The Changing Face of Africa’s Legislatures: Women and Quotas Aili Mari Tripp

What difference do quota’s make?

Types of quotas: Mandated by parties Mandated by constitution or legislation

International women’s movement

Pressured regional bodies African Union: 2003 Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa SADC: 1997 declaration ECOWAS: 1997 treaty

Sought one third representation in: East African Legislative Assembly ECOWAS West African Economic and Monetary Union

Sought at least 50% representation in African Union

Introduction of multipartyism

Growth of independent organizations with new agendas and leaders

Demise of women’s wings and mass organizations tied to ruling single-party or state Nana Rawlings December 31st Women’s Movement

New Organizations: Selected own leaders Had independent sources of funds Introduced new issues, e.g., domestic violence, rape, reproductive rights, media portrayals of women, sex education, politics

Green Belt Movement, Kenya

Members of Egi Women's Council in Erema, Egiland, Nigeria

Diffusion factor: Senegal 2000 parliamentary elections Symbolic appeals to women voters Creation of new state patronage networks

Increase in educational opportunities for girls and women

New donor funds

What difference have women made? Constitutional changes Legislative changes: land rights, inheritance, citizenship, property rights, domestic violence, rape