When women’s representation in the legislature affects policy

Government spending in education and healthcare increases when enough women enter the legislature

Researchers applied a machine-learning strategy to answer the question of how many women need to be in a legislature to affect policy decisions. The researchers looked at data from 149 countries from 2000-2016, focusing on the percentage of women in the legislature and government spending on the traditionally more female-associated areas of education and healthcare. The data showed that women’s representation is one of the most powerful predictors of government spending on education and healthcare, and that government expenditure changes when women reach a “critical mass” of 15-20% of the legislature, with increased spending in these areas flattening out after women reach 35-41% representation. These findings, which the researchers note may be affected by time and level of democracy, help us understand how increased women’s representation in government can change policy.

How electoral gender quotas influence policy

More than 130 countries today have constitutions, electoral laws, or party rules requiring women’s inclusion as candidates or legislators. Yet does increased entry of women into legislatures influence policy? This comprehensive review notes that, across countries, gender quotas lead to greater government policy attention to healthcare and poverty, reflecting women’s priorities. These changes are both because more women in the legislature enables them to collectively influence policy and also because the gender quotas act as a cue to legislatures of the need to act on women’s policy preferences. The review also notes that gender quotas are not as simple as “add women and stir” – the effectiveness of gender quotas may depend on how the quota systems are organized, the culture of the legislature, and the level of democracy. Overall, this research review supports the effectiveness of gender quotas on advancing women’s legislative priorities.

Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!