Comparing WPAs Globally : Classification for the 21st century

On a global scale, this conceptual paper provides a framework for comparing a particular structure inside current statehood: the Women's Policy Agency (WPA). A WPA is an entity in the state assigned to deliver policies for Women's Empowerment and of promotion of Gender Equality (WEGE). Previous research has focused mainly on case studies and small n comparisons in intensive research designs. This study comes up with a classification to compare WPAs on a global level in an extensive research design. The most actual and comprehensive available data are taken to develop the view of states of their WPAs. Globally, states use currently 13 different kinds of WPAs. There are WPAs in all four sectors of governmental action (executive, legislative, judiciary, and outside). A WPA is circumscribed by its location and scope in the state and public administration. The paper lays the basis for global comparison of current types of state capability in WEGE. For the 21st century, classification is able to become enlarged if further new kinds of WPAs emerge.