Policy Brief: Advancing Women’s Caucuses in Legislatures

Women’s caucuses are particularly useful for strengthening the voice of an under-heard constituency. They increase the confidence of female legislators, who often have less political experience than male colleagues, by providing a vehicle for mentoring new policymakers. Thus more broadly, women’s caucuses enhance democratic processes and strengthen legislatures. 

This policy brief is produced by the Institute of Inclusive Security and it is part of a series derived from a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda. More broadly, these briefs provide policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies. The Rwanda example illustrates how supporting women’s caucuses fosters good governance. This is an effective model for bringing women into government, enhancing a parliament’s attention to social issues, increasing legislators’ capacity to draft inclusive laws, and strengthening the legislative branch of government.

Click here to access the policy brief.