This K4DD Rapid Evidence Review synthesises literature from peer-reviewed academic papers and publications from respected research institutes and multilateral organisations on the available evidence of gender affirmative action legislation impacts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The review covers evidence from education, health and security sectors, alongside broader lessons on implementation and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL). While much of the strongest evidence comes from countries outside sub-Saharan Africa, notably India, important lessons emerge for African countries currently implementing or expanding gender quota systems, affirmative action legislation and gender equality frameworks.
Evidence from South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda and Liberia demonstrates that affirmative action can contribute to meaningful improvements in women’s representation, access to opportunities and service outcomes, but success depends heavily on implementation quality, institutional capacity and the wider social and political environment.