnership program that pro- bic-language site of Sisterhood Is Global Institute/ vides ICT training. SIGI/J also sponsors cultural provides news, information and resources and educational events that highlight the experi- on women’s political and public participation in ences of women leaders. the MENA and beyond. Tha’era network of women, set up in 2013 by Nigeria Women Trust Fund (WF) was created in the women’s organizations of social democratic 2011 to increase the representation of women in parties in Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia, Nigerian governance at all levels and address the has built the capacity of over 150 women politi- growing concerns about the gender imbalance in cal activist to become trainers for female political elective and appointive positions. It supports fe- activists at the grassroots level. male political aspirants and candidates irrespective The Centerof Arab Women for Training and Re- of political affiliation, providing them with the search (CAWTAR) provides the Arab region with financial resources and trainings. a center for research and studies related to gender Program on Governance in the Arab Region and women’s status, and advocacy for improve- (POGAR) is dedicated to the promotion and ment of women’s status. CAWTAR is committed development of good governance practices and to the empowerment of women based on human related reforms in the Arab states in tandem with rights and gender principles. the Arab Human Development Reports. POGAR Voice of Libyan Women is a Libyan women’s was developed at the request of Arab govern- advancement and empowerment NGO based ments, and therefore specifically addresses nation- in , with branch offices in Zawia & Mis- al needs and concerns. rata, focusing on the political participation and Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN) is a nation- economic investment of Libyan women, as well al non-governmental organization dedicated to as the elimination of all forms of gender based promotion and improvement of the socio-eco- violence. nomic welfare of women in Rwanda since coming Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP) is dedicat- to being in 1997. Over time, the organization has ed to women’s leadership and empowerment. At dedicated its efforts to strategies that empower its essence, WLP is a builder of networks, working women and has extensive experience in fostering with 20 autonomous and independent partner women’s participation and grassroots responses organizations in the Global South, particularly in to community challenges. To date, RWN works Muslim-majority societies, to empower women with various local and international partners, and to transform their families, communities, and plays a capacity building and facilitating role to a societies. network of over 52 grassroots associations across Women’s Affairs Technical Committee (WATC) is the country. a coalition of seven women’s organizations, three Sisterhood Is Global Institute/Jordan (SIGI/J) is women’s center and individual women activists. a non-governmental organization established in WATC seeks to eliminate discrimination against 1998. Its founders include lawyers, jurists, and women, develop the role of women in society and

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to empower women to assume decision-making nomic empowerment programs and women’s positions in Palestine. capacity-building programs that seek to improve Women’s Self-Promotion Movement (WSPM) the lives of disadvantaged women through educa- is a grassroots organization created in 2001 in tion, economic development and leadership. The Zimbabwe. WSPM implements women’s eco- organization primarily works with refugee women and girls in the southern Africa region.

Regional and National Organizations, Asia All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) is an Human Rights Center/Citizens against Corrup- independent feminist organization committed to tion (CAC) in focuses on the rights of improving the lives of women in . Its vi- women and refugees, provides legal consultation, sion is to create a just, democratic, and equitable conducts and disseminates research, convenes society where women are treated with respect, and civic forums, participates in public hearings, and are free from all forms of violence and discrimina- trains human rights defenders. CAC advocates tion. To reach this goal, AWAM informs, con- against corruption in the government through nects, and mobilizes those interested in securing monitoring elections and supporting election women’s rights, bringing about equality between reform, supporting women in Parliament, and ad- men and women, and supporting women in cri- vocating against the use of torture and the death sis. AWAM’s activities include advocacy, training penalty. and education, and direct services to victims of International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia violence, including counseling and legal aid. Pacific (IWRAW Asia Pacific) is a non-profit Asian University for Women seeks to graduate international women’s organization based in the women who will be skilled and innovative pro- South. It promotes the domestic implementa- fessionals, service oriented leaders, and promoters tion of international human rights standards by of intercultural understanding and sustainable building the capacity of women and human rights human and economic development in Asia and advocates to claim and realize women’s human across the globe. rights. Aurat Foundation is committed to working Korean Institute for Women and Politics is a for women’s rights and empowering citizens to non-partisan, non-profit organization that aims participate in good governance for the purpose of for a greater inclusion of women in politics by creating a just, democratic, and humane society in taking into account the obstacles facing women’s Pakistan. The organization works in partnership political participation. with over 1,200 non-governmental and commu- N-Peace is a multi-country network of peace ad- nity-based organizations on activities related to vocates in Asia seeking to advance Women, Peace advocacy, activism, and knowledge- and infor- & Security (WPS) issues. It supports women’s mation-building for women’s rights and gender leadership for conflict prevention, resolution and equality in Pakistan. peace building, and promotes the implementation DidiBahini is a non-profit non-governmental of United Nations Security Council Resolution organization established with the goal of facilitat- (UNSCR) 1325, and related resolutions, at re- ing gender mainstreaming into the development gional, national and community levels. process in Nepal. Online Women in Politics was born out of the

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vision of Asian women leaders to explore creative motivates, involves, and mobilizes parliamentar- ways in organizing a network of Asia Pacific wom- ians on the linkages between increasing popula- en involved in politics, governance, decision-mak- tion and development issues such as reproductive ing, and transformative leadership. health, family planning, food security, water Shymkent Women’s Resource Center (SWRC) resources, sustainable development, environment, is a non-pro t organization in Kazakhstan whose ageing, urbanization, migration, HIV/AIDS, and programs combat trafficking and violence against gender equality. women and promote the rights of women and TheCenter for Asia Pacific Women in Politics women’s leadership. SWRC organizes campaigns (CAPWIP) is a non-partisan, non-pro t and to combat trafficking, creates self-help support non-governmental regional organization (NGO) groups for women, provides psychological and dedicated to promoting equal participation of legal counseling, and manages a women in politics and decision-making. (SIS) is an organization of Mus- The Center for Asia-PacificWomen in Politics lim which seeks to articulate (CAPWIP) is a regional organization dedicated women’s rights in Islam by emphasizing the need to promoting equal participation of women in to interpret the Qur’an and the hadith in their politics and decision-making. CAPWIP supports proper historical and cultural contexts. SIS works its network through technical assistance in organi- in the areas of research, advocacy, legal reform and zational and program planning, training, research services, public education and publications. and information sharing. The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Popu- Wedu is a leadership development organization lation and Development (AFPPD) is a regional that aims to unlock the leadership potential of non-governmental organization based in Bang- , enabling them to become leaders kok, . It engages with parliamentarians of their own communities, through leadership from Asia and the Pacific to champion policies on trainings. Wedu is based in Bangkok, Thailand. population and development. AFPPD educates,

Regional and National Organizations, Oceania Women Into Politics (WIP) ensures that Aus- Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL) is dedicated to tralian governments honor their commitment creating a society where women’s participation to CEDAW to eliminate discrimination against and potential are unrestricted, acknowledged and women in the public and political sphere and respected and where women and men share equal- to give women equal opportunity for political ly in society’s responsibilities and rewards. participation.

Regional and National Organizations, Latin America Association of El Salvadoran Women Parliamen- The Inter-American Parliamentary Group (IAPG) tarians and Ex-Parliamentarians (ASPARLEX- is a regional alliance of parliamentarians working SAL) offers training, networking opportunities across party lines to advance and promote laws and resources to female political aspirants in El and policies within the framework of a broad hu- Salvador. man development agenda, which includes health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights,

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and women’s empowerment. The IAPG is an in the public sector in Latin America. It aims independent parliamentary network and the only at strengthening the work of women and men dedicated to advance the commitments made at parliamentarians by providing a space to share ICPD, Beijing and the MDGs. The IAPG has and exchange experiences and knowledge from a supported parliamentarians in moving forward gender equality perspective. policies and promoting laws to advance and TheBolivian Association of Councilwomen protect sexual and reproductive health, violence (ACOBOL) is part of the local government sys- against women, HIV and AIDS and sex education tem for institutional and political representation, for young people. especially for indigenous communities as there is a Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) is a re- corresponding mandate in the Autonomous Mu- gional, permanent organization composed by the nicipal and Indigenous Government (GAM) in countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. order to build municipal equity. ACOBOL works It has a permanent commission on gender and with indigenous women mayors and councilors in youth. the 337 Autonomous Municipal and Indigenous ParlAmericas is an independent network com- Governments in Bolivia to support them as wom- posed of national legislatures of 35 states from en in their political role and defend their political North, Central, and South America, and the Ca- rights. ribbean. The Group of Women Parliamentarians TheInter-American Commission of Women is the only permanent working group of ParlA- (CIM) is a specialized organization of the Organi- mericas. It includes representatives from each of zation of American States and is a forum for gen- the sub-regions of the : North, Central, erating hemispheric policy to advance women’s South, and the Caribbean. rights and gender equality. It is an intergovern- Red PROLID is a platform from the Inter-Amer- mental agency that works to ensure recognition of ican Development Bank that connects women the civil and political rights of women. who hold or aspire to have leadership positions

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ANNEX II ROADMAP AND TOOLKIT Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

Background & Research Paper

Annex I: Researching Women’s Political Networks: A Resource Guide Annex II: Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit

Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit

Background According to Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and first ever US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State from 2009 to 2013: “Women’s networks are invaluable in providing female political aspirants with the tools they need to get elected, despite the many hurdles in their paths. Women’s networks also make an enormous difference in enabling female legislators to meet across party lines, share expe- riences and tools on how to successfully advance gender equality policies. In order to make significant progress on women’s political empowerment, we need a lot more of such networks.1” If women’s political networks are defined as a set of critical actors working to increase women’s political participation, recruitment and leadership and the relations among them, what are the conditions that make such networks successful?

While guidelines have been developed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the National Democratic Institute (NDI) regarding the functioning of women’s caucuses and, to some extent, women’s political party wings, much remains to be investigated on the conditions that make other types of networks successful in promoting women’s political participation. Women’s civil society networks and networks including stakeholders across sectors have proven to be vitally important in fostering, informing and sustaining women’s political representation and leadership, but much needs to be researched on the dynamics that make them successful.

Drawing from the desk research and interviews with experts, coordinators of women’s networks, as well as current and former women politicians interviewed for the paper: Women’s Political Networks: De- fining Leadership, Breaking Barriers and Fostering Change, this toolkit aims to provide women political activists, gender experts and practitioners in the field of women’s political empowerment with a road- map to design successful networks.

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Roadmap: Designing your Women’s Political Network

• Why do we need more women in office? • Why are women’s networks helpful to increase female political participation? • In which way will your network meet the most pressing needs of the community? 1. The 1. Evidence

• Which barriers will your network focus on? • Why are you focusing on them specifically? • How do they overlap with the barriers women face in other professions? 2. Your Your Focus 2.

• What is the change you are seeking to achieve? • How will the network contribute to achieving this change? • What are your short, medium and long-term objectives? Which activities will help you of Change reach your goals? 3. Your Theory Your 3.

• Who will your members be? Will the network be open or closed? • Will members be required to contribute information, training, advice, mentoring, financial resources, in-kind donations, etc?

Criteria • How are your membership criteria linked to your theory of change and strategic planning?

4. Membership 4. Do they allow for breath, connectivity and dynamism?

• What is the change you are seeking to achieve? • How will the network contribute to achieving this change? • What are your short, medium and long-term objectives? Which activities will help you reach your goals? 5. Key Relations Key 5.

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Roadmap: Designing your Women’s Political Network

• What activities will most effectively enable you to achieve your goals? • Which ones will you invest more time and resources on? Why? • How do these activities link to your mission and vision? 6. Activities 6.

• How will the leadership be chosen? For how long will leadership serve? • Who will be responsible for which tasks? • When and how will decisions be made? Will there be a necessary quorum? Will virtual presence be counted? Will you vote openly or confidentially? 7. Leadership & 7. Decision-Making

• Who will work for your network part-time/full time on a paid or voluntary basis? • Do you receive donations? From whom? How much? • What are your expenditures? How are they linked to your outcomes and outputs? 8. Your Your Budget 8.

• Who are your audiences? How will you communicate with them? What is your individualized “Why should I care?” message for each one of them? • Which technological tools (social media, website, etc.) will you use and how? • How will you defend your members from online harassment and threats? Fundraising Strategy Fundraising 9. Communications & Communications 9.

• How do you define and measure success in the short, medium and long term? • How often will you re-evaluate and adapt your strategy according to the results you have achieved? Strategy • Do you have quantitative and/or qualitative indicators to measure your success? 10. Your Your M&E 10.

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Why a Women’s Political Network? 1 Know the Evidence. Historically, women’s political networks have bination of both, you should familiarize yourself served a few key functions: expand women’s with evidence-based arguments and data on why political representation by increasing the supply women’s increased political participation brings and/or demand of women in politics; facilitate a about important change in legislation and society. dialogue between women elected in office and civ- Finally, your motivations and, if possible, infor- il society organizations; inform women’s political mation should be grounded in your social and leadership; challenge existing societal norms on political reality and the specific needs you want to women’s political participation and support wom- address. en in overcoming the barriers that make it diffi- You need to have clear, concise and convincing cult for them to pursue a political career. Before responses to these questions: starting a women’s political network, you should get familiar with the best practices from existing • Why do we need more women in networks in achieving each one of these goals, so office? that you can make an evidence-based argument • Why are women’s networks helpful to regarding the importance of women’s networks. increase female political participation? It is also important to know why gender parity in politics matters: whether you chose the critical • In which way will your network im- mass approach, a rights-based approach or a com- prove, directly and indirectly, the most pressing needs of the community?

What do you Want to Fix? 2 Define your Focus. In pursuing a political career globally, women time. Regardless, you will want to know if the face two kinds of gender-related barriers: struc- barrier(s) you will be addressing coincide with the tural barriers, reflecting the overall gender gap in ones women face in other professional fields. This a society (educational, professional, economic and analysis is important as it will help you identify social differences in the roles and achievements potential allies and will be key in building your of men and women) and cultural barriers, refer- narrative. ring to a societal belief of women and men’s roles Before moving forward, you will want to have (acquired early in life through family, community, responses to the following questions: education and reinforced through media and con- tinued socialization). When creating a women’s • Which barriers will your network political network, you will want to decide very focus on? carefully which barriers you will be focusing on. • Why are you focusing on them specif- One of the reasons behind EMILY’s List success is ically? its ability to focus on one specific challenge (lack of funding for women’s political campaigns). Oth- • How do they overlap with the barriers er networks take a more comprehensive approach, women face in accessing leadership in trying to tackle multiple challenges at the same other professions or sectors of society? Annex II: Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit | 60 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

What are your Mission, Vision, and Goals? 3 Define your Theory of Change. A theory of change is a comprehensive illustra- Once you have defined your strategic planning tion of how and why your desired change (e.g. and theory of change, you should be able to increased women’s representation in parliament) respond to the following questions: is expected to happen as a result of a set of ac- • What is the change you are seeking to tions. Your theory of change will help you define achieve? your mission, identify potential allies, as well as measure success for your short, medium and long • How will the network contribute to term accomplishments. Your theory of change will achieving this change? Through what also inform your strategic planning, namely the activities and in what timeframe? set of goals, objectives, activities, outcomes and • What are your short, medium and outputs expected within a very defined timeframe. long-term objectives? What activities will help you reach your goals?

Who will Be Part of your Network? 4 Identify Membership Criteria. Whether a network is formal or informal, big different backgrounds, languages and world or small, membership criteria must be weighed regions, producing experiences that are extreme- carefully according to the desired outcome. ly invigorating and sometimes life-changing for According to Susan Markham, USAID Senior the women who take part in them, opening their Gender Coordinator, being specific and conscious minds to totally new ideas and possibilities. about the network’s mission and scope and mak- Your theory of change should guide you in decid- ing sure that they fit with its composition are very ing which kind of membership criteria will best important decisions. help you accomplishing your mission. You will Some networks, like the one developed by Vi- also need to decide if you want an all-women net- tal Voices Global Partnership, invest in a few, work or a mixed one. While female-only political high-potential women leaders because they networks are important and might be preferable already have the vision and connections to change for training, they might lack the breadth (inclu- their communities. Other networks, like the sion of diverse perspectives), connectivity (the Central and Eastern Europe Network for Gender capacity to link people and groups that wouldn’t Issues, empower large cohorts of women, many otherwise connect) and dynamism (ability to of whom will not necessarily start a political evolve as your goals evolve) that are so important career, as their aim is to foster long-term societal in the passage from a simple support network change around women, politics and power. Some to one that truly helps people advance in their networks involve women from similar regional, careers. In addition, when it comes to achiev- societal, professional, ideological and political ing policy change that tackles societal norms on backgrounds, as they will understand each other gender identity and roles, the inclusion of men, and strategize more easily for specific campaigns is key, as in the message of the #HeForShe Cam- or issues. Other networks convene women from paign. 61 | Annex II: Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit The Women in Public Service Project

Your membership criteria should provide clear ute (information, training, advice, responses to the following questions: mentorship, financial resources, in- kind donations, other)? • Who will your members be (demo- graphic, geographic composition)? • How are your membership criteria Will the network be open (unlimited linked to your theory of change and membership) or closed (restricted strategic planning? Do your member- number)? Will it include men? ship criteria reflect the breath, con- nectivity and dynamism you want to • Will members be required to contrib- have?

Who are your Allies and Opponents? 5 Build Strong Relationships. Once you have decided your membership and are being sidelined. For women from civil society, defined your strategy, it’s important you identi- it provides a channel to influence policies and fy and map your potential allies in government, promote lasting change. Women’s networks can political parties and civil society (including busi- play a vital role in facilitating a dialogue between ness networks); list the relationships you would women’s organizations and women policymakers. need to build to define a broad coalition with the Your mapping should enable you to respond to most important stakeholders you identified. Also, the following questions: try to identify what kind of resistance/opposition you will be facing and from whom, in order to • Who are your allies? What would you devise timely response strategies. like the network’s relationship with them to be (support, coalition, other)? Finally, remember that the relationship between women in politics and women’s civil society • Are there events where these different organizations and associations is a very important stakeholders meet? Can you leverage one: for female politicians, it keeps them connect- them to foster interest and member- ed with their female constituency, informs and ship to your network? grants legitimacy and public support to their pol- • From whom will you be facing oppo- icy-making, and supports their voices when they sition?

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What will you Do? 6 Define the Network’s Activities. Women’s political networks increase women’s In designing your activities, you should ask political participation and leadership through yourself: various activities, including: training and men- • Which activities will most effective- toring of female political aspirants; facilitating ly enable you to achieve your short, the discussion across sectors and among various medium and long term goals? Which stakeholders on important policy issues related to ones will you invest more time and gender equality; and advocacy to raise visibility resources on? for certain issues. • Why are you prioritizing this set of Your network’s activities can include some or all activities? of the above mentioned, or totally different ones. • Activities can also vary over time, in response to How do these activities link to your the changes in the political situation and as you mission and vision? modify your strategic plan. In all cases, however, your activities must be clearly linked to your theo- ry of change.

Who Decides? 7 Leadership and Decision-Making as Tools and Processes. In order to ensure a network’s sustainability When defining the leadership structure of the over time, it’s extremely important that there network, you will need to make sure that you be clear leadership structures, inclusive deci- have clear responses to the following questions: sion-making and transparent criteria for accessing • How will the leadership be chosen? positions of power. Also, because political partici- What terms of service or time limits pation is not only an outcome, but also a process, apply to the leadership? leadership changes provide foundational training opportunities for women who aim at engaging in • Who will be responsible for which a political career. tasks (including fundraising, commu- nication, political outreach, research Whether you rely on volunteers or salaried mem- and office administration)? bers, make sure you take into account and period- • ically evaluate their availability and their capacity When and where will decisions be to perform the required tasks. made? Will there be a necessary quorum? Will virtual presence be counted? How? How will decisions be made? Will you vote openly or confidentially on issues and leadership positions?

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How will you Sustain your Activities? 8 Draft your Budget. Adequate human and financial resources need ger and richer than you think! Also, consider a to be allocated, even for relatively small or results-based budgeting framework for your activ- virtual networks. List all the agencies, services ities—it offers a much more compelling argument and programs that might be available to support for donors! your work and reach out to them. If you receive Your budget should provide transparent an- international funding, you should encourage swers to the following questions: international donors to consider developing a holistic approach to supporting women’s networks • Who will work for your network part- through the political cycles, overcoming old prac- time/full time on a paid or voluntary tices of dividing funds into categories that do not basis? How much would the services reflect the continuous nature of political empow- provided voluntarily by your members cost you, if you had to pay for them? erment work (for example, separating legislation and election related funding). • Do you receive donations? From When preparing your budget, make sure to high- whom? How much? light the in-kind contributions you are receiving • What are your expenditures? How from members: you might realize (and be able to are your expenditures linked to your communicate) that your network is much stron- outcomes and outputs?

What do you Want to Say? 9 Develop your Communication and Fundraising Strategy. Define a simple, proactive and clear message Successful networks are also savvy in using digital explaining the reason to be part of your net- technologies to share information, publicize their work. You should try to find answers to the ques- work, launch advocacy campaigns, and build tion: “Why should I care?” from the perspective the skills of their members on defense strategies of the different audiences you will be addressing. against online harassment and threats. Once you Extremely important are the norms and poli- have a strong message, it will be easier for you to cies ruling the network’s external and internal use it to raise funds among potential allies, pro- communications. Internally, it’s important that grams and agencies you identified above. networks invest time and effort in in-person In order to build a successful communication meetings where relationships of trust, mentoring and fundraising strategy, you will need to re- and mutual validation are developed. External- spond to the following questions: ly, it’s key that they show unity: part of why the • Who are your audiences? How will Bancada Femenina in Uruguay was so successful you communicate with them (online, was because its leaders would only hold press in-person, etc.)? What is your individ- conferences together, giving an image of strength ualized “Why should I care?” message and cooperation. for each one of them? How will you Annex II: Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit | 64 Women’s Political Networks: Defining Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Fostering Change

publicize your successes? for which purpose? • Which technological tools (social • How will you defend your members media, website, etc.) will you be using from online harassment and threats?

How do you Define Success? 10 Outline a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Using the goals set in your strategic plan, you You want a monitoring and evaluation frame- will need to measure effectiveness on the basis of work that can help you respond as easily as the progress made towards your goals, taking into possible to the following set of questions: account timeframe and resources spent. Several • How do you define and measure success in manuals can help you in defining a monitoring the short, medium and long term? and evaluation framework that works for you, on the basis of your level of familiarity with evalua- • How often will you re-evaluate and adapt tions, your sophistication in data collection, etc. your strategy according to the results you have achieved? • Do you have quantitative and/or qualita- tive indicators to measure your success?

65 | Annex II: Designing Women’s Political Networks: A Ten-Step Toolkit The Women in Public Service Project

Further Resources: Manuals and Toolkits for Designing Women’s Networks

“How to Revive a Tired Network” Creating Mentor Networks in the OSCE Herminina Ibarra, Harvard Business Review Region: A Practical Roadmap Ibarra, H. (2015) How to Revive a Tired Network. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr. Europe (OSCE) org/2015/02/how-to-revive-a-tired-network. Organization for Security and Cooperation “How Leaders Create and Use Networks” in Europe (OSCE) (2015) Creating Mentor Herminina Ibarra and Mark Lee Hunter, Harvard Networks in the OSCE Region: A Practical Roadmap. Available at: http://www.osce.org/ Business Review secretariat/163006 Ibarra, H. and Hunter, M. (2007) How Leaders Create and Use Networks. Harvard Business Leadership 101 Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2007/01/how- The National Democratic Institute (NDI) leaders-create-and-use-networks. The National Democratic Institute (2010). Leadership 101. Available at: https://www.ndi.org/ Guidelines for Women’s Caucuses dcc-leadership101. Inter-Parliamentary Union Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) (2016) Tracking Impact: A Handbook for High Guidelines for women’s caucuses. Geneva. Available Quality Data Collection at: http://www.ipu.org/pdf/publications/caucus-e. Vital Voices Global Partnership pdf Vital Voices Global Partnership (2016). Tracking Toolkit: How to Build an Effective Social Impact: A Handbook for High Quality Data Collection. Available at: http://www.vitalvoices.org/ Network sites/default/files/uploads/HANDBOOK-FINAL- National Women’s Business Council SINGLE%2520PAGE-2-11.pdf National Women’s Business Council (2015). Toolkit: How to Build an Effective Social Network. Advocacy & Running for Office: A Training Available at: https://www.nwbc.gov/sites/default/ Manual for Women files/NWBC_ToolKit_508.pdf. Vital Voices Global Partnership Vital Voices Global Partnership (2009). Advocacy Gender Equality in Elected Office: A Six-Step & running for office: a training manual for Action Plan women. Washington, DC. Available at: https:// Pippa Norris and Mona Lena Krook, Organization www.vitalvoices.org/sites/default/files/uploads/ for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Advocacy%20Training%20Manual.pdf Norris, P. and Krook, M. (2010) Gender Equality in Elected Office: A Six-Step Action Plan, Harvard University and Washington University in St. Louis. Report commissioned for the Programme on Increased Participation of Women in Democratic Governance by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Available at: http://www.osce.org/odihr/78432

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