Does having more women in leadership positions change how governments handle their election promises? Analyzing data from 10 European countries plus the US and Canada, this research note investigates whether descriptive representation of women influences government behavior regarding policy commitments. Examining pledge fulfillment patterns during elections reveals a clear connection: higher levels of female representation correlate with increased likelihood that governing parties follow through on their campaign promises. The findings offer important insights into descriptive representation's relationship to substantive outcomes for women and how party competition affects policymaking.
