Prior participation by women councilors is a significant
predictor in the current number of women councilors, but not
of whether or not there will be a woman leader. This suggests that
if women participate on boards they may continue to do so in the
future, in that it increases the probability of having councilors in
the future (see also, Bhavnani, 2009). However, this does not
appear to be sufficient to achieving leadership of the council. There
are various pathways through which prior participation may
improve future participation. First, participation may increase
women’s visibility and generate positive attitudes and interest
among women thereby increasing their propensity to seek council
positions. Second, it is possible that women present in the council
may advocate and support for the recruitment of other women into
council positions. Third, women’s prior engagement in councils
may help build knowledge and efficiency, flattening the learning