11 Benefits of Women in Politics & Why They Matter

Gender equality in politics is highly unbalanced. Even though women represent half of the world’s population, there are still ONLY SIX countries in the world that have 50% or more women in their parliament and these are the latest figures for 2024.

The presence of women in politics is key for balanced and successful societies. Governmental institutions are responsible for understanding the needs of their citizens. This includes women and men citizens. The presence of women in politics is a way to provide gender-responsive solutions.

This article gives an overview of the benefits of gender equality and women in politics.

1. Inclusion and Diversity 

One of the benefits of women in politics is bringing uniqueness and diversity to the table. The presence of women legislators in the decision and policy-making process leads to inclusive policies.

Gender equal participation of women and men in government reflects diversity. This leads to gender-responsive solutions. Hence, the inclusion of women gives a deeper understanding of the social and cultural problems that address the needs of all citizens. 

2. Prosperous Societies

Research indicates that the presence of women in politics leads to prosperous societies. Moreover, equal representation of women in politics and governance is a sign of peaceful and sustainable societies. 

Women are the primary caretakers of children and sick and elderly people around the world. Hence, the presence of women in governance reflects the needs of these people. Women legislators tend to highlight associated issues that result in gender-equal welfare laws and policies.

3. Poverty Reduction

Women lawmakers understand the barriers that hinder women’s social and economic progress. Therefore, they focus on making policies and laws that reduce structural and organizational barriers for women.

When women get legal and financial support in terms of getting loans, opening bank accounts, signing agreements, getting jobs, and lending assets they are likely to be involved in economic activities. This process improves their financial status and reduces the level of poverty.

4. Better Education and Health

The presence of women in politics is beneficial to promote equality in education and health. Research shows that in countries where women come into power education and health care become their priorities. 

The presence of women leaders in government is associated with lower mortality rates and levels of infant and child death. Along with this, their presence improves female education and child health and has a positive impact on sanitation and hygiene facilities.

5. Improved Trust and Accountability 

The representation of women in politics and governance enhances the quality of democracy. Gender equality gives institutions a greater democratic legitimacy.

The inclusion of women leaders increases diversity and improves the representation of citizens. Women citizens especially depict more trust in the government. This process enhances the overall level of trust in the government structure.

6. Expanding the Scope of Government

The inclusion of women political leaders in politics and government expanded the realm of government. Issues that were previously considered beyond the scope of government are brought into legislation because of women’s political leaders. 

For example, women politicians are the reason for legislation on domestic violence, female genital mutilation, childcare, and maternity policies in different countries. Introduction and law-making on such topics altered the status quo and expanded the horizon of government. What previously was seen as private is considered the responsibility of the state and government.

7. From Gender Neutral to Gender-Responsive

Another benefit of women in politics is developing gender-responsive policies. Earlier policies and legislations were generalized and this generalization was dominated by men. It means that the policies were developed gender-neutral by considering men as a measure of standard. Hence, gender disparity in policy-making resulted in health and safety risks for girls and women. 

The existence of women in politics and governance has changed the perception of how policies were previously seen as gender-neutral. Women leaders focused on the gendered impact of policies. Their presence broadens the understanding of legislation and pushes for gender-responsive policies.

8. Peace and Support Human Rights

States with more women in politics and governance are more democratic with no involvement in war. These states are also more supportive of human rights and spend less on the military. 

Greater female representation in legislation-making is positively related to longer peace and reduced conflicts. When states are less involved in wars they are likely to spend more money on the social and economic development of their citizens. 

Hence, gender equality in governance fosters human development and promotes peace and human rights. 

9. Lowers the Corruption Levels

There are different types of corruption. It ranges from small to large and from petty crimes to collusion. Studies show that a high level of female representation in public institutions is associated with low levels of corruption and vice-versa. 

The presence of women politicians positively affects all levels of government. From local councils to parliamentary levels, women legislators are less corrupt. Despite individual corruption, greater representation of women legislators in parliaments overall decreases the level of corruption.

10. Standing for Women’s Rights

Women in politics and governance are essential for promoting gender equality and protecting women’s rights. Women in leadership roles are in a position to support policies that highlight and address gender-based social and economic disparities. 

Additionally, the inclusion of women in governance helps to create laws that foster equal social, legal, and economic opportunities. Promoting gender equality and freedom is a way to achieve economic development and prosperous societies. 

11. Promoting Women’s Empowerment

Women who become part of the government serve as a symbol of power and empowerment. When women join politics and hold leadership positions they break stereotypes and set examples for everyone. Their presence in governance inspires future generations. 

On one hand, they influence young girls and women to challenge gender stereotypical gender norms. On the other hand, they change the mindset and attitudes of young boys and men.  

Concluding Remarks

States and societies can avail a number of benefits from the presence of women in politics. It can lead to increased awareness and expansion of what women see as their rights and government obligations.