Skip to main content

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

Why the European Parliament Elections Matter

Back
May 22, 2014

Why the European Parliament Elections Matter

Voters in all 28 member states of the European Union (EU) will go to the polls May 22–25, 2014, to elect representatives to the 751-seat European Parliament.

Print article

Voters in all 28 member states of the European Union (EU) will go to the polls May 22–25, 2014, to elect representatives to the 751-seat European Parliament.

European Elections 2014: Gender Perspective

Back
May 22, 2014

European Elections 2014: Gender Perspective

Voters in the EU will elect the 751 Members of the European Parliament during the European elections of 22-25 May 2014. The new European Parliament, representing the interests of over 500 million citizens, will shape European legislation over the next five years.
Print article
Voters in the EU will elect the 751 Members of the European Parliament during the European elections of 22-25 May 2014. The new European Parliament, representing the interests of over 500 million citizens, will shape European legislation over the next five years.

Electoral Gender Quota Systems and their Implementation in Europe

Back
May 22, 2014

Electoral Gender Quota Systems and their Implementation in Europe

The note is an updated version of the 2011 study Electoral Gender Quotas and Their Implementation in Europe (PE 408.309), and it maps the diffusion of electoral gender quotas in the 30 EU/EEA countries and evaluates the effectiveness of different quota types in different electora
Print article
The note is an updated version of the 2011 study Electoral Gender Quotas and Their Implementation in Europe (PE 408.309), and it maps the diffusion of electoral gender quotas in the 30 EU/EEA countries and evaluates the effectiveness of different quota types in different electora
May 19, 2014
Lose an Election? If You're Female, It May Have Been Because Of Your Eyebrows

Big brows may be trendy, but the American public’s sense of propriety gets inflamed if they’re on a female elected official’s face.

Learn More
May 19, 2014
Women make better choices, say voters, Ireland

SEVEN out of 10 voters believe their local authority would make better decisions if it had more female councillors, a new opinion poll reveals.

Learn More
May 19, 2014
Nigeria: Amaechi Tasks Women On Greater Participation in Politics

More participation of women in politics will go along way in making democracy in Nigeria an interesting game, even as it would help in stamping out corruption in the political system. This position was made by the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Learn More
May 16, 2014
Push needed for more women in Vanuatu politics

The Vanuatu Council of Women says the government needs to come up with more strategies to push women's political representation in the country.

Learn More
May 16, 2014
Low representation doesn't deter Indian women from voting

They might not be getting their due when it comes to representation in parliament, but women have increased their participation in the voting process by nearly 10 percent in this general election, even surpassing men in eight states.

Learn More
May 16, 2014
Nigeria: Ogun - Fresh Perspectives On Women in Politics

First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, recently put forward new perspectives on how to make women's voices heard and make their votes count in Nigeria's political process, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Learn More
Subscribe to Elections