As has been said time and again democracy requires participation of people through civil society institutions, such as social movements, workers organizations, church and academic institutions. These organizations, though popularly based, do not necessarily guarantee gender equality. Therefore efforts, must be made to ensure equal representation of women in leadership positions to make a difference. It does not suffice for women to be just members. They have to occupy positions where they are visible and where they can bring their knowledge to bear on the directions of society.
Democracy requires functioning governance.
Therefore women must be adequately represented in legislative bodies, parliaments and in the executive branch and judicial systems of the state. The rule of law should not be emphasized at the expense of women. Laws must be supportive of women. The 1991 census showed a higher female work force than ever before. This was because a specific question about women's unpaid, farm or family work was included in the census and its importance was explained in the detailed instructions to enumerators.