Rescuing Democracy: The Role of Women’s Protests and Votes in Democratic Resilience

In an era of democratic decline, numerous factors can contribute to democratic resilience. However, the literature has largely overlooked the role of women. This article examines how women’s electoral and non-electoral participation influences democratic outcomes during periods of democratic backsliding and the rise of right-wing populism. Using comparative insights from Poland and South Korea, it explores how women’s protest activism and electoral behaviour can enhance democratic resilience by mobilizing citizens, articulating underrepresented claims and ensuring societal and electoral accountability. This article advances theoretical implications that incorporate gender into democratic resilience studies, emphasizing the intersectional dimensions of women’s democratic participation. By challenging gender-blind approaches to the study of democratic resilience, this gender-sensitive feminist perspective advances new insights into democratic theory, practice and comparative politics.