The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Who gets a hearing? Intersectionality, NGOs, and political access to decision makers

Lund University building with rainbow flags. Photo.

Representation is not just about who gets elected. It is also about who gets access to decision makers. Orly Siow, Ashlee Christoffersen and Ceri Fowler conducted research into the engagement between government ministers and NGOs.

Their findings reveal striking inequalities in who gets access to political decision-makers. Our findings reveal stark inequalities in who gets the ear of political elites, and which ministers engage with marginalised groups. Ministers who are white men are least likely to meet with equalities NGOs, and ministers who are ethnic minority women are most likely to. 

Furthermore, while women’s organisations had significantly greater access to ministers than race-focused organisations, organisations led by and for intersectionally marginalised groups (such as minoritised women) had the least access of all. This is important because organisations led by and for intersectionally marginalised groups are best placed to advocate on their own behalf.

Authors: Orly Siow (Lund University, Sweden), Ashlee Christoffersen (York University, Canada), Ceri Fowler, (Oxford University, UK)

Title: Intersectionality, NGOs and Executives: Who Has Which Minister’s Ear?, West European Politics 

Link to publication/article: Full article: Intersectionality, NGOs and executives: who has which minister’s ear?