The substantive representation of women's interests in the Romanian Parliament. 2012-2016 and 2016-2020 Legislatures

Elena Spiridon

doi:10.35782/JCPP.2025.1.03

Elena Spiridon Scientific Reseacher at Research Institute for Quality of Life, PhD Student at School for Advanced Studies of the Romanian Academy (SCOSAAR)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35782/JCPP.2025.1.03

Keywords: substantive representation, descriptive representation, legislative initiatives, political parties, women's interests, work-life balance policies, women-friendly policies

Abstract

This study examines the substantive representation of women's interests in the Romanian Parliament during the 2012-2016 and 2016-2020 legislatures. It explores how the increased presence of women parliamentarians influenced legislative initiatives related to improving birth rate. The analysis reveals a shift from financial incentives to measures promoting work-life balance, reflecting a greater focus on reconciling women's professional and family lives during the second legislature when the descriptive representation of women parliamentarians almost doubled. Using content analysis and logistic regression models, the study highlights the correlation between descriptive and substantive representation, emphasizing the need for policies that support women's autonomy and gender equality.