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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

The prevention and mitigation of election-related violence: An action guide

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July 11, 2019

The prevention and mitigation of election-related violence: An action guide

Understanding and explaining outbreaks of election-related violence is a complex task; predicting whether forthcoming elections will turn violent, which factors may underlie or trigger violence, and what can be done to prevent violence is even more d

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Understanding and explaining outbreaks of election-related violence is a complex task; predicting whether forthcoming elections will turn violent, which factors may underlie or trigger violence, and what can be done to prevent violence is even more d

Engaging young people and women in European Parliament elections

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July 11, 2019

Engaging young people and women in European Parliament elections

This Discussion Paper puts together relevant data on the inclusion of young people and women in European Parliament elections.

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This Discussion Paper puts together relevant data on the inclusion of young people and women in European Parliament elections.

Thinking of running in 2020? Lessons learned from women who ran for congress in 2018

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July 11, 2019

Thinking of running in 2020? Lessons learned from women who ran for congress in 2018

By Julie Dolan and Paru Shah,

There’s a great deal of excitement leading up to the 2020 elections, in part because of the unprecedented numbers of women running for President.

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By Julie Dolan and Paru Shah,

There’s a great deal of excitement leading up to the 2020 elections, in part because of the unprecedented numbers of women running for President.

June 10, 2019
Call to introduce local election gender quotas

A women’s rights group will today, 9 June, launch a €35,000 crowdfunding plan to help female candidates in future elections after accusing the Government of failing to do enough to address the issue.

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Breaking the mold: Understanding gender and electoral violence

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June 7, 2019

Breaking the mold: Understanding gender and electoral violence

Women around the world are playing increasingly visible roles in the political processes of their countries as voters, candidates, representatives, protesters, journalists and as civic educators in the home, the community and beyond.

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Women around the world are playing increasingly visible roles in the political processes of their countries as voters, candidates, representatives, protesters, journalists and as civic educators in the home, the community and beyond.

Violence against women in elections in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville: An IFES assessment

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June 7, 2019

Violence against women in elections in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville: An IFES assessment

Violence against women in politics is a substantial threat to the integrity of the electoral process, affecting women’s participation as voters, candidates, election officials, activists and political party leaders and undermining free, fair and incl

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Violence against women in politics is a substantial threat to the integrity of the electoral process, affecting women’s participation as voters, candidates, election officials, activists and political party leaders and undermining free, fair and incl

Violence against women in elections in Papua New Guinea: An IFES assessment

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June 7, 2019

Violence against women in elections in Papua New Guinea: An IFES assessment

Violence against women in politics is a substantial threat to the integrity of the electoral process, affecting women’s participation as voters, candidates, election officials, activists and political party leaders and undermining free, fair and incl

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Violence against women in politics is a substantial threat to the integrity of the electoral process, affecting women’s participation as voters, candidates, election officials, activists and political party leaders and undermining free, fair and incl

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