Advocacy & Lobbying

In any country, the political empowerment of women is generally possible with two routes — the first is to reserve seats for women in legislature by means of legislation and the second is to have provision for quotas for women candidates within political parties while nominating candidates. There are examples for both that have been adopted in various countries, in turn helping women’s political empowerment. Neighbouring Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan have opted for the legislative route and are faring better in terms of representation of women in their legislatures. For example, in Pakistan, 17% seats are reserved for women in its national assembly; Bangladesh has reserved 50 out of 350 seats in its Jatiya Sangsad and Nepal has reserved 33% of the total seats for women. Statistics show that there is an improvement in the number of women legislators being elected crossing the percentage of seats reserved for women which is a sign of women’s political empowerment in one way or the other.

Click here to read the full article published by The Hindu on 30 November 2023.

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Abstract

Violence against women politicians is increasingly recognized as an issue that undermines women's presence in politics. Latin America has been at the vanguard of this global discussion. In 2012, Bolivia became the only country in the world to criminalize “political violence and harassment against women.” Several other countries have similar legislation in the works. What explains the emergence of these bill proposals? This article argues that the creation of these bills is the result of three processes: activism at the local level used international norms to propose an innovative solution to a problem; women politicians and “femocrats” worked within the state apparatus to overcome resistance; and international actors worked to foster connections among activists and politicians across the region. In this process, international norms have been transformed, with important implications for women's political representation.

Click here to read the full article published by the Cambridge University Press on 27 July 2020.

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Suyen Barahona, as president of the Nicaraguan Unión Democrática Renovadora (UNAMOS), was kidnapped and sent to the country’s infamously grim El Chipote prison for 606 days. She was jailed solely for her political involvement and human rights activism, a victim of the crackdown carried out by President Daniel Ortega’s government prior to national elections. […]

Barahona’s harrowing story echoes those of hundreds of other women imprisoned in El Chipote who were singled out for particularly vicious treatment. In the face of such adversity, women such as Barahona remain committed to promoting democracy and empowering women politically around the world.

Amidst this reality, the Open Society Foundations is proud to announce the new Women’s Political Leadership Fund, with Suyen Barahona at the helm, as part of its $100 million commitment to women’s political leadership. Under Barahona’s direction, the Fund will spend the next five years supporting these women facing myriad challenges—to help ensure bold, transformative women political leaders become the norm around the world.

Click here to read the full article published by the Open Society Foundations on 28 November 2023.

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KAMPALA – Activists have decried underlying factors that still pose a threat to the attained efforts in the advancement of gender equality and empowerment of women in political, economic and social spheres.

During a media briefing on the state of women’s rights and gender equality in Uganda convened by the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), the Women’s Movement said that Uganda has enacted progressive legislation promoting gender equity and equality but women and girls are yet to achieve their full potential.

As part of the 5th National Women’s Week 2023 and UWONET’s 30th anniversary, the Week was organized under the theme “Women’s Organizing Reimagined! Thriving through Adversity”.

Click here to read the full article published by PML Daily on 26 November 2023.

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A joint statement by the United Nations, European Union, OSCE, NATO, and embassies from various countries in Georgia marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls and emphasizes that gender-based violence remains a critical problem in Georgia, despite decisive steps taken by the government and civil society.

To effectively eliminate violence against women and girls, the statement emphasizes the necessity of strengthening and enforcing legislation and policies that safeguard their rights and promote gender equality. The statement highlights the crucial role of raising awareness about these issues and promoting women’s leadership in every aspect of decision-making as key strategies in this effort.

Click here to read the full article published by Civil Georgia on 25 November 2023.

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The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), has expressed concerned over low participation of women in politics and called for urgent measures to reverse the situation.

The President of NILOWV, Irene Ikyegh, stated this at the inauguration of new executive council of the league and fund raising programme, held in Abuja.

Ikyegh said NILOWV was determined to help women play a larger role in government and public affairs in the country.

This according to her, is in consonance with the Beijing Declaration and the Platform of Action.

Click here to read the full article published by the News Agency of Nigeria on 25 November 2023.

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