Quotas, particularly gender quotas in politics and business, can significantly benefit disadvantaged women by ensuring increased representation, influencing inclusive policies, and challenging traditional gender stereotypes. They create visibility and provide role models, which can inspire other women. Quotas also help in advocating for policies that address issues affecting women, thus potentially improving economic opportunities and reducing poverty. However, there are criticisms, such as concerns about meritocracy and perceptions of tokenism. Implementation issues may arise if quotas primarily benefit women from privileged backgrounds, and resistance can lead to tokenistic compliance. Quotas are often seen as a temporary measure and may not address the root causes of gender inequality without broader cultural and institutional shifts. Examples like Rwanda’s political quotas and Norway’s corporate quotas show increased women’s representation leading to more inclusive policies and improved corporate performance. Overall, while quotas can be a powerful tool for promoting gender equality, their success hinges on careful design and implementation, forming part of a comprehensive strategy including education, mentorship, and policy reforms to create lasting change.