Skip to main content

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

Event

September 10, 2019
Tunisian women absent from presidential campaign

Tunisia has long been seen as a pioneer for women's rights in the Arab world, but on the eve of presidential elections, women are calling this reputation into question.

Learn More
September 6, 2019
Men are more confident to enter politics and more likely to have been encouraged to run, poll shows

Men have greater confidence in their ability to serve as politicians and are more likely to have been personally encouraged to enter politics, a new poll shows, underscoring factors why women are under-represented at all levels of elected office in C

Learn More
September 6, 2019
Women and politics

For the first time in 20 years a woman candidate has been named to contest at the upcoming Presidential Election. Environmentalist Dr.

Learn More

Interviews

August 27, 2019
Women's Equality Day is a timely reminder of the impact women voters have on elections

In 1973, Congress declared August 26th "Women's Equality Day."

Learn More

July 22, 2019
Record number of women win seats in Japan election, but female voters wary of government's empowerment pledge

Despite a record number of women winning seats in Sunday’s Upper House election, some female voters have expressed doubts about the government’s commitment to empowering women.

Learn More
July 22, 2019
Japan election: Surge of women candidates could reshape male-dominated parliament

One of the world's most unequal parliaments could be about to get a lot more female, or ... maybe not.

Learn More
Subscribe to Elections