The Controversial Use of the Gender Quota in the 2021 Samoan General Election: A Personal Perspective – Part 2

Abstract

The 2021 general election in Samoa was followed by a series of controversial events, including the use of the gender quota as a strategy for the incumbent government to hold onto power. The first In Brief of this two-part series describes the events and gives an explanation of Samoan gender norms. This part discusses the introduction of the gender quota and comments on the attempted use of this temporary special measure (TSM) as a strategy to decide the government.

Dr Mema Motusaga writes with experience as an advocate for women’s equality in all spaces. Her doctoral thesis, Women in Decision Making in Samoa, includes a detailed discussion of the introduction of temporary special measures that resulted in the introduction of a gender quota. This personal perspective does not necessarily reflect the views of her employer. Show more