Women represent women? Analyzing Ecuador’s National Assembly 2009-2016

Abstract

Investigation on feminine representation has been rising over the last 40 years. The significative increasing of female MP in National Assembly after two consecutive legislative periods (2009-2016) opened the door for the study of feminine representation in Ecuador. The object of this article is to evaluate and analyze both descriptive and substantive representation of female Ecuadorian MPs to define if the equal access to power and political participation between men and women has been really achieved. When a tour is made through candidatures, legislative production, and informal practices inside this institution, a big conclusion can be achieved: although the process to guarantee feminine representation has given big steps, is still necessary to specify effective instruments that allow women overcome the crystal glass and generate a truly parity.