Women in German Politics: Still Jobs for the Boys? Today most of the main political parties in Germany have some kind of mechanism

Today most of the main political parties in Germany have some kind of mechanism designed to help increase the number of women in party structures and parliaments. In this article the author examines current levels of female representation in Germany’s political institutions, both at federal and Land level. She outlines each party’s policies regarding the advancement of women, examines their impact, and offers possible explanations as to why some party’s good intentions are not matched by their records. A brief comparison of levels of female representation in political life in Eastern and Western Germany is also given. Overall the evidence suggests that in spite of a marked increase in the number of female politicians, men still dominate at the most senior levels, especially in the so-called people’s parties.