Gender Links’ research on women’s political participation (WPP) spans two decades, beginning with the seminal study Ringing up the Changes: Gender in Southern African Politics – the first of its kind to explore the impact of women in politics in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Gender Links has raised awareness and advocated for the SADC Gender Protocol target of 50% representation and participation of women in decision-making.  The 2007 study At the Coalface: Gender and Local Government was the first study in the SADC region to shine a light on the underrepresentation of women at local government level.  

Since 2009, Gender Links and the Gender Protocol Alliance have been tracking progress towards the 50/50 goal through the SADC Gender Protocol and Africa WPP barometers.