Women’s full incorporation into politics changes policy; it changes the types of issues that are considered, and the types of solutions that are proposed. The work that I do examines women’s political participation in Latin American politics and th

e obstacles to their representation. I predominantly focus on candidate selection and the institutions (both formal and informal) that either keep women out of politics or that permit women’s entry into politics. My research provides policymakers with the data to make informed decisions and create institutions that will work.

 

Campaign financing, for example, is a critical issue. Women often lack the resources to run for office and are often less willing than men to borrow money to finance campaigns. A quantitative analysis that I am currently undertaking with colleagues supports this conclusion: Women are indeed less likely to use personal resources, obtain loans, and receive party support for legislative campaigns than male candidates. These data confirm conventional wisdom and offer a solution for how countries can improve gender quota outcomes – require parties to invest resources in female candidates’ campaigns.