Women’s Political Participation through Social Movements and Nongovernmental Organizations: The Case of Compromiso Ciudadano in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

Abstract This article demonstrates how female participation in social movements and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) influences the political participation of women activists. It highlights how women from the social movement Compromiso Ciudadano successfully led progressive bottom-up programs for the democratic transformation of Medellín, Colombia. This study draws upon the first-hand experiences of women who participated in a focus group and in interviews. The findings reveal that engaging in social movements and NGO activities strengthens women’s agency in political participation, individually and collectively. This kind of grassroots participation increases women’s inclusion in formal politics, and it creates bridges between local governments and female grassroots leaders and movements.