Balancing Acts: Gender Parity Law and Cultural Boundaries in Senegal

Abstract This article investigates the intersection of global gender equality norms with local contexts, focusing on Senegal’s implementation of the 2010 gender parity law. Despite the global trend towards electoral gender quotas, the effectiveness and societal acceptance of these measures vary significantly. Through a critical examination of existing literature on gender quotas and an analysis of the parity law’s reception in Senegal, this article explores the nuanced dynamics between legislative measures and societal norms. It argues that, while gender quotas can enhance women’s visibility in politics, deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms may undermine the more substantive impact of such legislated change. The article underscores the importance of considering local contexts when introducing gender quotas and calls for a more refined understanding of the changes in social relations required for such laws to be broadly accepted and effective.