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A Step Forward but Not Enough
In the 2019 general election, Indonesians elected more women into the national parliament than ever before, with women’s representation rising to 20.9%. This increase was attributed to the implementation of a 30% candidate quota for women, which compelled political parties to nominate more women candidates. However, this quota did not lead to equal representation, as more than 20% of electoral districts did not elect any women to parliament.
The Barriers Women Face
Women candidates in Indonesia face significant obstacles that hinder their successful entry into politics. These challenges include patriarchal attitudes, economic inequality, and the dominance of political dynasties. High campaign costs and the need for name recognition often mean that elite women and celebrities are more likely to be nominated. However, these women are not necessarily representative of the broader population of Indonesian women, and their candidacies can reinforce existing inequalities.
Click here to read the full article published by Medriva on 7 February 2024.
Image source: Medriva
PESHAWAR: In the lead-up to Pakistan’s general elections on Thursday, a concerning reality emerges regarding the inadequate prioritization of women’s representation within political parties.
According to the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), which monitors polls in the country, out of a total of 6,037 candidates competing for general seats nationwide, only 275 are women, reflecting a mere 4.6 percent participation rate in the elections. This falls below the legal requirement of a minimum five percent representation mandated by Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017, extending to elective offices, including seats in the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) and Provincial Assemblies.
FAFEN’s report exposes that out of 111 political parties, only 30 have met or surpassed the required five percent representation of women candidates. Another four parties hover close, with percentages ranging between 4.50 and 4.99. However, a significant majority of parties, numbering 77, have failed to even meet the minimum 4.50 percent threshold, indicating a systemic disregard for women’s participation.
Click here to read the full article published by the Khyber News on 7 February 2024.
Image source: Khyber News
The European Women’s Lobby offers women in politics training on online violence against women in view of the upcoming EU elections. Book your spot on 13 or 16 February!
In light of the upcoming European elections, we are pleased to invite you to a one-day training session in Brussels. The purpose of this training is to enhance awareness surrounding online violence against women, with the goal of empowering female politicians and candidates participating in the upcoming European elections.
Under the auspices of our initiative, the #HerNetHerRight for the EU (HNHR4EU), our objective is to equip participants with essential information and tools to recognize, prevent, and address various forms of online violence against women.
Click here to read the full article published by the European Women's Lobby on 5 February 2024.
Image source: European Women's Lobby
Jakarta (ANTARA) - As Indonesia will hold the 2024 General Elections on February 14, 2024, efforts to support women's representation in politics are still needed.
The Global Gender Gap Index 2022 released by the World Economic Forum ranked Indonesia in the 92nd position out of 146 countries, with a score of 0.697.
For the Political Empowerment subindex, the score stood at 0.169, the country's lowest score as compared to the other three subindexes, namely Economic Participation and Opportunity, Health and Survival, and Educational Attainment.
The low representation of women in parliament is the most obvious example of the lack of women's political empowerment.
Click here to read the full article published by Antara News on 31 January 2023.
Image source: Antara News
In the landscape of American politics, the pursuit of gender equality has been an ongoing struggle. While progress has undeniably been made, there remains a palpable undercurrent of prejudice about women in leadership roles.
Despite the growing trend of women achieving higher positions in leadership across the globe, the USA still lags behind its counterparts. According to a report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the US ranks 75th out of 189 elected governments worldwide in terms of female representation.
To comprehend the prejudice against women in US politics, one must explore its historical roots. The nation’s early years reflected patriarchal structures, following societal norms. Women were denied the right to vote until the early 20th century, highlighting the deeply ingrained gender biases. Even after suffrage, women faced barriers in entering political spheres, as traditional gender roles perpetuated the notion that leadership was a predominantly male domain.
Click here to read the full article published by the Pressenza in English on 2 February 2023.
Image source: Pressenza in English
At first, they thought they would be the ones preparing themselves for political positions in Mexico: “a feminist party,” they mused. But then, they realized that wasn’t their purpose. They came to the conclusion that, although they care deeply about the way politics are done in their country, they didn’t personally want to step into those roles. So, they created an organization in which many women would support a single candidate: “All for one.” So was born Aúna, the citizen platform through which professional women from across many disciplines — filmmakers, producers, lawyers, political scientists, etc. — call on other women from all over the country in order to support, train, register and accompany them on their path to elected office.
The organization is now just over three years old, and is supporting one of the most important women in Mexico’s 2024 elections: a candidate to govern the Mexican capital, Clara Brugada, who is a member of the Morena party. The process for Brugada has been the same for any Aúna candidate, and she has complied with it as any other candidate would. To become affiliated with Aúna — as Brugada and the 74 other women have who have been approved by the organization to receive its accompaniment towards a political position in 2024 — means benefiting from ongoing education and training from all those who make up its team. Aúna has a presence in Mexico City, Nuevo León, Jalisco, Guerrero and Oaxaca, and its members have a close understanding of each area’s local issues.
Click here to read the full article published by El Pais on 31 January 2023.
Image source: El Pais