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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

UK: Candidate selections reflect the barriers for women in politics

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June 25, 2024

UK: Candidate selections reflect the barriers for women in politics

Last week, all UK political parties confirmed which candidates they were standing in each constituency for the 2024 general election. Including independents, a total of 4,515 candidates will be fighting for a seat in the next government.

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Last week, all UK political parties confirmed which candidates they were standing in each constituency for the 2024 general election. Including independents, a total of 4,515 candidates will be fighting for a seat in the next government.

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Female Representation in Bulgarian Politics Still Low after Latest Elections, Foundation Says

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Female Representation in Bulgarian Politics Still Low after Latest Elections, Foundation Says

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Women account for 27% of Bulgaria's new National Assembly (parliament), elected by a snap vote on June 9 and sworn in on June 19. After the European elections, which, in Bulgaria, coincided with the vote for the national legislature, the country sent only four women to the European Parliament, where it has been allocated 17 seats, the Ekaterina Karavelova Foundation says in an analysis published on its website.

The foundation's mission is to encourage women to spearhead the process of transformation in society.

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Bulgarian News Agency

Women account for 27% of Bulgaria's new National Assembly (parliament), elected by a snap vote on June 9 and sworn in on June 19. After the European elections, which, in Bulgaria, coincided with the vote for the national legislature, the country sent only four women to the European Parliament, where it has been allocated 17 seats, the Ekaterina Karavelova Foundation says in an analysis published on its website.

The foundation's mission is to encourage women to spearhead the process of transformation in society.

Gender quotas must be introduced in local government in order to achieve equality

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June 23, 2024

Gender quotas must be introduced in local government in order to achieve equality

The recent local elections are a real-time example of why we need gender quotas. 

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The recent local elections are a real-time example of why we need gender quotas. 

Women in Indian Politics: A story that has changed little over the years

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June 20, 2024

Women in Indian Politics: A story that has changed little over the years

India recently concluded its 2024 general elections, which took place in seven phases—from April 19 to June 1—to elect all 543 members of the Lok Sabha (lower house).

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India recently concluded its 2024 general elections, which took place in seven phases—from April 19 to June 1—to elect all 543 members of the Lok Sabha (lower house).

A lack of real progress on women in politics

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June 17, 2024

A lack of real progress on women in politics

Only 30% of candidates are female, writes Hannah Stevens. The issues lie in selection processes and procedures that create enormous barriers to entry for women, disabled people and ethnic minorities.

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Only 30% of candidates are female, writes Hannah Stevens. The issues lie in selection processes and procedures that create enormous barriers to entry for women, disabled people and ethnic minorities.

World News

Female UK election candidates report increased abuse

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Female UK election candidates report increased abuse

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Abuse of female election candidates is becoming worse, say candidates, activists and charities.

One female Labour candidate in the north of England said “the harassment continues apace” in the build-up to the election, with online harassment being a particular problem.

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The Guardian

Abuse of female election candidates is becoming worse, say candidates, activists and charities.

One female Labour candidate in the north of England said “the harassment continues apace” in the build-up to the election, with online harassment being a particular problem.

Women are Front and Center in Mexican Politics. What Can the U.S. Learn?

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June 11, 2024

Women are Front and Center in Mexican Politics. What Can the U.S. Learn?

On June 2, over 60 percent of registered Mexican voters went to the polls for a monumental election, with over 20,000 public offices up for grabs at the federal and local levels.

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On June 2, over 60 percent of registered Mexican voters went to the polls for a monumental election, with over 20,000 public offices up for grabs at the federal and local levels.

World News

General Election 2024: Abuse of women in politics is denial of legitimate presence in political life

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General Election 2024: Abuse of women in politics is denial of legitimate presence in political life

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Today’s Guardian report that online harassment against women politicians is intensifying is unsurprising, but it indicates a serious problem in UK democracy. There are two important factors to consider here.

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University of Birmingham

Today’s Guardian report that online harassment against women politicians is intensifying is unsurprising, but it indicates a serious problem in UK democracy. There are two important factors to consider here.

Making room for women in politics demands a new political imagination

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June 8, 2024

Making room for women in politics demands a new political imagination

In September last year, when the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in Parliament, it raised hopes of a more gender-equal legislature.

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In September last year, when the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in Parliament, it raised hopes of a more gender-equal legislature.

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