Fostering Women’s representation in Local Democracy – A Qualitative Analysis of the Factors Surrounding Female Political Participation at a Mayor Office Level in Colombia
This study critically examines the gendered experiences of female political candidates running for mayoral offices in Colombia. It addresses the systemic exclusion women face in a patriarchal political system, compounded by economic constraints, political violence, and societal norms. Through seven qualitative interviews, the research identifies the strategies used by women to overcome these barriers. The factors surrounding their participation in localpolitics are grouped and analyzed under four main categories: identity, systemic and structural, social and behavioral factors. The participants’ journeys are marked by political violence, gender-based violence, and systemic exclusion as significant barriers to accessing and exercising political power at the local level. Despite facing limited institutional support, many women leveraged personal networks and grassroots strategies to overcome financial and political challenges in their campaigns. The research reveals a pervasive gap between legal frameworks promoting gender equality and the reality of gendered obstacles, illustrating the need for stronger enforcement and support mechanisms.