Parliaments as Gendered Workplaces

Women’s gradual entry into politics was one of the most significant changes to parliamentary democracy in the twentieth century, revealing challenges not only faced by women parliamentarians themselves, but also inherent in the concept of representative democracy. By applying a new lens to the study of parliaments—that of ‘gendered workplaces’—feminist political scientists have uncovered historic, institutionalised discriminatory practices against women (and men). A 2011 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) global report on ‘gender-sensitive’ parliaments has had widespread policy impact, with international standard-setting organisations producing guidelines to assist parliaments reflect on their institutional effectiveness and inclusivity. In response, parliaments have instituted a range of gender-sensitive changes to institutional procedures and practices, particularly aimed at improving workplace culture.