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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

Dilma Rousseff
October 5, 2014
Brazil election: Dilma Rousseff to face Aecio Neves in run-off

Brazil's presidential race will go to a second r

Mulheres presidentes, impacto e movimento feminista-Eleições na América Latina

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September 24, 2014

Mulheres presidentes, impacto e movimento feminista-Eleições na América Latina

Although Brazil has enjoyed democracy for only 25 years, the current cabinet features a record number of female ministers (10 making up 26% of the cabinet). This stands in contrast to 2008 when Brazil was among the countries of the world with the lowest proportion of women in public office. Elections are scheduled to take place in October 2014, how has the increase of women’s political participation impacted the country in the last few years? How has it influenced Brazil’s feminist movement?" How does it influence the feminist movement in other Latin American countries? How does a female president open doors for other women?

Although Brazil has enjoyed democracy for only 25 years, the current cabinet features a record number of female ministers (10 making up 26% of the cabinet). This stands in contrast to 2008 when Brazil was among the countries of the world with the lowest proportion of women in public office. Elections are scheduled to take place in October 2014, how has the increase of women’s political participation impacted the country in the last few years? How has it influenced Brazil’s feminist movement?" How does it influence the feminist movement in other Latin American countries? How does a female president open doors for other women?

September 22, 2014
Democrats Losing Their Grip On Women Voters, USA

Once women voters were considered to be a sure thing for Democratic candidates, but the tide appears to be turning, according to last week’s poll by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News.

Des Afghans lors d’élections historiques
September 14, 2014
2014 Theme: Engaging Young People on Democracy

Photo-Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

 

"I call on members of the largest generation of youth in history to confront challenges and consider what you can do to resolve them. To take control of your destiny and translate your dreams into a better future for all."

Women in Government

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September 12, 2014

Women in Government

This wonderful infographic summarizes all the relevant data on women in all branches of government as well as legislation in place for women's political participation from around the world.

This wonderful infographic summarizes all the relevant data on women in all branches of government as well as legislation in place for women's political participation from around the world.

September 12, 2014
Poverty shuts women out of political posts, Tanzania

As the 2015 general elections approach many womena re beginning to call for free elections without corruption to give a chance for everyone to participate.

September 12, 2014
Lebanon's women candidates rally

Armed with perseverance and determination, numerous elite Lebanese women gathered Wednesday next to the Interior Ministry to stress that the Lebanese political field is incomplete without their participation.

September 12, 2014
9 things we know about the 2014 election, from the two men who know it best, USA

Eight weeks from Election Day, the heads of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee view the battle for the Senate through very different prisms -- though they share some of the same views on how the midterms are shaking out.

September 12, 2014
Shift the burden; push parties to pitch women, India

Till such time that the 33% representation in legislatures and the Parliament is not made mandatory, they will be happy to make all the right noises on women’s representation and leave it at that. All the canvassing and grass-root work by women’s organisations would have yielded little.