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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 14, 2022
Primary results suggest sea change for women in Massachusetts politics

For the first time, a Massachusetts election was dominated by women candidates, who won primaries in five out of six statewide races on Tuesday — an unprecedented showing in a state that had trailed in women’s political representation.

Senegal leads way on women legislators but challenges ahead

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September 12, 2022

Senegal leads way on women legislators but challenges ahead

Senegal will break new ground Monday as West Africa's largest-ever proportion of women MPs take their seats in a newly elected legislature, stirring hopes of change in a country where patriarchal laws and attitudes are entrenched.

Senegal will break new ground Monday as West Africa's largest-ever proportion of women MPs take their seats in a newly elected legislature, stirring hopes of change in a country where patriarchal laws and attitudes are entrenched.

Telling women to "lean in" won’t get more of them in politics — the parties have left women behind

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September 12, 2022

Telling women to "lean in" won’t get more of them in politics — the parties have left women behind

Women lack confidence, doubt their qualifications and wait to be asked, say pundits. The narrative directs attention away from the real culprits.

Women lack confidence, doubt their qualifications and wait to be asked, say pundits. The narrative directs attention away from the real culprits.

Indonesia: More women in politics, please

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September 7, 2022

Indonesia: More women in politics, please

For the first time, Indonesia, dubbed the world’s third largest democracy, will hold the general elections — the presidential and legislative elections — and nationwide regional elections in the same year.

For the first time, Indonesia, dubbed the world’s third largest democracy, will hold the general elections — the presidential and legislative elections — and nationwide regional elections in the same year.

September 6, 2022
India: Ex-MLA Bijimol opens up on trauma inflicted by anti-woman colleagues in CPI

ES Bijimol, a three-time MLA of the Communist Party of India (CPI) has said she suffered moral attacks and degradation from her male colleagues for daring to contest in a male bastion.

September 5, 2022
Kuwait signs up 115 candidates for coming elections

Kuwaitis to head to the polls on September 29 to elect next parliament after National Assembly was dissolved in June.

September 5, 2022
Nigeria: UN seeks equitable media access for female politicians

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the United Nations has called on the media to ensure that female politicians are granted the same access as their male counterparts.

The double standards & unfair treatment meted out to female politicians

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August 31, 2022

The double standards & unfair treatment meted out to female politicians

The bitter truth is that gender injustice in politics is largely overlooked and has been normalised to the point where a woman preparing to start a career in politics should expect misogyny and sexism as by-products.

The bitter truth is that gender injustice in politics is largely overlooked and has been normalised to the point where a woman preparing to start a career in politics should expect misogyny and sexism as by-products.

Why don’t we see women as “electable”?

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August 31, 2022

Why don’t we see women as “electable”?

Journalist Ali Vitali covered female presidential candidates in 2020. Now she reflects on what got in their way.

Journalist Ali Vitali covered female presidential candidates in 2020. Now she reflects on what got in their way.