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
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.
The Report on Women's Political Participation in Panama's 2024 Elections, prepared by researchers Tamara Martínez Paredes and Ramón Benjamín Miranda from the Institute for Democratic St
Women voters could hold a crucial key to South Africa’s political future as parties prepare for the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections.
With South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections approaching, all talk seems to be of the growing prevalence of coalitions in the country.
As tensions mount within the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) over allegations that women's nominations are being monetized, the selection process for regional candidates in the upcoming September 2026 elections reveals a broader issue of systemic political violence, transcending any sing
I have lost count of the number of women I have met, telling me they wanted to run for political office. Good women, with real ideas about the leadership their counties or wards were missing. Each of them spoke of her plans with real conviction.