They do not demand real sacrifices from parties and male politicians. They do not necessarily produce improvements in women's representation. This situation illustrates the challenge for women politicians and women's movement activists in the region. Quota give women a stepping-stone, but do not guarantee their access to power. For quotas to work, they must be accompanied by other measures, such as the creation of networks among women politicians and candidates and improved financing and publicity for women's campaigns.
Much more work is needed to make quotas effective.
Mala Htun is a doctoral candidate in the Government department.