A transition in state capability: How does gender fit in?

The growth of large and young populations, particularly in urban areas, is compelling states to expand and enhance their capabilities in order to meet increased demands for better services.

These demographics demand enhanced public services while potentially generating the resources to support them. For states to seize these opportunities, they must be both effective and bold, often requiring expanded public service provision and improved regulation. This article explores these complexities, focusing on the implications for young populations, and considers these implications with a gender lens.

How does gender fit into the transition in state capability?

At our recent strategy retreat, the Gender Committee hosted a panel on exactly this question. Dr Lisa Mulenga led the conversation, highlighting three themes:

Scaling public services: A double-edged sword

The surge in young populations necessitates expanded public services such as education, public health and benefits. For example, some states may opt for offering free tertiary education to cultivate a skilled workforce. While this strategy is promising, it can backfire if not supported by ample local job opportunities. Young graduates, unable to find suitable employment, may seek opportunities abroad, resulting in a brain drain. This phenomenon not only depletes local talent but also hampers the economic potential of these states, impacting the ability to fully unlock the Young World dividend.

The pivotal role of women in governance

Women are increasingly assuming leadership roles at both national and local levels, bringing unique perspectives that enhance state capabilities. Leaders such as Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (below) and Namibia’s Saara Kuugongelwa have showcased innovative governance styles, tackling issues ranging from education to financial insecurity. Women occupying leadership roles tend to adopt a distinct governance style compared to their male counterparts, one rooted in feminist principles.

As the World Bank puts it:

“Leading with feminist principles means redefining value and success, sharing power and credit, building community and relationships, and, ultimately, tackling the roots of oppressive structures and social norms that hold back progress for all people, including women and girls.”

However, underrepresentation remains a challenge across governance structures. Initiatives such as electoral quotas and the Women in Governance Programme have shown promise in increasing female participation, thereby contributing to a more balanced and nuanced approach to governance and positively impacting state capabilities.

Empowering strategies and their impact

Various strategies have been employed to bolster women's representation in governance. These include mentorship, leadership training, and advocacy for affirmative action and gender parity. The results have been promising: for example, in countries such as Guatemala, Kenya and South Sudan, there has been an increase in the number of women elected to local councils. These strategies not only empower women but also fortify state capabilities, supporting a more balanced and effective governance system that can better serve the needs of its young and growing population.

By tackling these complex challenges and adapting strategies, states stand to enhance their state capability significantly. This is crucial, especially given the large and growing young populations demanding better services. Whether scaling public services or refining regulation for private sector involvement, states must develop new capacities. This transition in state capability serves as the backbone for an enabling environment, essential for a prospering market economy that benefits the broader population.

However, underrepresentation remains a challenge across governance structures. Initiatives such as electoral quotas and the Women in Governance Programme have shown promise in increasing female participation, thereby contributing to a more balanced and nuanced approach to governance and positively impacting state capabilities.

Empowering strategies and their impact

Various strategies have been employed to bolster women's representation in governance. These include mentorship, leadership training, and advocacy for affirmative action and gender parity. The results have been promising: for example, in countries such as Guatemala, Kenya and South Sudan, there has been an increase in the number of women elected to local councils.

These strategies not only empower women but also fortify state capabilities, supporting a more balanced and effective governance system that can better serve the needs of its young and growing population.

By tackling these complex challenges and adapting strategies, states stand to enhance their state capability significantly. This is crucial, especially given the large and growing young populations demanding better services. Whether scaling public services or refining regulation for private sector involvement, states must develop new capacities.

This transition in state capability serves as the backbone for an enabling environment, essential for a prospering market economy that benefits the broader population.

The Genesis Gender Committee