There have in fact been positive changes in the system.
As well, a lot of research is being done in the Scandinavian countries.
What we know is that once there is a critical mass,
that is, over 30%,
public policy outcomes and the focus of debate in legislatures changes. It's both a cultural thing--the culture of the legislature is more conducive to issues that women care about--and there also tends to be more collaboration.
Some of this research is still preliminary, and much of it has been done in Scandinavian countries, where in fact there have been increased numbers of women in legislatures for quite some time. I think the Rwandan example is still one that's being studied. Equal Voice recognizes that women come to the table with all kinds of opinions and approaches.
That said, there appears to be a trend that underscores that legislatures tend to become more collaborative and that public policy outcomes tend to focus more on issues women care about.
That is what we know now.