The international norm of gender-sensitive parliaments in times of democratic backsliding and anti-gender actors

Over recent decades, international organizations have promoted the international norm of gender-sensitive parliaments (GSPs) to strengthen democratic quality by addressing inequalities in political representation and participation, policy-making, and parliaments as workplaces. Yet, many democracies face growing polarization around and opposition to gender equality and LGBTIQ+ rights, raising questions about how such a norm can be effectively implemented. Drawing on selected cases, the speaker examines how the GSP norm is and could be interpreted and contested, focusing on tensions around equality and inclusion, political and administrative neutrality claims, and institutional and party pressures, highlighting both prospects and challenges for more inclusive democratic parliaments.

Petra Ahrens | Tampere University

March 17, 10.00 AM, Aula Pollaiolo, Palazzo Strozzi, Firenze:
The international norm of gender-sensitive parliaments in times of democratic backsliding and anti-gender actors

March 20, 10.00 AM, Sala del Consiglio, Palazzo Vegni, Firenze:
Informal Q&A sessions with PhD researchers focusing on qualitative research methods and academic publishing and editorial practices
IMG Leonid Andronov by Canva Pro