Use of imperfect subjunctive

Question

¨Consiguieron que las mujeres participaran¨ ... would ´participaron´ also be correct here, given the lack of uncertainty as to what was achieved?

Answer

Hola Philip ... Here, 'consiguieron que ...' looks as if it can be included under the general heading "verbs of influence or effect" - like command, persuade, prohibit, prevent, or insist [that]; in fact in this category we could probably add request, avoid, require [that], suggest, recommend, permit and encourage - so the subjunctive is necessary.... (Incidentally, according to my grammar book [by Butt & Benjamin] some of those^ verbs allow the use of the infinitive rather than the subjunctive, even when the subject of the second verb is different - but it does say that an infinitive construction may not be used after 'conseguir'.

Answer

Hola Philip 
Yes, as David said, the verb conseguir can also be seen as an "infuence verb" (you get someone to do something), therefore it triggers the subjunctive. Similar verbs would be for example: pedir a alguien que..., hacer que alguien...

Me pidió que lo ayudara.
He asked me to help him
Ella hizo que él se sonrojara.
She made him blush.
Conseguimos que aceptaran nuestra oferta.
We got them to accept our offer.

Here are a couple of Kwiziq lessons that will help. Have a look here. and here. 
Saludos
Inma