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
New Zealand made history — or herstory — this week as female lawmakers became the majority, narrowly outnumbering their male counterparts in Parliament for the first time.
Despite historic gains in the past two congressional elections in the US, women hold just 27% of the seats. As Americans prepare to reshape Congress in the midterms, could Bolivia inspire change?
Despite historic gains in the past two congressional elections in the US, women hold just 27% of the seats. As Americans prepare to reshape Congress in the midterms, could Bolivia inspire change?
The Women in Government Fellowship is a six-month program that is focused on capacity-building, training, and mentorship of women in politics. It seeks to enhance and improve the quality of political participation of women.
The Women in Government Fellowship is a six-month program that is focused on capacity-building, training, and mentorship of women in politics. It seeks to enhance and improve the quality of political participation of women.
Nigeria’s two dominant parties, ACP and PDP, have less than 6 per cent of their parliamentary candidates as women.
Nigeria’s two dominant parties, ACP and PDP, have less than 6 per cent of their parliamentary candidates as women.
Introduction
Introduction
Vanuatu Election Commission yet to declare official results but Julia King likely to be lone female voice in 52-member parliament.
Italy recently joined Great Britain, Finland and New Zealand after the country elected its first woman prime minister.
Italy recently joined Great Britain, Finland and New Zealand after the country elected its first woman prime minister.
![Slovenia may have its first female president following this month's elections to fill the post. [EPA/ANTONIO BAT]](/sites/default/files/styles/home_news_image/public/field/image/w_51477960-1-800x450.jpg?itok=-c0sfX1z "Slovenia may have its first female president following this month's elections to fill the post. [EPA/ANTONIO BAT]")
Polls predict that an independent candidate supported by the Pirates and Greens is likely to win the run-off against right-wing and ruling party-backed hopefuls to become Slovenia’s first female president.
First-time candidates vie with incumbents for 52 seats after government dissolved ‘Red Roof’ parliament to ward off no-confidence vote.