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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

Can quotas solve gender inequality in government?

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November 16, 2018

Can quotas solve gender inequality in government?

The November 2018 election in the US will go down for a number of firsts. The first Somali American Muslim woman to be elected to office. The first Native American woman sent to Congress.

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The November 2018 election in the US will go down for a number of firsts. The first Somali American Muslim woman to be elected to office. The first Native American woman sent to Congress.

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November 9, 2018
American women won at the ballot in record numbers. Here’s what’s next

Historic wins for women in the midterm elections drove home the interpretation that 2018 was, indeed, the “Year of the Woman.” But it remains unknown whether women’s political capital will continue to rise.

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November 9, 2018
Indian women are voting more than ever. Will they change Indian society?

Are Indian women voting at higher rates than before?

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November 7, 2018
Voters send record number of women to US Congress

Female candidates for Congress made history on Tuesday night, with more than 100 women sweeping into office on the strength of a Democratic House takeover powered in large part by college-educated female voters.

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November 7, 2018
Record level of women in New Zealand Parliament

There are 46 women in the 52nd Parliament of New Zealand, the highest level of representation for women in its history.

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November 7, 2018
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wins, becoming youngest woman ever elected to the US Congress

Progressive Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won her race for a U.S. House seat in New York’s 14th District on Tuesday, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.

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November 7, 2018
A list of firsts for women in this year's midterm elections

With women making up only 20 percent of Congress, there are many types of women — especially women of color — who have never been represented on Capitol Hill.

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