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Elections

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

April 5, 2013
Women still outnumbered where it counts, Australia

That much-publicised milestone of political gender equality in the US? 20 per cent. Yes. Being outnumbered four to one is a milestone for women in the US Senate.

April 4, 2013
Shura reverses placement of women at top of party lists, Egypt

Shura Council members voted down legislation requiring political parties to display female candidates at the top of party lists. 

April 1, 2013
New Constitution Helps Kenyan Women Gain Traction in Politics

While Kenya’s disputed presidential race continues to take center stage, another race could radically transform politics at the local level: the election of women’s representatives in each of the 47 newly created counties across Kenya.

April 1, 2013
The Women who make German Politics

Times are changing as more and more women are taking to high office around the world; the US Senate has just announced that a record 20 seats are now held by women, which is considered to be a real leap forward in what has always been a male domain.

March 28, 2013
IPU Assembly a Huge Learning Experience For First Saudi Women in Shura Council

For the very first time, two women members of the Shura Council formed part of a Saudi Arabian delegation to an IPU Assembly. Dr Lubna Al-Ansary and Dr. Hanan Al-ahmadi attended the IPU’s 128th Assembly in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito this week.

March 28, 2013
Parliament must take steps to empower women: M.S. Swaminathan, India

New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Retiring Rajya Sabha member and veteran agricultural scientist M.S.

March 28, 2013
Study: 85% of women do not feel a political party represents them, Egypt

A study conducted by market research company TNS shows that from a sample of 500 women from different social classes, 84% feel less secure financially after t

Focus Group Findings on Perceptions on Women in Georgian Politics

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March 26, 2013

Focus Group Findings on Perceptions on Women in Georgian Politics

From June 18–21, 2012, IFES worked with the Institute of Social Studies and Analysis (ISSA), a Tbilisi–based research organization, to conduct eight focus groups across Georgia to better understand the perceptions, opinions and perceived obstacles women face as political candida

From June 18–21, 2012, IFES worked with the Institute of Social Studies and Analysis (ISSA), a Tbilisi–based research organization, to conduct eight focus groups across Georgia to better understand the perceptions, opinions and perceived obstacles women face as political candida

March 26, 2013
Guatemala’s Highest Elections Official on Political Rights and Women’s Advancement

Dr. María Eugenia Villagrán De León, President of the Supreme Elections Tribunal of Guatemala (TSE), has a history of transcending gender barriers and achieving great success.