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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

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Women & Elections: Guide to promoting the participation of women in elections

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October 1, 2013

Women & Elections: Guide to promoting the participation of women in elections

There is growing recognition that stable peace and national prosperity can only be achieved when institutions are democratic and representative of all groups of society.

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There is growing recognition that stable peace and national prosperity can only be achieved when institutions are democratic and representative of all groups of society.

DPKO/DFS-DPA Joint Guidelines on Enhancing the Role of Women in Post-Conflict Electoral Processes

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October 1, 2013

DPKO/DFS-DPA Joint Guidelines on Enhancing the Role of Women in Post-Conflict Electoral Processes

"Conflict affects women and men differently. In post-conflict contexts, numerous political, socio-economic, ideological and psychological obstacles prevent women from participating fully in political life and in electoral processes."

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"Conflict affects women and men differently. In post-conflict contexts, numerous political, socio-economic, ideological and psychological obstacles prevent women from participating fully in political life and in electoral processes."

UN support to electoral system design and reform

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October 1, 2013

UN support to electoral system design and reform

This directive sets out UN policy for providing support to the design or reform of an electoral system, or parts of an electoral system. 

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This directive sets out UN policy for providing support to the design or reform of an electoral system, or parts of an electoral system. 

Gender and the Constituent Assembly: Promoting Women's Political Participation in Fiji

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September 24, 2013

Gender and the Constituent Assembly: Promoting Women's Political Participation in Fiji

Women make up around 50% of the Fiji population but they continue to be underrepresented in national decision-making and are denied equal participation in such processes.An y democratisation process that does not

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Women make up around 50% of the Fiji population but they continue to be underrepresented in national decision-making and are denied equal participation in such processes.An y democratisation process that does not

September 23, 2013
Former Gov. Madeleine Kunin says more Democratic female candidates wanted and needed, USA

Six female members of the Vermont House of Representatives flanked former Democratic Gov. Madeleine Kunin Monday as she announced the launch of Emerge Vermont, an organization that will recruit, train and mentor Democratic women to run for political office.

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Promoting women´s political representation overseas

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September 20, 2013

Promoting women´s political representation overseas

Women make up over half of the world’s population – but they hold only about one-fifth of the seats in national legislatures across the globe.
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Women make up over half of the world’s population – but they hold only about one-fifth of the seats in national legislatures across the globe.
September 19, 2013
As Election Nears in Afghanistan, Women’s Political Participation Is Critical

Last May, Afghanistan’s upper house of parliament quietly removed an electoral law that stipulated that a quarter of all provincial council seats should be allotted to women. When women politicians found out nearly a month later, they fought to have the bill recalled.

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September 19, 2013
Women still struggling to win big-city mayoral jobs, USA

High-profile mayoral elections this year have already proved that the steps to City Hall remain steep for female candidates.

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