The right to vote and the right to stand for election are two fundamental elements 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. 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 .Photo©Jens Franssen
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has named Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as prime minister, making the 50-year-old the first woman to hold the role in the kingdom and the third woman to serve as prime minister in the Arab world.
*Only 9.6% of candidates are women*Groups call for deliberate commitment to gender balance
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos
Against a backdrop of distrust of political institutions, low voter turnout in elections stems from factors such as socioeconomic difficulties and doubts about the electoral process’s ability to bring about change—exacerb
Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), other women’s groups and civil society organisations have expressed concern over the fact that only 443 women are amon
ix decades after independence, experts say Nigeria’s democratic system has recorded important electoral and institutional changes, but persistent gaps in political inclusion, accountability, reliable data and public confidence continue to challenge democratic development.
On Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Hotel Montana in Pétion-Ville, the Ministry of the Status of Women launched a series of consultations with political parties and groups aimed at strengthening women's participation in the upcoming elections.
The Kingdom of Morocco is implementing statutory mechanisms across its electoral framework to reinforce female representation in Parliament and expand women's participation in political decision-making.
Where VAWP remains sensitive or overlooked, advocacy can help bring the issue to the surface. In Indonesia, the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus has taken this step through a public declaration condemning violence against women in politics and calling for stronger protections.