Languages
International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics
Constitution and Legislative Reform
In transitional states, the creation of a new constitution and legislative framework can be a concrete first step towards establishing democratic governance. A constitution, the highest legal authority of a state, outlines the fundamental principles and framework of government and enshrines the basic rights of individuals.
In the post-conflict environment, the process of drafting constitutions has become increasingly transparent and often includes civic education and public participation through roundtable meetings, constitutional commissions and referenda. Women’s presence in these structures and their participation in such consultations are vital to create constitutions that not only facilitate a sustainable peace, but also guarantee gender equality.
Women’s participation in official capacities as legislators is equally important to promoting their rights and addressing their needs. Experts attribute the increasing number of women in post-conflict legislatures to mechanisms established in the transitional period — quotas, reserved seats, political party lists, indirect elections and other tools — and to the fact that women were present from the outset of the reconstruction process in these countries.
From the Library
Police Reform and Gender
This tool is intended for use by various actors working on police reform. It is designed as a reference tool, with a mix of background information and practical examples and tips to assist in the design and/or implementation of the reform process.
Penal Reform and Gender
This tool on penal reform and gender provides guidance on responding to gender issues within penal systems. It aims to assist those responsible for management, policy making or reform of prisons within their own countries; international and regional actors supporting prison reform; as well as parliamentarians, civil society organisations and others that play a role in overseeing and monitoring prisons.
Security Sector Reform Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation and Gender
This tool explores two dimensions of gender-responsive assessments, monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
Private Military and Security Companies and Gender
This tool addresses the gender aspects and challenges of a relatively new phenomenon: the privatisation of security on a global scale.
Justice Reform and Gender
This tool focuses on the institutional reform of the judiciary, law reform and access to justice, with specific emphasis on gender equality.
Gender Training for Security Sector Personnel
This tool is designed to provide a basic introduction to SSR and gender issues for the staff of national governments (including in donor countries), security sector institutions, and regional and international organisations, responsible for the development of SSR policy and programming.
Constitutional/Political Reform Process in Georgia, in Armenia and Azerbaijan: Political Elite and Voices of the People
This study analyses the constitutional and political reform processes in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. It includes background information, advances made and existing constraints.
Constitution Building Processes and Democratization
This study focuses on the activity of revising constitutions which reflects a changed perception of their importance and purposes. Changes start with constitution-making, whether as a form of negotiation or the consolidation of social victory or reform. However, the record of the effectiveness of these constitutions is uneven.
Regional Strategies for Empowering Women
This report describes women’s role in influencing legislation in the Middle East and North Africa region. It includes case studies about advancing women’s political participation in the region, reforming family laws, and strengthening women’s negotiation skills.
Winning the Peace: Women’s Role in Post-Conflict Iraq
This report includes findings and recommendations discussed at the Winning the Peace: Women’s Role in Post-Conflict Iraq conference. It describes women’s roles in rebuilding post-conflict Iraq and their participation in governance, legislature, and civil society.
User login
Latest Questions to Experts
From the Circles
Focus on:
Interview with Dr. Hijran Huseynova, Chairperson of the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs of Azerbaijan Republic
A woman leader carries the responsibility not only for herself, but for every woman who will be appointed to a key position in the future.
Upcoming events
- Call for Papers: Whatever Happened to Civil Society?(Event)(3 days)
- Training of Trainers in Community Based Rehabilitation(Event)(4 days)
- Call for Papers: Conference on Arab-American Women(Event)(9 days)
Partner Logos
