Have a look at my research proposal.
Democratisation, Rights and Cultural norms: the case of women in the Maldives
Mariyam Midhfa Naeem
Women’s political participation and representation are important measures of the quality of democratic representation. This research project aims to measure the quality of democracy in the Maldives through the participation of women in politics and the significance of norms and rights to the level of participation.
Objectives
· To observe the past and current trends of participation of women in politics, political parties, executive and cabinet portfolios
· To explore the level of awareness about political rights of women and attitudes of the population towards women in politics
· To explore the significance of constitutional rights and cultural norms to the level of participation
· To explore the attitudes of young people towards women in politics and political career aspirations of girls.
Hypothesis
Women’s participation in politics is low due to cultural norms shaped by religion, traditions and gender bias.
Documentary Analysis
· Examination of the constitutional rights given to women and various laws enforcing them.
o This is achieved through analysis of the current constitution which was adopted in 2008 and also of the former constitution used from 1998-2008.
· Examination of voter turnout and history of elections and candidates.
o This is done through the analysis of archives of past elections held at the Elections Commission. Analysis will be done of 5 parliamentary elections and 5 presidential elections.
o Focus will be on the following questions
§ What is the percentage of women voter turnout in the elections?
§ What was the percentage of female candidates in elections and success ratio?
· Examination of international and independent databases on the Maldives and participation of women
o These are international standards such as Freedom House, Gini co-efficient, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International
· At the end of documentary analysis the following objectives will be met.
o Establish whether right to vote and right to stand up for political posts, are given to women in the constitution
o Establish the number of candidates that have stood up in past elections and the ration of success of female: male. Also the ratio of female candidates: successful female candidates can be measured as well
o Identify the voter patterns in terms of gender
o Identify the international perceptions on the Maldives and the freedom of rights that it gives to citizens
· One-on-one interviews with heads of political parties and women’s branches. The 5 parties with the highest number of members will be interviewed
o The following questions will be focused on
§ What are the roles for women in the party?
§ What is the standpoint of the party on women in politics?
§ Are there women’s branches in the party? Why yes/no?
§ Are women active in the party? In higher levels of the party?
· Interviews with government officers responsible for women’s welfare
o The following questions will be focused on
§ What are the biggest setbacks for women in Maldivian society?
§ Are women abused? Why?
§ What is the social role of women? Has it changed over the years?
· Group discussions with students (girls and boys separately) from the Centre of Higher Secondary Education, focusing on the following questions
o What career options do you think are available to be pursued in the Maldives?
o Do you think there are certain jobs that are gender specific? Which ones?
o Is a political career an option? For girls? Why yes/no?
· At the end of this stage the following objectives will be met.
o Explore the current role of women in political parties and attitude of parties towards women in politics
o Explore the social standing of women in Maldivian society. Explore the different norms and cultural attitudes towards women
o Explore the mindset of the young population towards careers in politics. explore whether there is a difference in perception in girls and boys and the reasons behind any difference
Quantitative Data:
· Survey with a pre-designed questionnaire to find answers to the following questions
o Is the public aware of the rights given to women in the Constitution regarding political participation?
o Does the public believe there is a gender bias in terms of career choice?
For men:
o Do they believe that there is a role for women in politics? if so, what roles?
o Is there opportunity for a woman to contest for president/vice-president/MP/accept cabinet portfolio/party leadership? Why?
o Would they support a woman to contest for president/vice-president/MP/accept cabinet portfolio/party leadership? Why?
o Do they support women in political positions?
o Do they believe that women are capable of doing an equal performance to men in such a position? Why?
o Do women support other women who are in such positions? Why?
For women:
o Do women believe that there is a role for women in politics? if so, what roles?
o Do women believe that they have the opportunity to contest for president/vice-president/MP/accept cabinet portfolio/party leadership? Why?
o Are women willing to contest for president/vice-president/MP/accept cabinet portfolio/party leadership? Why?
o Do women believe that they can get support to/and if they contest for president/vice-president/MP/accept cabinet portfolio/party leadership? Why?
o Do women support other women who are in such positions? Why?
o Can women do an equal job to men in such positions? Why?
· Through the survey, the following objectives will be met
o Identify the attitudes of men and women towards politics and women in politics
o Identify any gender bias in career choices
o Assess the awareness of rights given to women through the constitution
At the end of the field work period, the following questions are to be answered
o What are the levels of participation of women in politics?
o What are the reasons for high/low levels of participation?
o What are the norms and attitudes towards women in politics in Maldivian society? Does this have any connection to the level of participation?
1 comment:
I think you need to narrow your research if you want to get anything subjective.
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