Essays on political participation

This dissertation explores the roles of gender and discrimination in political participation through three independent chapters. Using quasi-experimental and experimental methods, it investigates the underrepresentation of women in senior political roles, the paradox of electoral penalties for ruling parties despite individual incumbents' advantages, and the impact of women’s participation in conflict resolution. The findings suggest that the electoral outcomes for incumbent candidates and governments are influenced by voter discrimination, while women’s meaningful participation in decision-making does not necessarily facilitate inter-group conflict resolution.