Special Seats for Women in the National Legislature: The Case of Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines attempts to increase the number of women serving in the Tanzanian parliament by implementation of a special-seat system for women, the evolution of the system, and the impact of the system on women's competitiveness in the constituencies. The increase in the number of women elected in the constituencies and the movement of some women from special seats to constituency seats suggest that special seats can serve as stepping-stones to constituency seats, though their existence may discourage experienced and capable women from contesting in the constituencies, as argued by some analysts.