Democracy as a Vehicle for Gender Equality

While democracy provides a foundation for gender equality, achieving true parity for women remains an ongoing struggle. Throughout history, democratic governance has provided a framework for advancing women’s rights, from securing the right to vote to shaping policies that promote gender equity. The passage of the 19th Amendment in the United States in 1920 and the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1979 are just two examples of how democracy has enabled legal and political reforms for gender equality. Democracies that uphold the rule of law and protect human rights create space for women to engage in political, economic, and social spheres on an equal footing.

One of the most transformative effects of democracy has been the expansion of women’s political participation. Women’s suffrage movements provided platforms for reforms to enhance  equal representation, which has led to greater access to decision-making institutions worldwide. Today there are no countries that formally discriminate between men and women regarding the right to vote, a stark contrast to just a century ago. However, in some democracies, these rights exist more on paper than in practice, as legal, cultural, and systemic barriers continue to limit women’s full participation in the electoral process. In regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, structural obstacles often prevent women from exercising their voting rights freely, demonstrating that formal legal guarantees do not always translate into equitable political engagement.

Beyond voting, democracy has enabled legal reforms that protect women from discrimination, domestic violence, and unequal pay, such as with the Istanbul Convention which aims to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. However, despite these gains, women still face systemic barriers to political and economic participation. Structural inequalities, gender-based violence, and cultural biases present challenges that even democratic systems must continually address, limiting the full realization of democratic ideals. 

Women’s rights are closely tied to democratic principles because democracy relies on representation, accountability, and inclusivity. The presence of women in democratic institutions ensures that policies reflect the needs and interests of a broader population. When democracies actively prioritize gender equality, they tend to have stronger economic performance, more stable governance, and lower levels of corruption. The World Bank claims that governments with more women in positions of power often exhibit lower corruption levels, attributing this to the disruption of traditional patronage networks and the promotion of more transparent governance. Research also suggests that increased female representation in politics is often associated with higher social spending on education and healthcare, which is beneficial to societies in general.

The Global Democracy Coalition (GDC) works to ensure democracy remains a force for equality by partnering with organizations that advocate for policies that eliminate barriers to women’s participation. Through partnerships with organizations that focus on gender and governance, the GDC champions inclusive institutions that reflect the diversity of society. For instance, “The Thank You Democracy Podcast” showcases inspiring stories but also serves as a platform for advocacy, reaching diverse audiences with powerful messages on gender equality in politics. In an episode featuring Jokate Mwegelo and Elena Motta, they share their experiences as women in politics, discussing the barriers they have faced, including political violence, and providing insights on how institutions can become more inclusive.

In addition to policy advocacy and storytelling, the GDC and its partners use social media to highlight the work of women in democracy. The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA), for instance, uses digital platforms to provide visibility to women journalists and leaders in Somalia, advocating for gender equality in media and governance. Their efforts help amplify women’s voices and push for more representation in decision-making processes.

Our host, International IDEA, also maintains a commitment to gender equality that extends beyond dialogue facilitation; it actively works to ensure that women’s participation in democracy is meaningful and transformative. Through initiatives like Peru Conversa, International IDEA has created spaces for women to engage in political discussions and decision-making processes, addressing structural barriers that limit their influence. By adapting dialogue formats to accommodate women’s responsibilities, ensuring the representation of women’s organizations, and promoting leadership training, International IDEA fosters a more inclusive democratic culture. These efforts not only amplify women’s voices but also contribute to rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, ensuring that women are not just participants but key architects of democratic renewal. 

Despite these successes, challenges remain—not only in political spaces but also in corporate and governmental institutions worldwide. Recent rollbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the United States government and corporate sector have had a ripple effect on democratic principles such as inclusivity and representation. One example of this would include several U.S. universities, particularly in Southern states, who have scaled back their affirmative action programs, which were initially designed to promote racial and gender equality in college admissions. Critics argue that such changes threaten the progress made toward inclusivity and undermine the democratic principles of equal representation and opportunity.

These rollbacks send a concerning signal globally. The U.S., historically a leader in democratic values and human rights advocacy, has a significant influence on policies and corporate norms worldwide. When American institutions scale back gender-focused DEI commitments, similar trends can be observed in other democracies. For women in politics, governance, and business, these setbacks can lead to fewer opportunities for advancement, weakened support structures, and the reinforcement of existing barriers. International advocacy groups, such as Equality Now and UN Women, have expressed concerns that these policy shifts could embolden governments in regions with already fragile gender protections to roll back women’s rights further. They warn that such reversals may undermine progress in gender equality and democratic representation, though the effects are likely to unfold over time rather than as a direct consequence.

Addressing this crisis requires continued advocacy, international cooperation, and unwavering support for gender inclusion policies. Civil society organizations, global institutions, and democratic coalitions must push back against these rollbacks by reinforcing commitments to frameworks such as CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). These organizations, institutions, and coalitions holding corporations and governments accountable to these established standards will be key to sustaining progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Gender-based violence against women in politics is a growing issue, with female politicians worldwide facing threats, harassment, and even assassination attempts. A 2016 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) survey revealed that 82% of women parliamentarians had experienced psychological violence, including sexist remarks, threats, or harassment. This hostile environment not only discourages women from entering politics but also reflects broader systemic barriers that extend beyond the political sphere. 

Moving forward, democracy must continue evolving to be more inclusive. Governments must implement legal frameworks protecting women’s rights, and support education initiatives that empower young girls. Civil society organizations will keep playing a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring gender equality becomes a priority in policy discussions.

On International Women’s Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to strengthening democratic institutions so they can serve as vehicles for true gender equality. A democracy that includes women—through equal political representation, legal protections, and economic opportunities—is a democracy that thrives. Advancing gender equity, ensuring women’s leadership in politics, and holding institutions accountable for inclusivity are not just aspirations—they are necessities for a just and representative democracy. The fight for gender equality isn’t over until it’s won. And when it’s won…..you need to keep fighting to maintain it. This International Women’s Day, let’s push forward together.

Published 13 March 2025

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