Feminization of Romanian Politics – A Desideratum?

Abstract

Women’s battle for political rights was fierce and it has taken place for the past two centuries. Despite the efforts made by the feminist movements and even by politicians, the battle towards an effective exercise of these rights continues. Although the representation of women in politics is a complex topic, delicate and comprehensive, in our research we only focused on an analysis of European and national parliamentary elections that took place over the 25 years of post-revolutionary elections. The evolution of women’s representation in the two legislative bodies (the national one and the European one) showed us that the steps that have been made are still very few, manifesting themselves more as intentions rather than as a political and legal reality. The causes are multiple, solutions exist, nevertheless political will is what is required. And how to transform political will into an increased representation of women in politics, since still men are those who express themselves (as they form a majority in decision-making forums)?

Keywords

• the battle towards an effective exercise of these rights continues. Although the representation of women in politics is a complex topic
• delicate and comprehensive
• in our research we only focused on an analysis of European and national parliamentary elections that took place over the 25 years of post-revolutionary elections. The evolution of women’s representation in the two legislative bodies (the national one and the European one) showed us that the steps that have been made are still very few
• manifesting themselves more as intentions rather than as a political and legal reality. The causes are multiple
• solutions exist
• nevertheless political will is what is required. And how to transform political will into an increased representation of women in politics
• Gender equality
• discrimination
• women
• representation
• elections
• political parties