This article examines the evidence of how the adoption of gender quotas is affected by domestic women's coalitions. Using a new dataset of coalitions in 50 countries in Africa (1989–2014), the article first examines where coalitions are likely to emerge. The findings indicate that governments will more likely adopt gender quotas when domestic women's coalitions are formed. Global influences also play a role such as international aid, international women's movements, and major armed conflict. A comparative case study of the adoption of a gender quota in Senegal and non-adoption in Benin helps illustrate the nuances of the theory.