Exploring mechanisms to improve female parliamentarians’ participation in decision-making: Case study of Namibian National Assembly
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Date
2024
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The study aimed to explore mechanisms to improve female parliamentarians’
participation in decision-making, propose way to assist female parliamentarians to
effectively participate in substantive decision-making and explore measures that can
facilitate women’s active role in participating in legislative processes. The study
employed a qualitative research approach using a case study design. This research
design provided a contextual, in-depth information on the why and how questions that
could provide great insights and was useful for understanding mechanisms in place to
assist female parliamentarians to effectively participate in substantive decision making. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data for the study. The
data was analysed using thematic data method, which was accomplished by searching
a data set for repeated patterns, analysing them, and reporting them using themes. The
study findings revealed that there some mechanisms in place (such as: as framework
laws, governmental programs, national action plans, and the establishment of gender
equality committees) to improve female parliamentarians’ participation in decision making. However, despite these mechanisms, female parliamentarians continue to face
obstacles when attempting to table, defend, and pass motions in parliament. The
obstacles identified include lack of confidence, language barriers (low level of fluency
in official language), lack of exposure to national and international debates, and party
structures (how members are ranked in the party). The study therefore concluded that
the system needs to ensure that female parliamentarians are on party lists. Female
parliamentarians require a strong women's movement as well as collaboration between
civil society organisations and political parties, to advocate for women. The study also
suggests that female parliamentarians be exposed to exchange visits in order to learn
from other female legislators. A critical recommendation is for female
parliamentarians to avoid political affiliation as a ground rule for opposing female
ideas or motions, and political party rules/agenda should not interfere with a country's
national platform to solve national issues
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in development studies
Keywords
Female parliamentarians, Parliamentary decision-making, Motions, Table, Defend and put through, Mechanisms, Women’s political participation and representation