Gender representation and thematic visibility: Female MPs and marginalised groups in the Parliament

The analysis of gender representation and the representation of marginalised groups in the Parliament of North Macedonia shows a multifaceted dynamic. Although female MPs make up 37% of the composition, their representation in working bodies and committees indicates thematic segregation: they are more present in committees that have a social character, while male MPs dominate in committees related to finance, security, and the economy.

This trend confirms the existence of a gender approach to the distribution of influence and duties in Parliament, perpetuating traditional gender social roles in the legislature as well.
Additionally, the analysis of parliamentary debates shows that the rights and needs of marginalised groups are rarely represented through discourse, with particularly low visibility of the LGBTI+ community, single parents and residents of rural areas.

Women MPs, although in smaller numbers, contribute significantly more to discussions related to these categories. This finding implies that increasing gender representation can have a broader positive effect on the inclusiveness of Parliament, as women more often bring the voices of socially vulnerable and underrepresented groups to the political agenda. At the same time, it points to the need for structural support and mechanisms that will encourage male MPs to take a more active role in advocating for these issues.

There are significant discrepancies between the public perception and the actual representation, indicating a perception gap regarding the representation of certain groups. While some citizens believe that certain communities – such as LGBTI+ people, or people with disabilities – are adequately represented in Parliament, empirical data and analysis of parliamentary discussions show that these groups hardly appear in the legislative discourse. This gap may stem from the public’s lack of awareness of the actual activities of the Parliament,
from media coverage that occasionally creates an impression of greater inclusiveness, but also from the fact that representation is often equated with symbolic, rather than substantive participation in political processes.

Read the report:
Gender representation and thematic visibility: Female MPs and marginalised groups in the Parliament