Women's Representation in Politics: The Key to Equality on the Path to Democracy

The concept of women’s representation refers to the active participation of women in leadership roles, decision-making processes, and the acquisition of authority in political life. Increasing women’s participation in politics is of great importance for achieving gender equality and upholding democratic values.

Social Importance of Women’s Representation in Politics

Women’s representation in politics plays a critical role in the protection and advocacy of women’s rights. Ensuring that women have a voice on issues affecting them and participate in policy-making processes is essential for addressing their specific needs and aspirations. This process constitutes a progressive step toward enabling women to live on equal and just terms with other segments of society.

Women’s Representation in International Politics

The participation or lack thereof of women in international politics and decision-making mechanisms points to structural issues within these societies and the functioning of international relations. The inadequate and insufficient representation of women in both international and national politics and decision-making bodies carries meaning beyond mere numerical underrepresentation. The concerns and priorities of women must be addressed not only by men but also by women themselves, in both public and private spheres.

Why Should Women Be in Politics?

Women in politics are essential for achieving gender equality and for the economic, social, and political development of society. Countries that promote and support gender equality tend to have higher standards of living. Women’s participation in governance leads to the development of local and national policies that address the socioeconomic and political challenges faced by women, their families, and disadvantaged groups. Without women in politics, women cannot participate equally in the workforce; development cannot occur, and a society based on prosperity cannot be built. Female politicians are transforming the scope of politics by enacting legislation on issues previously considered outside government purview—such as domestic violence—and by broadening perspectives across other policy areas. To achieve sustainable development goals and build strong, enduring democracies, women’s participation in politics must be encouraged, and those already in political office must be supported.

Academic Debates on Women’s Representation and Types of Representation

The literature examining the relationship between democracy and women has been primarily produced by feminist researchers and academics. This field particularly focuses on the qualitative and quantitative representation of women.

Representation of the first type is referred to as quantitative representation; representation of the second type is called qualitative representation. Qualitative representation concerns what elected women do for women.

Key questions include:

Why is the representation of women in parliaments so low?

What are the barriers facing women in this field?

How can women gain representational power?

How do elected women serve women and women’s issues?

International Findings and Systemic Approaches to Women’s Representation

The literature on women and politics has largely drawn conclusions based on studies of developed Western European countries. The main findings are as follows:

Democracies offer greater opportunities for women’s access to political mechanisms.

Political institutions are generally dominated by a masculine language and perspective.

The proportion of women in parliaments worldwide averages 20.9 percent.

An increase in quantitative representation contributes to the quality of democracies.

Research shows that women’s interests and gender equality are more frequently championed by women themselves in politics (with exceptions).

Policies to Enhance Representation: Gender Quotas

The most significant finding regarding systems is the use of gender quotas. More than 100 countries, including many Muslim-majority nations, currently implement various forms of gender quotas. The most effective quota system is voluntary candidate quotas adopted by political parties. In some countries, particularly in South Asia, reserved seats exist. In Türkiye, the first political party to implement a quota was the SHP in 1993. In 1999, HADEP adopted a 25 percent quota, raising it to 40 percent in 2001. Quotas are an ideal method for balancing inequality in countries where disparities are deep.

Factors Influencing Women’s Representation

Conditions that increase quantitative representation include:

The adoption of proportional representation or mixed electoral systems.

The existence of large electoral districts.

High levels of women’s education and labor force participation.

The effective functioning of women’s ministries and state institutions.

A competitive political environment supported by female voters.

Factors that reduce representation include:

Centralized party structures.

High levels of religiosity in society.

Party ideology (left-wing parties tend to support women’s participation more strongly).

Moreover, higher proportions of women in parliaments and political parties positively influence the number of women in political decision-making mechanisms in subsequent elections.

Women’s Representation in Türkiye: Current Status

Following the most recent elections, the proportion of women in Türkiye’s parliament has risen to 17 percent. Although there have been some increases in women’s representation in local administrations since the 2009 local elections, overall figures remain very low.

Total number of female mayors: 24

Number of provinces with female mayors: 2

Number of towns with female mayors: 14

Total number of members in Provincial General Assemblies: 3,379

Number of male members: 3,269

Number of female members: 110

Number of presidents of Provincial General Assemblies: 2