This has made women more visible in local politics, strengthened healthy competition, built capacity and impacted on social policies, while at the same time the women also serve as role models for political aspirants. Wide sensitisation on gender issues has contributed to the steady elimination of patriarchal norms and cultures. At least 13 provinces in Bangladesh and 14 provinces in India have adopted the 30 per cent quota for women, while the remit of financial rewards to political parties who have achieved the quota has encouraged the increase of women to 50 per cent in some local government councils in India.