What happens when women actively participate in conflict? This paper answers this question by leveraging the case of women in the Italian Resistance during World War II. Using a newly constructed micro-level dataset that covers more than 200 000 Resistance members in 3 000 municipalities, I provide the first systematic evidence that women’s direct participation in conflict can drive lasting changes in gender norms and political representation. Municipalities where women joined the Resistance exhibit stronger support for women’s rights and a higher likelihood of electing women to national office, effects that persist to this day. These women catalyzed a cultural transformation by stepping into traditionally male roles, demonstrating how even a brief rupture in gender norms can generate enduring institutional and behavioral change. These findings shed new light on the historical roots of gender inequality and reveal how moments of disruption can permanently reshape the trajectory of women’s empowerment.
Men and women differ in political behaviour and leadership style. Does the gender of politicians affect engagement in political budget cycles? We exploit mixed-gender mayoral races in Italian municipalities (2002-2017) using a Regression Discontinuity Design. Male mayors elected by a small margin against a female opponent are more likely to engage in strategic spending before and during elections, especially on highly visible projects such as roads, transport and waste disposal. These cycles worsen the municipal budget without improving re-election chances.