The Main Factors of Quota System - Coursework Example

Quota system Introduction The representation of women in parliament has been going on at a very slow pace, therefore, the need for alternative ways to increase their representation at a much faster pace has been adopted; this can be achieved through the use of quotas. Use of quota provides an efficient way to increase women representation in parliament due to the ease with which it achieves its goals; however, it also has its weaknesses, which may make it not meet its intended objectives. This report will discuss whether quotas are necessary and desirable means of increasing women’s representation in a third world country (Kenya); it will look at the pros and cons of quota system and then put it in the context of the selected country. The quota system is aimed at increasing the number of women who are involved in active politics to a significant minimum; say 30 or 40 per cent. This system does not apply to only elective positions but also appointive positions such as members of committees and boards. The use of this system in political representation therefore constitutes all fields in politics (Kiplagat, 2008, p.52-78). Advantages and disadvantages of quota system in increasing women representation in politics. Advantages The quota system does not discriminate but help women overcome the barrier that prevent them from engaging in active politics. Women entry into politics is faced with several challenges such as the perception that the society has towards them, their lack of aggressiveness that is required in politics among other barriers. The introduction of quota system, which sets aside a certain percentage of political positions for women, eliminates all the barriers that women face in competing with men; therefore, providing women with an opportunity to compete among themselves equally. In Kenya, the positions of women representative from all the 47 counties derive their legitimacy from the constitution; these positions are only open to women candidates (AfriMAP, OSIEA & OSMP, nd, 3). In addition, the constitution also provides for nomination of women and other marginalised groups into the national and the county assemblies (Mutunga & Mazrui, 2004, p. 308-417). The right to equal representation of women in politics is no different from that of men and the quota system helps in achieving that equal representation. Most of the representatives in the political arena are usually men; therefore, most of the issues that they discuss are likely to favour men, which deny women the chance to air their opinions in legislation. The quota system has increased the number of women in political seats and consequently increased their bargaining power, which has ensured issues that affect them are effectively addressed. In Kenya, the number of women in the political arena has increased due to the quota system, which is enshrined in the constitution, and as a result, more bills and laws that address issues facing women have been brought in parliament and some have been passed. For instance, bills regarding female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual assault have been brought to the parliament by women. Quota system has also led to increase in the number of women in the parliamentary committees in the national and county assemblies; this has reduced the stress that the few women had in parliament due to domination by their male colleagues. Before the quota system was introduce in political representation, the female representatives in the committees or in the assembly had to endure domination by the male members of parliament, however, after the introduction of quota system which increased the number of women parliamentarians, women are more willing to contribute in parliamentary debates and in committees since they have the support of other female members. This is the case in the Kenyan political arena where female members of parliament are vocal than any other time in the history of the country. This can be attributed to the support that other female members give them. Despite women being in possession of the same qualification as men in various fields, they are usually downplayed in the political arena. The society has always viewed women as weaker beings who do not have the necessary skills to compete with men; therefore, even if a woman has the same qualifications with a man, she is viewed as lacking in some aspect, which leads to them being looked down upon. The quota system has helped reduce this notion by giving women a chance to compete on the same platform with men. In Kenya, the quota system has given the public the opportunity to be served by women members of parliament, some of whom have performed better than their male counterparts (Yeats & Alexander, 1999, p.30-58). The use of quota system to increase representation of women in the political arena has a ripple effect to other sectors of the economy. An increase in the number of women in parliaments has also led to increase in the number of women occupying top positions in government and in the private sector, the reason behind this cannot be fully ascertained as no adequate research has been done in that field. However, it is believed that the changes that women have brought into the political arena have shown that women are capable of performing at par with men. In Kenya, the trend is no different as women have been entrusted with very crucial roles in government, for instance, the cabinet secretaries for defence and foreign affairs are women. The late professor Wangari Maathai who went ahead to win the Nobel peace prize for her efforts in environmental conservation is a product of the political system that allowed more women in parliament. Disadvantages One of the disadvantages of the quota system is that it is against the principle of equal opportunity since it gives women preference over men in occupying political seats. Since the quota system is aimed at ensuring the number of women in parliament is increased, easier conditions are put for women to join politics such as setting special seats for women in parliament. This is against the principle of equal opportunity, which requires everyone to be given an equal opportunity for them to compete effectively. Secondly, the opponents of quota system in political representation argue that women who are elected or appointed to political seats through this process are elected because of their gender and not because of the qualifications that they possess. Therefore, this system as makes more qualified candidates not to be put in political seats because their gender which has the effect that the performance of the political class is compromised in serving the electorate (Mbugua, 2014, p. 63-110). This trend is evident in Kenya where some women representatives who were elected as a result of the quota system have never participated actively in their roles; they do not participate in parliamentary debates or help their constituents in championing for issues affecting women. The quota system also affirms the reason, which it was made to fight against; that women are a weaker sex. The purpose of the quota system was to support the principle of equality, however, putting women at an advantaged position than men in order for them to compete effectively shows that women are weaker beings and therefore they must be supported. Therefore, the system does not serve to change on of the reasons that it was made. Using quota system to increase the number of women in the political sector can be considered as undemocratic since the people are not given the chance to elect the person they deem best suited to represent them. The quota system imposes a female candidate to the electorate instead of giving them the opportunity for them to vote for their candidate irrespective of the gender. In the case of the county women representatives in Kenya, electorates are forced to elect a female candidate even when they have a preferred candidate of another gender who would be more suited to represent them in the national assembly therefore curtailing their democratic right to vote a candidate of their choice. Analysis Looking at the advantages and the disadvantages that the quota system has in the political arena, it is imperative to admit that the system cannot meet all tenets of democracy while at the same time removing all hurdles that women face in competing fairly with men. However, since women have several barriers that have been put by the society such as their gender-defined roles, it is important to elevate them to a level playing ground with their male counterparts. Quota system provides one of the best ways to help women be equal with men in terms of representation because if nothing is done, men are likely to dominate the political arena. In dealing with some of the disadvantages of this system, it is important to acknowledge that most of them are theoretical, such as view of women being a weaker sex therefore, they cannot be addressed by practical means. Conclusion The use of quota system to increase the number of women who are occupying political seats is one of the best despite several shortcomings that it may have, this is because the shortcomings are usually more theoretical and they do not represent any problems in its implementations. References AfriMAP, OSIEA, & OSMP. N.d, Kenya: Public Broadcasting Survey, African Minds, Nairobi Kiplagat, J. 2008, Womens Legislative Role in Global Women-friendly Health Policies: An Analysis of Gender Governance in Kenya, ProQuest, London. Mbugua, G. G. 2014, (Re)membering Kenya Vol 2: Interrogating Marginalization and Governance, Twaweza Communications, Nairobi. Yeats, A. & Alexander, F. 1999, Good Governance and Trade Policy: Are They the Keys to Africas Global Integration and Growth? World Bank Publications, Washington. Read More