Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
International Relations Department, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Management, Management, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Governance, as the foundational framework shaping public policy, plays a crucial role in determining the development trajectory, resource distribution, and the improvement of citizens' quality of life. Given this context, the central question of the article is how different governance styles interact with public policy and what impact they have on governance quality, particularly in terms of women's empowerment. The hypothesis is based on the premise that the realization of good governance requires the integration of policy dimensions, along with the enhancement of transparency, participation, and accountability. Without these elements, women's empowerment and the advancement of vulnerable groups cannot be achieved. From a theoretical perspective, the article presents a typology of governance styles based on hierarchies, markets, and networks, demonstrating that institutional reforms can only be sustainable when analyzed within the framework of political conflict, path dependency, and the specific institutional conditions of each country. From an empirical standpoint, with a focus on Western Asian countries—especially Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—the article shows that policies such as decentralization, e-government, and the promotion of women's representation have improved governance quality, but challenges remain in the areas of women's political participation and the removal of structural discrimination. The findings indicate that good governance and women's empowerment are two interconnected components that, when mutually reinforced, will lay the groundwork for sustainable development in the Western Asia region. Methodologically, the article adopts a mixed approach, with an exploratory-analytical perspective in terms of its objectives. Data collection and analysis are based on library and documentary sources.
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