Local Governance -- A Chance for Women?

The author discusses the role of women in local governance based on the journal's five following articles, covering South Africa, Davao City (Philippines), Tanzania, Guatemala & Berlin. These areas have a number of empirical variables of social capital. What all have in common is the structure of a domineering presence that keeps women from the decision-making process & political power. For example, there is a three-fold structure of dominance, which excludes women in Guatemala: racism, a patriarchal society & poor education. How do women in these areas move from exclusion to inclusion? What bridges this gap? The author sheds light on some central issues: whether the network of women's organizations can substitute the local mobilization of women. How can women's networks become important instruments of power both politically & economically? Are women in exposed & decision-making positions able to find backing? For instance, men belonging to the left-wing party in Germany are ready to enforce new laws to help in this process. In each of the five articles, the authors approach this gender gap topic from a different perspective. References. S. Block