Interactive Catalogue

Analysis of the Representation Of Women in the Elections for the Croatian Parliament in 2020

Literature Item

Author Information:

Name: CESI – Center for Education, Counselling and Research

Email: cesi@cesi.hr

Website: https://www.cesi.hr/

Abstract:

This analysis by CESI explores women's representation in Croatian electoral processes since the 2007 parliamentary elections, emphasizing the promotion of women's political power. It assesses adherence to the 40% "female quota" across electoral units, parties, and coalitions, examining the placement of women on candidate lists, the representation of young women (born in 1990 or later), and the application of the "zip system" for gender parity. The analysis reveals that while most lists met the 40% quota, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) fell short, nominating only 25.32% women, thereby not respecting the quota in any electoral unit. According to the Gender Equality Law, non-compliance incurs a fine of HRK 50,000 per unit, leading to potential fines for HDZ, the Restart coalition, the Homeland Movement of Miroslav Škora and partners, and the Croatian People's Party (HNS), totaling HRK 750,000. The findings suggest that many political entities prefer paying fines or barely meeting legal requirements over genuinely embracing gender equality. However, the Zelena levica - Platforma Mozemo! coalition sets a progressive example by ensuring balanced gender representation, indicating a potential shift towards more equitable political participation. This analysis underscores the need for Croatian political parties to move beyond formal compliance and actively promote gender equality in their ranks, reflecting a broader societal change towards inclusivity and diversity in political representation.

Keywords:

quotas, gender parity, parliament, political power

Dates:

Jan. 1, 2020 - None

Source Specificity:

Public Policy Document

Website:

http://www.cesi.hr/analiza-zastupljenosti-zena-u-izborima-za-hrvatski-sabor-2020-godine/

Power Domains:

Political

Methods Tools:

Awareness-raising, Monitoring

Country:

HR

City:

Zabok

Implementation Scale:

national

Language:

Croatian

Other Links:

http://www.cesi.hr/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ANALIZA-ZASTUPLJENOSTI-%C5%BDENA-U-IZBORIMA-ZA-HRVATSKI-SABOR-2020.-GODINE.pdf