Political participation of women in Serbia through the prism of local activism: A case study of municipality of Ruma, 2020-2021

The paper aims to identify the quality of political participation of women in Serbia through the prism of activism at the local level. The research covered the municipality of Ruma in the period from July 2, 2020 to July 2, 2021, which conducted a research of an individual and not a mosaic or a case in a row. Using the case study method, data collection was conducted in a semi-structured interview on a sample of six respondents. The results of the research showed that women, in accordance with the quantitative shift in the political life of Serbia in general, are delegated in the Ruma division of power at all levels, but that gender is still less represented in positions of power and decision-making, as well as in decision-making. Women in Ruma, with their political participation, do not sufficiently realize the gender dimension of political representation, because either they are not sufficiently aware of this segment and do not recognize it as important or they lack the courage to do so and encounter a wall in parliamentary debates. The results of the research could be important for considering ways to improve the quality of women's participation in politics at the local level in the direction of greater substantive representation, as well as gender sensitivity, which would increase greater motivation of women to get involved in politics, affect the quality of work. representative body, but also a change in the political climate in society, which is still masculine. The research showed that the solidarity of women in politics should be strengthened, regardless of belonging to a political party, and they should be encouraged to be louder and braver in expressing their views in parliamentary debates, so that they can essentially fight for their interests.