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]