Impact of Sri Lanka’s 25% Quota on Women’s Political Leadership in Local Government

Thematic Area: Human Resource Development

Start Date: December 23, 2024

Women’s political participation is essential for a thriving democracy, embodying both justice and effectiveness in governance. While women’s representation in Sri Lanka’s national politics remained low, it is even more pronounced at the local level. In response to this pressing issue, the Local Authorities Election (Amendment) Act No. 16 of 2017 was enacted, which introduced a 25% gender quota for women in local councils. This study aims to understand the impact of Sri Lanka’s 25% gender quota for women in local government. It will focus not only on the increased number of women representatives but also on the quality of their political engagement and leadership. Specifically, the study seeks to assess whether this quota has enabled women to achieve meaningful leadership positions, participate actively in political discourse, and make substantial contributions to decision-making processes. Additionally, the study will explore how the increased representation of women has influenced public perceptions of female governance and whether these shifts have contributed to broader acceptance of women in political leadership. By examining these aspects, the study hopes to gain a nuanced understanding of the quota’s impact on political dynamics and structures, as well as on societal norms and attitudes toward women’s roles in governance.