In many countries,
political parties have established women’s wings or branches to advance their
political participation. Among other functions, these platforms can advocate
within the party on issues of particular concern for women constituents and
women party members; influence the party’s policy positions; promote women’s
leadership at all levels within the party; lobby for and oversee gender
policies; and mobilize women voters and support for the party and its
candidates during elections.[1]
The relation of women’s
wings to the party’s power structure varies on each case and is frequently
addressed in the wing’s by-laws and party regulations. In some cases, women’s
wings are represented in party leadership structures and decision-making
platforms, such as executive committees and party conventions. Also, a certain
degree of autonomy from party leadership can be desirable, to make sure women’s
wings are free to raise issues that may be controversial at the beginning or
that may make male leadership feel uncomfortable.[2]
Women’s wings require adequate funding and resources to be effective, as well
as a well-established membership base. Consequently, adopting efficient
fundraising and recruitment strategies can contribute significantly to their
success.[3]
Example: In Cambodia, Sam Rainsy Party’s (SRP) women’s wing lobbied
for the adoption of internal quotas for women in governing boards, provided
training for women candidates and conducted civic education and voter outreach.[4]
Example: In Mexico, the women’s wing of the National Action Party
(PAN) became an effective platform for promoting women’s leadership positions.
Its members advocated for increasing the pool of women candidates during
elections. Also, draft policy documents are often reviewed from a
gender-perspective by the women’s branch of the party.[5]
Example: In Serbia, the G17 Plus’ women’s wing is recognized as a
formal structure of the party. It has advocated for increasing the number of
women candidates and placing them in winnable positions of the candidate list.
It has also sought funding for trainings for women candidates and activists.[6]
Example: In the United Kingdom, the women’s wing of the Conservative
Party, known as the Conservative Women’s Organisation (CWO), hosts annual
fundraising dinners and solicits donations from party supporters. Because of
its effective fundraising strategy, it is fully self-funded. The CWO seeks to
“help the Conservative Party capture the women’s vote” by campaigning around
issues that are of particular concern to women voters.[7]
Example: Ireland’s Labour Party requires all women party members to
join the women’s wing. This can help create a unified voice that allows the
wing to speak from a stronger position. On the other hand, as a result of its
membership policy, the wing has members who might not necessarily be interested
or involved in advancing women’s participation and leadership.[8]
[3] iKNOW Politics (2007):
“Consolidated response on Establishing Women’s Party Sections.”
[4] UNDP and NDI (2012): op.
cit. p.63.
[5] UNDP and NDI (2012): op.
cit., p. 85.
[6] UNDP and NDI (2012): op.
cit., p. 99.
[8] NDI: “Political Party
Women’s Wing Factsheet ”, op. cit.
