Political Parties’ Positions on Women Quota in the Lebanese Parliament: Lessons from the Iraqi and Algerian Cases

Abstract

The persistent underrepresentation of women in Lebanese politics has spurred discussions on women quota as a potential solution. This thesis examines the positions of Lebanese political parties on the adoption of women quota in parliament through five political parties taken as case studies and interviews with political and civil society actors. Also, this thesis followed a comparative approach with two Arab countries that have adopted women quota to analyze what lessons Lebanon can take from the experience of these two countries. Key themes emerging from the interviews include the influence of lobbying, the effectiveness of quotas in a patriarchal context, the need for women to expand their focus beyond issues of women and children, and the enriching experience of working within a political party structure. The comparison with the two Arab countries highlights the importance of bottom-up mobilization and the role of women’s organizations. The findings emphasize the necessity of uniting efforts between women in political parties and external women’s organizations and gender activists to create a comprehensive, sustainable approach to enhancing women’s participation in the Lebanese parliament.