Policy Brief
Designing Programs to Increase Women’s Participation in Local Government
Devolving authority from central to local government offers a critical opportunity to ensure wider representation and improve post-conflict democracy. When elected, female officials in particular can enhance the legitimacy of local government, improve service delivery, and facilitate communication with the local population. Yet too often women are not given the information, training, and support necessary […]
Policy Brief
Fostering Citizen Participation in the Development of Legislation
Participatory processes are critical to improving governance in post-conflict countries. Involving the public in creating legislation increases a government’s legitimacy and the likelihood that nascent democracies remain stable and continue to develop. Yet post-conflict societies, especially those unaccustomed to democracy, require extra support to open legislative and other policymaking processes. Part of a series that […]
Policy Brief
Advancing Women in Legislatures
Caucuses are important for bringing together legislators outside the confines of political parties. Women’s caucuses are particularly useful for strengthening the voice of an under-heard constituency, increasing the confidence of female legislators (who often have less experience than their male counterparts), and providing a vehicle for mentoring new policymakers. Part of a series that builds […]
Policy Brief
Promoting Children’s Welfare: Legislative Strategies
Children are often the segment of the population most affected by poverty, food insecurity, and the lack of health and social services that characterize post-conflict countries. Women’s leadership, however, can improve children’s lives. When women achieve a critical mass in legislatures and local government, they prioritize investment in children’s welfare. Part of a series that […]
Research
Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda’s Transition
Nine years after the end of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda still faces challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and HIV/AIDS. However, the country has made strides toward establishing a democratic society. Having made several important contributions to their country’s political system, women are at the forefront of post-genocide Rwandan public life. They are present in government […]
