Women’s Political Representation: A Comparative Analysis of Tunisia and Lebanon

Atallah Megan (2022) Women’s Political Representation: A Comparative Analysis of Tunisia and Lebanon. Faculty of International Management and Business.

[thumbnail of Megan Atallah Thesis updated version (1).pdf] PDF
Megan Atallah Thesis updated version (1).pdf
Hozzáférés joga: Available at the computers of the University

Download (782kB)

Abstract

Historically, women have always been underrepresented in most levels of political power, including in one of the highest bodies: parliament. Over the past quarter century, however, the average share of women in parliamentary assemblies has increased in every region of the world. Nevertheless, the numbers in the Arab World are still relatively low with significant variations between a country and another. It is not possible to move towards democracy in a society by recreating mindsets, practices and behaviors that are neither recognized nor based on the principles of gender equality and gender justice, particularly when democracy should be participatory and inclusive. In the Arab world, women are still looked at as a minority instead of being recognized as equal and half of the society. This study therefore intends to examine and reveal the situation of women interested in public matters and to analyze the manifestations of their parliamentary participation in the two following distinct cultures, the Republic of Tunisia, and the Republic of Lebanon. This study aims as well to identify the most prominent challenges that stand in the way of women's effective participation in politics in these two countries. The importance of this study lies in trying to discuss a prominent issue that has been a priority worldwide, the center of public opinion and the trigger of controversy for decades. The research questions addressed in this study revolve around the role that women can play in the democratization process, with a comparative view between two societal environments that differ politically and specifically in the proportions of women on the political scene. Here are the research questions: What are the manifestations of Tunisian and Lebanese women's political participation? What are the various aspects of women's contribution to democratization in both environments? What is the challenge, facing women in both countries, in terms of a more effective participation in politics in particular? The study highlights the participation of women in politics before and after the revolutions, addressing the participation of women in elected governments, and analyzing the role of women during the popular Arab Spring and 219 Lebanese revolution. We have noted at the end of the study that the two countries and their respective political systems share the same issue of the serious lack of legal, political and socio-cultural avenues to advance women's political participation and operationalize their role in decision-making positions and public administration. A great effort must be made to lead the Arab States to devote full equality between men and women in the family and to ensure that the political reforms to be implemented take into account women’s rights and their access to citizenship. Democracies cannot be achieved without the recognition and respect of human rights, including the rights of women.

Institution

Budapest Business University

Kar

Faculty of International Management and Business

Department

Nemzetközi Kapcsolatok Tanszék

Tudományterület/tudományág

UNSPECIFIED

Szak

Nemzetközi Tanulmányok

Item Type: Thesis (UNSPECIFIED)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Elections, Gender equality, Lebanon, Tunisia, Women rights
SWORD Depositor: Archive User
Depositing User: Archive User
Date Deposited: 2022. Oct. 11. 09:48
Last Modified: 2022. Oct. 12. 08:33

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item