Abstract

Promoting women's equal involvement in government is crucial for the functioning of democracy and the
achievement of sustainable development and more equitable societies. Although efforts to address the
underrepresentation of women in leadership roles have achieved some success, progress has been slow and
inconsistent since 1995. Gender inequality continues to exist in terms of women's access to leadership positions at
the local, national, and executive levels of power. This persistence of gender disparity goes against various global,
regional, and national laws that grant women the right to equal political participation and representation as
citizens. Moreover, women encounter significant disparities within political parties, which act as the gatekeepers
to women's political opportunities and competitiveness. Consequently, the relationship between political change
and social change is intricate. Political transformation alone cannot be effective without a corresponding shift in
societal attitudes towards women. Conversely, achieving political change might be unattainable without first
achieving social change. Therefore, ensuring social change is a prerequisite for bringing about political change,
including achieving equal representation of women in formal governmental institutions.