Understanding Structural Factors in Women’s Political Participation

Abstract This study explores how system/structural factors influence the political participation of women at the local level in Ethiopia using two districts in the Amhara region as a case study. The research employs Recruitment theory as a theoretical framework and examines the role of systemic/structural factors and their influence on the political participation of women in local administrations. It uses a qualitative approach to explore how the factors enable or constrain women’s involvement in local governance. Diverse perspectives from female local council members, governmental institutions, and other stakeholders were included using key informant interviews, document analysis, and observation. The findings demonstrate that the electoral system, party system, quota system, and affirmative action have affected women’s political engagement in a different level in the two local governments.