Should a women's quota be introduced in parliaments?

Poll results

Should a women's quota be introduced in parliaments?
Support
Reject
Don't know
21%
73%
6%
PolitPro Community – 4330 respondents – 08.02.2024-14.02.2024

Poll information

Should a women's quota be introduced in parliaments? 21% voted for the introduction of a women's quota in parliaments, 73% were against.

6% chose the answer "Don't know". The survey was conducted among 4330 users of the PolitPro app during 08.02.2024-14.02.2024. The results are not representative, but may give a rough idea of the political mood around the issue.

Pros - What's in favor?

  1. Promoting equality: The introduction of a women's quota in parliaments is an important step in promoting equal rights for women in the political arena. It allows for adequate representation of women and creates the conditions for gender balance in parliament. This helps to ensure that women's concerns and interests are given greater consideration.
  2. Compensating for structural disadvantages: Women in many countries are still exposed to structural disadvantages that make their political participation more difficult. A women's quota offers the opportunity to compensate for these inequalities and improve women's access to political office. It creates fair opportunities and a level playing field for women, who often face gender biases and barriers.
  3. Diversity and better decisions: Gender balance in parliament promotes diversity of perspectives and experiences. Women bring different perspectives and skills that can lead to better decision-making. Including women in political decision-making broadens horizons and increases the legitimacy of decisions made.

Cons - What's against it?

  1. Qualifications and performance: the introduction of a women's quota could lead to women being given preference on the basis of their gender, regardless of their qualifications and performance. It is important that political offices are filled based on merit and ability, not on a quota. Such a quota could lead to the election of less qualified female candidates and thus reduce the effectiveness of parliament.
  2. Freedom of choice: A women's quota could be seen as interfering with voters' freedom of choice. The decision of whom to elect to parliament should be left to the voters, without a predetermined gender quota. Such a quota could be perceived as paternalism and a restriction on individual freedom of choice.
  3. Risk of stigmatization: the introduction of a women's quota could lead to women who enter political office as a result of the quota being seen as less competent or less deserving. This could increase stigmatization of women and create accusations of favoritism based on gender. Equality should be achieved on the basis of performance and merit, not forced through a quota.