Representation of women in structures of state power (The case of Southern African region) Cover Image

Представительство женщин в органах власти (Опыт стран южноафриканского региона)
Representation of women in structures of state power (The case of Southern African region)

Author(s): Lyubov Yaroslavovna Prokopenko
Subject(s): Gender Studies
Published by: Ивановский государственный университет
Keywords: Russia; South Africa; Southern Africa countries; gender equality; «gender symmetry»; system of quotas; national mechanisms; female representation

Summary/Abstract: In the 2000ies the countries of Southern Africa made significant progress in establishing so-called «gender symmetry» due to the growing role of women in the political process. The modern concept of women and men equality in South African politics is actualized in practice through quota system to ensure female representation at elective offices. In the states of the Southern Africa women occupy an increasingly prominent place in the political elites. However, this tendency still has little effect on improvement of women’s socio-economic status and, consequently, on the development of society as a whole. There is a discrepancy between attitudes in politics and in law issues, between declarations and the realities of life which is a common trend in the development of the African continent as well as of many other societies in transition.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 40-50
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Russian