Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : gender and democracy- Why / Azza Karam -- Obstacles t o women's participation in parliament / Nadezdha Shevedova -- Case stud ies / by Gehan Abu-Zayd, Shirin Rai, Mavivi Myakayaka- manzini, Hege S kjeie & Karen Olsen De Figueres -- Enhancing women's political particip ation : legislative recruitment and electoral systems / Richard E. matl and -- Using quotas to increase women's political representation / Drud e Dahlerup -- Women in parliament : making a difference / Azza Karam & Joni Lovenduski -- Democracy through partnership: the experience of the inter- parliamentary union / Christine Pintat -- Conclusion: beyond to ken representation / Azza Karam