parliamentary representation of women mainly rests with the major parties. Unfortunately, the parties have shown little inclination to fulfill this change.
Gender, power and politics: global debates about quotas and women’s political empowerment Bangladesh’s recent innovations with gender quotas in the Upazila system is part of a wider global move towards using quotas to kick-start processes of women’s political empowerment by increasing accountability to women through the creation of a critical mass of women political representatives. The central argument behind the promotion of women’s political participation through quotas is that ‘stronger political participation leads to better representation and accountability, and gradually to a transformation and deepening of democratic politics’ (UNIFEM 2008: 18; see figure 1).
The cycle of political accountability Legislation and policy Representation Mobilization Transforming politics Implementation Source: UNIFEM 2008 For the present study, we are interested in how gender, power and politics shape women’s political effectiveness and so increase accountability to women at the local. This could include by: Mobilizing public opinion to secure a mandate for actions that promote gender equity through policy and implementation changes. For example, through establishing regular, sustained and institutionalized contact with local women that enables women UZP representatives to ensure women’s voice is routinely heard at the Upazila Parishad level establishing locally relevant standards for the implementation of policies of relevance to the promotion of gender equity. For example, through ensuring that women’s concerns about infrastructure projects or beneficiary selection procedures are systematically aired in UZP meetings, or that women are involved in setting standards through citizens’ charters for the provision of health, education and social protection services Monitoring local services that matter to women and gender equity. For example by ensuring women are made aware of and involved in audits of local budgets and spending plans, in beneficiary selection procedures and reviews of final lists for the VGD, VGF, widows’ and old age allowance, stipend or school feeding schemes