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
by Lucile Huguet Scotland didn’t get enough Yes to become independent from England. However, the country is at a real turning point of its history. Scotland got its first female politician elected as head of the country. As we know, the No vote was predominant at the last referendum where people were asked if they wanted Scotland to remain part of the UK or not.
Conventional knowledge on the effectiveness of gender quotas for enhancing women’s political participation has, to date, been unanimous on the superiority of quotas in proportional representat
Conventional knowledge on the effectiveness of gender quotas for enhancing women’s political participation has, to date, been unanimous on the superiority of quotas in proportional representat
In the 2014 Fiji general election, 14% of elected parliamentarians were women. This percentage represents the largest proportion of women in Fiji’s parliament since independence in 1970.
In the 2014 Fiji general election, 14% of elected parliamentarians were women. This percentage represents the largest proportion of women in Fiji’s parliament since independence in 1970.
The ideology and internal organization of political parties affect how different societal needs, interests, and social demands are represented. Some parties have been great advocates of gender equality and promoting women in their candidate lists through either quotas or alternation rules.
The ideology and internal organization of political parties affect how different societal needs, interests, and social demands are represented. Some parties have been great advocates of gender equality and promoting women in their candidate lists through either quotas or alternation rules.
By Malgorzata Bratkrajc, A new European Commission took office on November 1st, 2014. Unsurprisingly, the composition of the new Commission confirmed that the flagship EU initiative of gender balance in decision-making positions is not being taken seriously when it comes to the ‘top’ EU jobs.
Latin America has made considerable progress increasing political representation of women, but more active measures are needed to increase outcomes.
Latin America has made considerable progress increasing political representation of women, but more active measures are needed to increase outcomes.