Agnes Ngoma Leslie
Research
My primary research interest is in comparative politics with a focus on Africa. I am particularly interested in women’s movements and how they affect change. My book entitled Social Movements and Democracy in Africa: The Impact of Women’s Struggle for Rights in Botswana published by Routledge, London & New York in August 2006 focuses on women’s social movements and how they impact politics and the society in Africa. The research looked at a women’s movement in Botswana and analyzed how it impacted the Botswana society and the political situation. My study of women’s movements naturally also focuses on the questions of human rights, justice, and equality. In theorizing social movements I am interested in analyzing the impact of social movements. I attempt to demonstrate how groups impact the state and the society including in the areas of legislation, government policies and political participation.
My current research looks at women’s movements in southern Africa and their impact on parliament. I am interested in how women’s movements work with women to increase their participation in parliament and how they in turn impact legislation. I am also interested in analyzing how the elected women fair in parliaments, their impediments and how the social movements help to improve their situation. I also attempt to explore how the nature of the state affects women’s representation in decision-making positions.
