Enhancing the substantive representation of women: Lessons from transitions to democracy

This article considers how far the substantive representation of women has been enhanced during democratisation. It contrasts some third wave transitions from state socialism in Eastern Europe and authoritarianism in Latin America and South Africa. It assesses when women actors, both inside and outside the conventional political arena, could articulate gender issues, place them on the political agenda and then translate them into positive gender outcomes - either 'gender friendly' policy or institutions - during transitions. It argues that key actors, often feminists, and active within women's movements and different political institutions (for example women's policy agencies), are significant; but that the wider political context plays a key role.