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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

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Violence against women in politics: Expert group meeting report and recommendations

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October 2, 2018

Violence against women in politics: Expert group meeting report and recommendations

UN Women, the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), and the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences (Special Rapporteur), in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Nation

UN Women, the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), and the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences (Special Rapporteur), in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Nation

October 1, 2018
Hundreds of thousands of women across Brazil march against far-right presidential candidate

Hundreds of thousands of women across Brazil took to the streets Saturday to protest the presidential candidacy of far-right hopeful Jair Bolsonaro, known for making disparaging comments against women and other minorities, as well as supporting the u

September 13, 2018
Here are some of the women who could make history in the Midterm Elections

 Already in 2018, women candidates have broken the records for the number of candidates for governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Depending on how the midterms go, they may make history again.

September 13, 2018
By the numbers: women congressional candidates in 2018

All congressional primary elections other than Louisiana (which holds a jungle primary on November 6th) are now complete, giving us the opportunity to take stock of women's candidacies and put their successes into context.

September 12, 2018
Nigeria: Female aspirant, others eye Badaru’s seat in Jigawa

As the 2019 general elections draw near, those who want to wrest power from the governor of Jigawa State, Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, are busy strategising. To this end, their posters have virtually taken over major towns of the state.

September 12, 2018
Nigeria: Women politicians reveal what men are doing to them

Women politicians in Kogi State have revealed what they have been going through in the hands of men in the state.

September 12, 2018
Africa's young female ministers: Mali follows Botswana, Zimbabwe

Mali’s president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Monday named Kamissa Camara as his new foreign minister, joining a 33 member cabinet tasked with restoring peace and rebuilding the economy in Keita’s second and final term.