Research Papers
Explore the data, insights, and structural solutions driving gender equality, inclusion, and cultural change across local and national governments.
Barriers to Women Entering Parliament and Local Government
Sue Maguire
Examines the deep social, structural, and network barriers that block women from entering UK parliament and local government, advocating for a "quota-plus" approach.
Breaking Down Barriers
Centary Action Group
Highlights the unique financial, accessibility, and attitudinal barriers faced by disabled women entering politics, with key institutional recommendations.
Building a Culture of Inclusion
Talat Yaqoob
Exposes the toxic cultures and weak accountability structures in Scottish politics that hold women back, calling for independent complaints processes.
A Parliament for All
Scottish Parliament
A comprehensive 2023 audit detailing short- and long-term recommendations to modernise parliament, making it a more inclusive, family-friendly workplace.
Increasing Representation
Muslim Women’s Network
Investigates institutional barriers, gendered pressures, and anti-Muslim racism faced by minoritised women in UK local government selection and office.
Evaluates outstanding gender equality recommendations in Westminster, proposing a new advisory body to accelerate structural workspace reform.
Mere Mortals
Apolitical Foundation
An international study on politicians' mental health, outlining how high workloads and online harassment affect decision-making and democratic stability.
Evaluates how positive action measures and quotas increase female representation in Scotland, while warning against single-focus quota limitations.
Women’s Political Journey
Engender
Maps barriers from vetting to post-election life, highlighting an alarming safety crisis where 70% of Scottish women candidates face online abuse.
Can’t we all just get along?
Bath Uni:
A multi-nation study showing that higher proportions of women MPs naturally reduce mass-level voter hostility and polarisation toward opposing parties.
Impact of LGR on Women’s Representation
Cllr Sally Yalden
A focused brief analysing the underrepresentation of women in local councils and the systemic cultural and structural changes needed to achieve parity.
When Does Fame Not Matter?
Newscastle Uni
Uses machine learning across millions of tweets to show how European female politicians face high levels of identity-based abuse regardless of status.