Women’s Political Participation: Opportunities and Constraints

This report examines women’s political participation, representation, and leadership (WPPRL) in Bangladesh, situating the analysis within constitutional guarantees, international commitments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the renewed urgency generated by the July 2024 Uprising. Drawing on an intersectional and participatory methodology, the study combines a literature review, policy analysis, 43 in-depth interviews, 8 key informant interviews, and 8 regional consultations with women holding public office, election candidates, aspiring politicians, and women from marginalised communities, including ethnic minorities, religious minorities, Dalits, and Hijras. The findings show that women’s entry into politics is relational and conditional, shaped by informal gatekeeping, financial barriers, and gendered social norms, while formal leadership and representation frequently amount to “presence without power.” Reserved seats, party nominations, and local government roles expand access but rarely confer proportional authority or resources. The report also documents widespread and multidimensional violence against women in politics (VAWP) across electoral, party, institutional, and digital spaces, identifying it as a mechanism of political control. It concludes with recommendations for transparent nomination systems, financial support, safer party cultures, and stronger institutional mechanisms to address VAWP and advance substantive representation. This report was produced with support from the UN Electoral Assistance Programme (DRIP/BALLOT) and technical support from UN Women.