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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

January 27, 2014
Mamphela Ramphele may not be the electoral elixir needed to beat the ANC

It is a South African political match made in heaven: a revered black academic, international activist and former freedom fighter – Dr Mamphela Ramphele - joins the rising, bu

January 27, 2014
In Nepal, Women Fight to Maintain Seats in Parliament

Nepali women had much to be proud of as 172 of them were seated in the country’s newest Constituent Assembly on Jan. 22.

January 27, 2014
New Report Examines the Reality of Women’s Participation in Guatemalan Politics

While women in Guatemala have slowly been making political gains, a new report by NDI and UN Women shows that a significant gender gap persists.

January 20, 2014
Rahul Gandhi pushes for Women’s Reservation Bill, India
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday vigorously pushed for early passage of Women’s Reservation Bill as he vowed to work towards having “maximum possible” women in

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Key Gains and Challenges: A Gender Audit of Kenya's 2013 Election Process

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January 13, 2014

Key Gains and Challenges: A Gender Audit of Kenya's 2013 Election Process

“Every country deserves to have the best possible leader and that means that women have to be given a chance to compete. If they’re never allowed to compete in the electoral process, then the countries are really robbing  themselves of a great deal of talent.” -Madeleine K.

“Every country deserves to have the best possible leader and that means that women have to be given a chance to compete. If they’re never allowed to compete in the electoral process, then the countries are really robbing  themselves of a great deal of talent.” -Madeleine K.

January 12, 2014
Female candidates will face uphill battle in 2014 election in Indonesia

Despite efforts to increase the number of women in politics, they still face an uphill battle to join the male-dominated political world, a political expert has said.

January 11, 2014
Michelle Wu talks of change, votes otherwise

Ayanna Pressley and Michelle Wu stood side by side at the swearing-in of Boston’s new mayor, both symbols of the changing face of city politics.

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