Regional Networking as Transnational Feminism: African Experiences

This article offers an overview of the influence of transnational advocacy on African states to increase female political representation. The article argues that the most important transnational dialogues influencing domestic movements and national policy within Africa are regional discussions and regional diffusions of ideas, norms, practices and strategies.

This article explores key mechanisms through which regional influences spread and are diffused. It does so by focusing on an arena in which these regional linkages and influences have been most visible: encouraging women to claim political leadership positions. These mechanisms include:

• Direct diffusion between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and NGO coalitions from one country to the next
• The promotion of gender balance within sub-regional organisations
• Sub-regional pressures for improved gender representation in government and parliament
• Pressures for gender balance at the pan-African level
• Sub-regional advocacy networks for female representation
• Pressures from national networks on sub-regional organisations; and
• Africa-wide advocacy and networking to promote women's leadership

The article aims to demonstrate how important continental and sub-regional influences are for domestic politics, serving as a critical conduct for changing international norms.