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
A young Fijian woman who intends to stand in the Fiji elections says she has received threats, including threats of rape, on social media.
Roshika Deo is standing as an independent candidate in next year's promised elections.
Khadija Ghaznawi says she knows exactly how to end the long-simmering conflict in Afghanistan: build more factories.
In Cameroon, defenders of gender equality and the empowerment of women today have a reason to celebrate. This follows the announcement of the results of the legislative elections held on 30 September 2013.
Hillary Clinton's near-tear on the eve of the 2008 New Hampshire primary was a political game-changer.
Mali will hold the first round of its legislative elections on November 24, while the second round will be heldon December 15.
Elections are key components of any democratic system.