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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

September 7, 2018
Regional network to promote women in elections working group meeting in Tunis

To further discuss the establishment of a gender electoral network in the Arab region, the Organization of Arab Electoral Management Bodies (Arab EMBs), the UNDP and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistan

September 6, 2018
In 2018, black women like Ayanna Pressley are fighting for political power — and winning

Ayanna Pressley pulled off an unexpected victory on Tuesday in the Democratic congressional primary in Massachusetts’s Seventh District, beating 10-term incumbent Rep. Michael Capuano with 59 percent of the vote.

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Will women decide the Brazilian election? The potential impact of female voters and candidates

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Will women decide the Brazilian election? The potential impact of female voters and candidates

Polls suggest that women may play a decisive role in determining who wins the presidential race in Brazil this October.

August 31, 2018
President urges political parties in Nigeria to be fair to women aspirants in 2019 elections

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on political parties to ensure conducive atmosphere for women aspirants in the forthcoming 2019 General Elections.

August 28, 2018
For female candidates, harassment and threats come every day

Four days before the 2016 congressional primary in her Northern California district, Erin Schrode woke up to tens of thousands of messages.

How the next generation of women lawmakers can change America

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August 24, 2018

How the next generation of women lawmakers can change America

In this crazy, politically volatile year, there’s been plenty to worry about. But amongst all the trouble, there’s a sign of hope: more women have won major party nominations in 2018 than ever before.

In this crazy, politically volatile year, there’s been plenty to worry about. But amongst all the trouble, there’s a sign of hope: more women have won major party nominations in 2018 than ever before.

Muslim women poised to make political history

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August 24, 2018

Muslim women poised to make political history

NPR's Lakshmi Singh talks with Palestinian-American Rashida Tlaib, who won her Detroit-area primary last week and runs unopposed in November. She's set to be among the first Muslim women in Congress.

NPR's Lakshmi Singh talks with Palestinian-American Rashida Tlaib, who won her Detroit-area primary last week and runs unopposed in November. She's set to be among the first Muslim women in Congress.

August 24, 2018
Meet Souad Abderrahim, the first female mayor of Tunisia’s capital in 160 years

Souad Abderrahim is not like the past 32 mayors of this North African capital. They hailed from wealthy, influential families. She’s a self-made businesswoman. They were political appointees.