Making waves: women in Newfoundland politics

This case study seeks to account for why the 1993, 1996, and 1997 federal and provincial elections in Newfoundland returned record numbers of women MPs and MHAs. Three explanations are considered: (1) provincial and federal political leaders made a determined effort to incorporate more women into the political process; (2) the long term efforts of the women's movement came to fruition; (3) gender bias ceased to have an effect on voters and party officials. The data analyzed comes from personal taped recorded interviews, mail-in and email questionnaires. Those interviewed consist of twenty-eight women and two men, all active in either federal or provincial party politics or in the women's movement. Particular attention was given to women candidates - successful and unsuccessful - federal and provincial, and political leaders at both levels. The data shows that the efforts of the women's movement were essential. However, the decisions of party leaders - the "leader's will" - also appear important and should be more fully explored