Improving women's political participation at the national level does not automatically change the situation at the various sub-national levels. Why is this so? And what is the development impact of women in local politics?

Women in Europe and Central Asia have experienced major gains in recent years, but still face obstacles to achieving greater political participation.

Migration in the South Caucasus and Central Asia has taken ‘angry young men’ out of the local context. Women have adopted coping strategies in conflict situations that have served to empower them.

Recent survey data strongly suggest that gender inequalities in Azerbaijan are due primarily to negative attitudes and stereotypes that originate in private life and inter-personal relations.

Development and transition affect women and men in different ways. That is why a gender perspective – the focus of this issue – is important.