Evaluating the Effect of Increased Female Political Representation in Nepal

Overview

In 2017, gender quotas brought an unprecedented wave of women in Nepal's local elected offices. Researchers find that increased female representation may change local policy prioritization and increase women's leadership aspirations. However, men still tend to dominate in higher positions of power.

Key Insights

• While gender quotas led to historic advances in political representation for women in Nepal, key positions of power (e.g. ward chairs, party selection committees) are still male-dominated.
• Education disparities also persist; women representatives are less educated on average than their male counterparts. 
• Quotas may lead to increased focus on policy priorities favored by women, and may positively impact women’s leadership aspirations.