Dr. Petra Ahrens 

Gender equality is key to democracy, but it is not always reflected in the way parliaments work. This project explores how gender equality is fostered or hindered inside parliaments, with a focus on Germany’s national parliament (the Bundestag) and three regional ones (Bremen, Baden-Württemberg, and Thuringia). The German parliament has made only limited progress towards greater gender equality and diversity. Drawing on interviews, documents, and observations, I will look at how everyday rules, practices, and cultures in parliament affect gender equality. My first goal is to complete a book that offers the first in-depth look at how gender-sensitive the Bundestag really is. My second goal is to prepare a new research project comparing how different Bundesländer approach gender equality in their parliaments. By pointing out both barriers and promising practices, I also hope to support reforms that make parliaments better.