What is the primary definition and purpose of 'all-women shortlists' (AWS)?

All-women shortlists (AWS) are an affirmative action practice implemented in the United Kingdom. Their main goal is to increase the proportion of female Members of Parliament (MPs) by allowing only women to stand as candidates in specific constituencies for a particular political party. This strategy is a form of positive discrimination aimed at addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in politics.

When did the Labour Party discontinue the use of all-women shortlists for general elections, and why?

The Labour Party stopped using all-women shortlists for general election purposes in March 2022. This decision was reportedly influenced by legal advice suggesting that continuing the practice might become unlawful under the Equality Act, particularly as the party had already achieved a majority of female MPs.

What was the representation of women in the UK House of Commons in the 1990s before the widespread adoption of AWS?

In the 1990s, prior to the significant implementation of all-women shortlists, women constituted less than 10% of the MPs in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament. This low representation prompted political parties to explore strategies for increasing female participation.

Besides all-women shortlists, what other strategies did political parties use in the 1990s to increase female representation?

In addition to all-women shortlists, political parties in the UK employed other strategies during the 1990s. These included actively encouraging women to stand for election, urging constituency associations to select female candidates, and providing specialized training for potential female candidates.

How did the Labour Party's approach to candidate selection evolve leading up to the 1997 general election?

For the 1997 general election, the Labour Party implemented a policy of ensuring at least one statutory female candidate on each of its shortlists. However, many of these women were not selected for winnable seats. Following polling data that indicated women were less likely to vote Labour than men, the party formally introduced all-women shortlists at their 1993 annual conference.

What was the Labour Party's objective with all-women shortlists for the 1997 general election, and was it achieved?

The Labour Party used all-women shortlists to select candidates in half of all winnable seats for the 1997 general election. Their aim was to achieve 100 female MPs following the election, a goal that was successfully met.

What controversies arose regarding Labour's use of all-women shortlists before the 1997 election?

The use of all-women shortlists by the Labour Party generated significant controversy. In 1996, party branches in constituencies like Croydon Central, Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney, Bishop Auckland, and Slough submitted motions criticizing the policy. In Slough, the local party even refused to cooperate in selecting a candidate after an AWS was imposed.

What legal challenge did the Labour Party's all-women shortlist policy face in the mid-1990s?

In December 1995, Peter Jepson and Roger Dyas-Elliott, who were prevented from standing on Labour shortlists due to their gender, challenged the policy in court. Supported by the Equal Opportunities Commission, they argued they were illegally barred from consideration and that the policy contradicted Labour's aim of promoting equality of opportunity.

What was the outcome of the legal challenge against Labour's all-women shortlist policy in 1996?

In January 1996, an industrial tribunal unanimously ruled that Labour's all-women shortlists were illegal under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, as they prevented men from entering a profession. While the 34 candidates already selected via AWS were allowed to remain, all 14 unfinished AWS selections were suspended.

How successful were Labour's AWS candidates in the 1997 general election?

In the 1997 general election, 35 out of the 38 Labour candidates selected through all-women shortlists were elected to Parliament. This contributed significantly to the party's goal of increasing female representation.

What was the Conservative Party's stance on gender quotas and candidate selection during the period Labour used AWS?

The Conservative Party opposed gender quotas, preferring instead to persuade constituencies to select female candidates in winnable seats without imposing any obligation to do so. Their approach focused on encouragement rather than mandatory measures like AWS.

What method did the Liberal Democrats use to increase female representation prior to the 1999 European Parliament elections?

Prior to the 1999 European Parliament elections, the Liberal Democrats utilized a system called 'zipping.' This method involved alternating male and female candidates on party lists to ensure that an equal number of men and women were elected as MEPs.

What legislative change occurred in 2002 regarding positive discrimination in candidate selection?

Following a reduction in female MPs after the 2001 general election and advocacy from gender equality groups, the Labour Party introduced the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002. This Act legalized the use of positive discrimination by political parties in the selection of candidates.

What was the duration for which all-women shortlists were legalized by the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002?

The Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002 legalized all-women shortlists until the end of 2015, due to a 'sunset clause' within the Act. This deadline was later extended to 2030 as part of the Equality Act 2010.

How did the Liberal Democrats approach the issue of female representation in 2001, contrasting with Labour's AWS policy?

In 2001, the Liberal Democrats rejected a proposal to use all-women shortlists, viewing them as illiberal and unnecessary. Prominent female MPs within the party argued that the primary issue was not discrimination but a lack of female candidates, and instead set a target of having 40% female candidates in winnable seats.

What impact did Labour's AWS policy have on the number of female MPs in the 2005 general election?

The use of all-women shortlists by Labour contributed to an increase in the number of female MPs in Parliament to 128 following the 2005 general election. Labour's 98 women MPs constituted 77% of this total.

What incident occurred in the 2005 general election that was linked to controversy over AWS?

In the 2005 general election, a Labour-controlled 'safe seat' in Blaenau Gwent, Wales, was lost. The independent candidate Peter Law, who ran on an anti-AWS platform, defeated Labour's AWS candidate Maggie Jones. This loss was widely attributed to the controversy surrounding all-women shortlists.

What criticism was leveled against all-women shortlists regarding ethnic minority representation?

Diane Abbott, an early supporter of AWS, criticized their failure to recruit ethnic minority women into politics, stating they had effectively become 'all white women shortlists.' She pointed to the 1997 parliamentary intake, where none of the MPs selected via AWS were Black.

How did David Cameron's stance on all-women shortlists evolve?

Initially, David Cameron, as Conservative leader, tried to institute AWS in 2006 but faced opposition from some female Conservative MPs. However, by October 2009, acknowledging the under-representation of women and ethnic minorities, he reversed his opposition and stated he would consider imposing AWS due to the slow pace of change.

What was Ann Widdecombe's criticism of all-women shortlists?

Ann Widdecombe criticized all-women shortlists by stating that historical figures like the suffragettes fought for equal opportunities, not special privileges. She argued they would have protested against positive discrimination and AWS, comparing it to throwing themselves under the King's horse.

What did the Conservative Party do regarding AWS for the 2015 general election?

For the 2015 general election, the Conservative Party used all-women shortlists for the selection of a few candidates. An example cited is Helen Whately being selected in the Faversham and Mid Kent constituency.

What trend was observed in female representation in Parliament by the 2017 and 2019 general elections?

By the 2017 general election, a record number of female MPs entered Parliament, although the gender balance varied significantly between parties. The 2019 election further broke this record, marking the first time female representation exceeded 33% in the House of Commons. Both Conservative and Labour parties saw an increase in female representation.

According to the provided table, what was the percentage of women MPs in the House of Commons overall in 2019?

According to the table, the overall percentage of women MPs in the House of Commons in 2019 was 34%.

Which party had the highest percentage of female MPs represented in 2019, according to the table?

According to the table, the Liberal Democrats had the highest percentage of female MPs represented in 2019, with 64% of their MPs being women.

What positive impacts have been credited to all-women shortlists?

All-women shortlists have been credited with breaking down prejudices that previously hindered the selection of women candidates and discouraged women from seeking office. They also contributed to increased parliamentary priority for issues such as women's health, domestic violence, and childcare, and potentially increased female support for the Labour Party.

What unintended consequences or criticisms regarding merit have been associated with AWS?

While AWS can help address systemic barriers, they can also reinforce the perception that female candidates are selected based on quotas rather than merit. This perception might lead to resentment or skepticism, potentially undermining the legitimacy of the candidates or the policy itself among colleagues, voters, or even the women candidates.

How did the image of Jacqui Smith relate to the use of AWS?

The article includes an image caption noting that Jacqui Smith, who became the first female UK Home Secretary, was elected using an all-women shortlist. This serves as a specific example of how AWS contributed to the advancement of women into high-profile political roles.

What is the 'zipper quota' system mentioned in relation to Scandinavian countries?

The 'zipper quota' is a system where male and female candidates are alternated on a party list of preferred candidates. The Swedish Social Democratic Workers' Party mandated this system in 1994, requiring 'every second on the list a woman,' to ensure balanced representation.

How did Iraq implement measures to increase female representation in its January 2005 parliamentary elections?

Iraq's electoral law for its first post-Saddam parliamentary elections in January 2005 included the compulsory integration of women on candidate lists. This approach was similar to systems used in several European countries with proportional representation electoral systems.

Which Latin American countries have implemented gender quotas for their legislatures?

Fourteen Latin American countries have implemented gender quotas for their legislatures. These countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

What is the gender quota requirement in South Korea's National Assembly?

South Korea's National Assembly has gender quotas requiring women to hold 30% of the single-member constituency seats and 50% of the proportionally elected seats. However, major political parties have historically nominated women for less than 10% of single-member district seats, leading to lower overall female representation than the quota aims for.

What challenges exist in South Korea regarding the implementation of gender quotas?

In South Korea, challenges in implementing gender quotas stem from candidate selection processes. The rules governing candidate selection often lack routinization, allowing party leaders significant influence and the ability to circumvent gender quotas, resulting in fewer women being nominated for key seats.

Which Canadian political parties began setting targets for female candidates in the 1990s?

In Canada, the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) at both federal and provincial levels started setting targets in the 1990s to increase the number and percentage of female candidates, using informal and internal mechanisms to achieve this goal.

What specific 'Women-only Nomination' rule did the Ontario Liberal Party institute in 2020?

In 2020, the Ontario Liberal Party formally instituted 'Women-only Nomination' rules. This measure explicitly allowed the party to designate certain electoral districts where only female nomination contestants would be eligible to ballot, with a mandate to prioritize 'target ridings'.

What were the main criticisms leveled against all-women shortlists?

All-women shortlists have been criticized as undemocratic, as bypassing competitive and merit principles, and as a form of discrimination against men. The Labour Party's policy faced a successful legal challenge in 1996 on these grounds under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.

What is one criticism regarding the effectiveness of gender quotas, including AWS?

Some critics argue that gender quotas, including all-women shortlists, do not sufficiently address the underlying societal norms that discourage women from holding leadership positions. These norms, they contend, continue to prevent significant changes even when quotas are in place, and women candidates may still face a lack of financial support, hindering their electoral success.

What did the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002 allow political parties to do?

The Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002 allowed political parties to use positive discrimination in the selection of candidates. This effectively legalized practices like all-women shortlists, which had previously been found unlawful.

What is the significance of the 'sunset clause' mentioned in relation to the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002?

The 'sunset clause' in the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002 meant that the legalization of practices like all-women shortlists was intended to expire at the end of 2015. However, this deadline was later extended to 2030 under the Equality Act 2010.

How did the Liberal Democrats' approach to candidate selection differ from Labour's AWS policy in the early 2000s?

In contrast to Labour's AWS, the Liberal Democrats rejected the use of all-women shortlists in 2001, deeming them illiberal. They instead focused on setting a target of 40% female candidates in winnable seats, arguing the issue was a lack of candidates rather than overt discrimination.

What was the outcome for the Liberal Democrats in the 2015 general election regarding the percentage of women MPs, according to the table?

According to the table, the Liberal Democrats had 0% women MPs in the 2015 general election, a significant drop from 12% in 2010 and contrasting with other parties' trends.

What is the 'critical mass' concept mentioned in the 'See also' section?

The 'critical mass' concept, as referenced in the 'See also' section, likely refers to the minimum number or proportion of individuals from a specific group (in this context, women) needed within a larger body (like a parliament) to effect significant change or influence decision-making. Achieving critical mass is often seen as a goal of policies aimed at increasing representation.

What does the term 'positive discrimination' mean in the context of all-women shortlists?

Positive discrimination, in the context of all-women shortlists, refers to a policy that actively favors a particular group (in this case, women) in an attempt to correct historical disadvantages or underrepresentation. It is a form of affirmative action designed to increase the presence of the favored group in specific areas, such as political candidacy.

What is the 'Equality Act 2010' and its relevance to AWS?

The Equality Act 2010 is a piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that consolidated various anti-discrimination laws. It is relevant to all-women shortlists because it extended the legal allowance for such practices, including a sunset clause that originally set an end date of 2015, later extended to 2030.

What does the 'navbox' at the end of the article summarize?

The 'navbox' at the end of the article provides a structured overview related to 'Women in government.' It includes lists of female holders of political offices by category (e.g., heads of state, ministers) and by country, as well as related topics like 'gender power gap' and 'all-women shortlist' itself.

What was the percentage of women MPs for the Scottish National Party in 2019, according to the table?

According to the table, the percentage of women MPs for the Scottish National Party in 2019 was 33%.

What does the article suggest about the relationship between increased female MPs and parliamentary priorities?

The article suggests that the increase in the number of women in politics, partly due to measures like AWS, led to greater parliamentary attention on issues such as women's health, domestic violence against women, and childcare. This indicates a potential shift in legislative focus driven by greater gender diversity.

What is the 'Sex Discrimination Act 1975' and why was it significant in relation to AWS?

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 was a UK law aimed at preventing discrimination on the grounds of sex. It was significant because an industrial tribunal ruled in 1996 that Labour's all-women shortlists were illegal under this Act, as they prevented men from entering the profession of being a Member of Parliament.

What was the rationale behind the Labour Party's initial policy for the 1992 general election regarding female candidates?

For the 1992 general election, the Labour Party had a policy to ensure at least one statutory female candidate was included on each of its shortlists. This was an initial step towards increasing female representation, though it was less stringent than the later AWS policy.

What does the article imply about the long-term sustainability of AWS given the Equality Act 2010?

The article implies that the legal basis for all-women shortlists, as provided by the Equality Act 2010, is temporary, with a sunset clause extending the allowance until 2030. This suggests that AWS may not be a permanent fixture and their use might be phased out or evolve further after this date.

What is the 'shortdescription' provided at the beginning of the article?

The 'shortdescription' provided at the beginning of the article states that 'All-women shortlist' is an affirmative action practice in the United Kingdom.

What was the percentage of women MPs for the Conservative Party in 2019, according to the table?

According to the table, the percentage of women MPs for the Conservative Party in 2019 was 24%.

All-women Shortlist Wiki: Navigating Representation: All-Women Shortlists in Politics

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Overview

Defining All-Women Shortlists

All-women shortlists (AWS) represent an affirmative action policy designed to increase the proportion of female Members of Parliament (MPs) within the United Kingdom. This practice permits only women to stand as candidates in specific constituencies for particular political parties. While Labour has recently moved away from this practice for general elections, analogous strategies have been employed globally, particularly concerning government-mandated sex quotas.

Historical Context

The Underrepresentation Challenge

In the 1990s, women constituted less than 10% of MPs in the UK House of Commons. Political parties implemented various strategies to enhance female representation, including candidate encouragement, specialized training, and the introduction of AWS as a form of positive discrimination to mandate the selection of women candidates in certain constituencies.

Early Adoption and Legal Hurdles

The Labour Party introduced AWS in 1993. For the 1997 general election, they utilized AWS in half of all winnable seats, aiming to significantly increase female representation. However, the policy faced controversy and legal challenges. In 1996, an industrial tribunal ruled AWS illegal under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, finding it discriminatory against men.

Evolution in UK Politics

1997 Election and Legal Repercussions

Labour's AWS policy contributed to achieving their goal of 100 female MPs in 1997. Despite the legal ruling, candidates selected via AWS before the ruling were not required to re-select. The policy faced internal party opposition and external criticism regarding its perceived undemocratic nature and potential for discrimination.

Legislative Changes and Shifting Stances

The Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002 legalized positive discrimination for candidate selection, extending the legality of AWS until 2030 under the Equality Act 2010. While Labour continued to utilize AWS, increasing female representation, the Conservative Party initially opposed them but later adopted them under David Cameron. The Liberal Democrats favored alternative approaches like "zipping" (alternating male and female candidates).

Trends and Outcomes (2005-2019)

AWS played a role in increasing the number of female MPs in subsequent elections. By 2019, women constituted over 33% of the House of Commons, with Labour achieving 51% female representation. However, criticisms persisted, including concerns that AWS might not adequately address ethnic minority representation, as noted by Diane Abbott.

Party Representation Over Time

The table below illustrates the changing percentage of women MPs across major UK political parties in general elections from 2010 to 2019.

Percentage of women MPs by party
Party	2010	2015	2017	2019
House of Commons	22%	29%	32%	34%
Labour	31%	43%	45%	51%
Conservative	16%	21%	21%	24%
Scottish National Party	17%	36%	34%	33%
Liberal Democrat	12%	0%	33%	64%

International Parallels

Scandinavian Models

Nordic countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark pioneered party-based gender quotas. The Norwegian Labour Party mandated 40% representation for both sexes in elections by 1983. Sweden's Social Democratic Workers' Party adopted a "zipper quota" system, alternating male and female candidates on party lists, to ensure gender balance.

Middle Eastern Implementations

Iraq, following its 2005 parliamentary elections, implemented an electoral law requiring the integration of women on candidate lists, similar to European practices, particularly within proportional representation systems.

Latin American Quotas

Fourteen Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, have legislative quotas for gender representation. The effectiveness of these quotas can be influenced by the formality and bureaucratization of candidate selection processes within political parties, with more formalized systems tending to field a higher percentage of female candidates.

South Korean System

South Korea mandates gender quotas for its National Assembly, requiring women to hold 30% of single-member constituency seats and 50% of proportionally elected seats. However, challenges in candidate selection processes have often resulted in these quotas not being fully met, with women typically nominated for less than 10% of single-member district seats.

Canadian Initiatives

In Canada, parties like the Liberal Party and NDP have set targets to increase female candidate numbers since the 1990s. The Ontario Liberal Party formally instituted "Women-only Nomination" rules for specific electoral districts, though practical outcomes have varied.

Points of Contention

Undemocratic and Discriminatory

A primary criticism labels AWS as undemocratic, arguing they bypass competitive principles and disregard merit. Critics contend that such policies constitute a form of discrimination against men, a point underscored by the successful legal challenge against Labour's policy in 1996 under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.

Merit vs. Quotas

Opponents argue that AWS reinforce the perception that female candidates are selected based on gender rather than qualifications, potentially undermining their legitimacy. Figures like Ann Widdecombe have argued that pioneers of women's rights sought equal opportunities, not special privileges.

Insufficient Progress?

Some critics argue that while gender quotas are a positive step, they do not go far enough. They advocate for stronger penalties for non-compliance and suggest that quotas alone do not dismantle deeper societal norms that discourage women from leadership roles. Concerns are also raised about the lack of financial support for female candidates, even when quotas are in place.

Consequences and Influence

Breaking Barriers and Shifting Agendas

AWS have been credited with dismantling prejudices that historically hindered women's candidacies and selection. In both 1997 and 2005, a significant proportion of elected women MPs were selected via AWS. The increased presence of women in parliament has also elevated the priority of issues such as women's health, domestic violence, and childcare.

Notable Appointments

The implementation of AWS has been linked to significant political advancements, including the appointment of the first British female Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, in 2007, who was elected using an AWS.

Perceptions and Legitimacy

While effective in increasing numbers, AWS can inadvertently foster perceptions that female candidates are chosen via quotas rather than merit. This can lead to skepticism among colleagues and voters, potentially impacting the perceived legitimacy of women in politics.

Further Exploration

Related Concepts

Understanding all-women shortlists often involves exploring related concepts in political science and sociology:

Critical mass in gender politics
Identity politics
Positive discrimination
Reserved political positions
Gender power gap

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References

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Navigating Representation

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

⚖️ Defining All-Women Shortlists

Historical Context 📜

📈 The Underrepresentation Challenge

🏛️ Early Adoption and Legal Hurdles

Evolution in UK Politics 🇬🇧

🗳️ 1997 Election and Legal Repercussions

⚖️ Legislative Changes and Shifting Stances

📊 Trends and Outcomes (2005-2019)

📈 Party Representation Over Time

International Parallels 🌍

🇸🇪 Scandinavian Models

🇮🇶 Middle Eastern Implementations

🇨🇴 Latin American Quotas

🇰🇷 South Korean System

🇨🇦 Canadian Initiatives

Points of Contention 🗣️

🚫 Undemocratic and Discriminatory

❓ Merit vs. Quotas

⚖️ Insufficient Progress?

Consequences and Influence 💡

✅ Breaking Barriers and Shifting Agendas

⭐ Notable Appointments

🤔 Perceptions and Legitimacy

Further Exploration 🔗

📚 Related Concepts

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Defining All-Women Shortlists

Historical Context

The Underrepresentation Challenge

Early Adoption and Legal Hurdles

Evolution in UK Politics

1997 Election and Legal Repercussions

Legislative Changes and Shifting Stances

Trends and Outcomes (2005-2019)

Party Representation Over Time

International Parallels

Scandinavian Models

Middle Eastern Implementations

Latin American Quotas

South Korean System

Canadian Initiatives

Points of Contention

Undemocratic and Discriminatory

Merit vs. Quotas

Insufficient Progress?

Consequences and Influence

Breaking Barriers and Shifting Agendas

Notable Appointments

Perceptions and Legitimacy

Further Exploration

Related Concepts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice