Structural Challenges to Women’s Political Representation: The Cases of Lebanon and Tunisia

Abstract

Women’s severe underrepresentation in the political systems of numerous countries in the Middle East and North Africa is the result of many challenges that exist at different levels. These challenges do not only affect the underrepresentation in terms of numbers but also have a major impact on the ability to have meaningful representation of women in politics. Therefore, this thesis aims at addressing the following question: How can the patriarchal structures, social and political practices, and power dynamics limit or even prevent the existence of meaningful representation of women in Lebanese and Tunisian politics? Experiences of Lebanese and Tunisian women politicians and views of experts on the two cases are analyzed in order to address the main question of the study. Additionally, the relations between obstacles that women face as they try to assume political positions on the one hand, and the existing patriarchal structures in both Lebanon and Tunisia, on the other hand, will be examined. Studying such relations will demonstrate how social, cultural, and systemic factors influence each other solidifying the barriers with which women have to deal. Lastly, the benefits of gender quotas will be analyzed and presented, and the efficiency of existing mechanisms, such as women’s empowerment programs, will be questioned.