Women representation in Parliament in Sub-Saharan Africa: Case study of Rwanda and Kenya

• Published in: AURUM Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi 2019, Vol.4 (2), p.171-187
• Main Author: Ndinga, Prudence Laure
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aile & Sosyal Politikalar; Decision making; Feminism; Gender identity; Legislation; Parliaments; Political parties; Siyasal Bilimler; Society; Women
• ISSN: 2458-9896

The marginalization of women from political and economic activities has been a subject of debate and policy reforms across the world. In Africa, decades after most countries attained independence; women continue to face more obstacles in pursuing their political interests in a male-dominated field. This is partly due to the societal structures that alienated women from decision-making processes in favor of men. However, gradual changes in African societies such as improved access to education, globalization, the emergence of feminism and experiences such as conflicts in the continent have seen an improved representation of women in decisionmaking processes in the society. This paper, therefore, examines parliamentary women representations in Rwanda and Kenya through the historical development of women participation in parliament, the factors that facilitated these developments, the influence of women parliamentarians in legislation, and, the challenges that continue to deter women from effective representation and participation in parliamentary proceedings. This paper concludes that women parliamentarians play a significant role in good governance through their inputs in parliamentary legislation especially on pro-poor development and protection of vulnerable groups in the society.