| Abstract [eng] |
The master's thesis examines the situation of women's political participation and opportunities for strengthening it in Lithuanian municipalities based on the mayor's example. The study consists of three parts. The first part presents the analysis of scientific theoretical sources, which conceptualizes the concept of equal opportunities for women and men and theories of equal opportunities. Concepts and characteristics of women's political participation and leadership are defined. The expression of local self-government and the characteristics of political participation at the local level are conceptualized. Equality regulation and the role of women in the context of political participation in the European Union are presented. The second part of the thesis presents the methodology of research on women's political participation in local self-government in Lithuania. The research methods and instruments are validated, the research sample is characterized, the organization of the research and the progress of the research are introduced. The results of the political participation of women in Lithuanian municipalities are analyzed in the third part. Qualitative interviews with elected women mayors were performed in order to reveal the reasons behind the choice of women to participate in politics, the barriers to political participation, the factors determining the success of female mayors' political participation and the measures to improve women's political socialization. Considering to the results of the research, the trends of women's political participation in Lithuanian municipalities were presented. According to research results, 5 women-mayors were elected, which constitutes 8.33 percent of all 60 mayors engaged in the new tenure of governance (2019–2023). It can be said that the number of women mayors has fallen since the last election, as 6 women worked in 2015–2019 tenure. It can be identified that a successful woman's political career depends on her own determination, readiness, willingness, and courage. Women participating in mayoral elections have a strong and motivating team, support for their relatives and voter confidence. It can be identified that active, energetic women who already have political experience become mayors. |
