Who gets to take part: understanding intersectionality and barriers to political participation in Colombia

In Colombia and across Latin America, many people – especially women – face barriers to political and economic participation. These challenges are especially acute among Indigenous, Afro-Colombian, and Campesino communities, and are rooted in long histories of discrimination and social inequality.

Although the Colombian Constitution offers certain protections, many communities continue to be excluded from decision-making spaces—especially when factors such as gender, geographic location (rural or urban), ethnicity, and income intersect. This study investigates the barriers to political and economic participation in the Cauca region of Colombia, applying an intersectional lens to understand the lived experiences of historically marginalized groups.

The research explores how legacies of colonialism, armed conflict, and uneven development continue to shape participation in public life. Particular attention is given to the experiences of women and individuals with non-hegemonic gender identities, who often face the most severe forms of exclusion.

Drawing on intersectional, feminist, and decolonial frameworks, the project examines how local governance structures either reinforce or challenge these patterns of marginalization. It also considers how additional local dynamics influence who is heard—and who is left out—of decision-making processes.

The research is being conducted in collaboration with the Women’s Secretariat of the municipality of Popayán, Colombia. By working closely with local actors, the project aims not only to generate critical insights but also to support the capacity of grassroots leaders to advocate for autonomy, environmental justice, and democratic participation.

In partnership with the International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD), the project seeks to produce actionable recommendations for building more inclusive local governance—both in Colombia and other contexts facing similar challenges.