Languages
International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics
Elections and Quotas
The right to vote and the right to stand for election are two fundamental tenets of democracy. Notably, many countries did not afford women the right to vote until the 20th Century. Even today, universal suffrage is not a given right in all countries, and women often face obstacles that undermine their participation in political and electoral processes.
Such obstacles can be political in nature, specific to the electoral system in use or a lack of a given political party’s support for female candidates. Obstacles can also be socio-economic, such as poverty, unemployment and lack of education, all of which result in an inferior social standing and affect women’s financial ability to engage in politics. Other obstacles can be of an ideological nature: Cultural norms, fixed gender roles, the lack of confidence among women to engage in politics and media portrayal of women in politics all have an influence on women’s participation.
There are various ways to support women in overcoming these obstacles. Such methods include revising the electoral system used, applying affirmative action mechanisms such as quotas, improving voter education for women and training political candidates. These are a few of the modes available to strengthen women’s political participation.
Sub-topics:
From the Library
Consolidated Responses on Independent Women Candidates in Local Elections in Mali
This consolidated response highlights recommendations on how to empower independent women candidates to succeed in elections. These recommendations include providing training sessions, working with civil society organizations, forming women’s caucuses and coalitions, holding public outreach campaigns, and lobbying political parties.
Conditions determining the level of representation of women: The experience of quota system in Latin America
This report provides a general view of the position of women in the legislative powers in three periods: between the 1970s and the 1980s, around 1995 and in 2004. It also describes an increasing trend in the participation of women in Latin American parliaments that is independent of the quotas.
Intra-Party Democracy and the Inclusion of Women
This article analyzes the representation of women in political decision making positions and processes in SADC member states. It also describes intra-party electoral systems and procedures as well as quotas and special measures applied in Sub-Saharan Africa.
South Africa: Women and Local Government
This article describes the participation and representation of women in local government elections in South Africa.
Engendering Democracy Through the Ballot Box in the Mauritius 2005 Elections
This paper describes the status of women in Mauritius and progress made in women's political participation in the country. It analyzes the 2005 elections in Mauritius and highlights the role of civil society in increasing the numbers of women in the Mauritian National Assembly in 2005.
Gender Checklist for Free and Fair Elections: Tanzania
This checklist provides tips on how to hold free and fair elections by describing women's rights to participate in elections and hold political campaigns.
User login
Latest Questions to Experts
Related News
From the Circles
Focus on:
Interview with Otilia Lux, Former Minister of Culture and Sports, and Member of the Guatemalan Congress
When we get involved in politics, we gain a better understanding of power and we discover that it is an indispensable goal if we want to have a voice in key decisions.
Upcoming events
- Canada: "Take our Girls to Vote" Campaign(Event)(Now)
- Gender and Media Literacy Course(Event)(Now)
- The Economics of Corruption 2008(Event)(Now)
Partner Logos
