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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

October 17, 2013
Legislative town halls to focus on women in workforce, USA

Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill will host town hall meetings this month to examine barriers that face women as they struggle to reach professional goals.

The meetings stem from LR295, introduced by McGill to study the income gap between men and women.

October 16, 2013
Incumbency Test Looms Larger for Female Governors, USA

The four female incumbents in the field of about 30 governors seeking reelection in November 2014 are doing something considered incumbent upon any female executive who wants her job back: playing up their accomplishments.

October 14, 2013
The only woman in the room? USA

Why some say the GOP can't compete until it adds more female consultants to its ranks “If you look at the numbers, women are the majority of the population; we’re the majority of voters,” Thompson says.

October 12, 2013
Chilean presidential election is between “Michelle Bachelet and I” says Evelyn Matthei

Chilean presidential candidate for the ruling party Evelyn Matthei was the target of her competitors’ criticism during a televised debate in which she brushed aside hopefuls’ aspirations arguing that it was obvious that the race was between her and Michelle Bachelet, who did not participate.

Opportunities and Challenges of Women's Political Participation in India

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October 11, 2013

Opportunities and Challenges of Women's Political Participation in India

A Synthesis of Research Findings from Select Districts in India There is growing momentum among governments and civil society to foster and ensure women’s participation and leadership in the political arena, and specifically within local governance structures.

A Synthesis of Research Findings from Select Districts in India There is growing momentum among governments and civil society to foster and ensure women’s participation and leadership in the political arena, and specifically within local governance structures.

Elections in Egypt: The Electoral Framework in Egypt’s Continuing Transition: February 2011 – September 2013

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October 11, 2013

Elections in Egypt: The Electoral Framework in Egypt’s Continuing Transition: February 2011 – September 2013

Egypt has been undergoing a tumultuous, uncertain democratic transition for more than two years. Inspired by the events in Tunisia, Egyptians organized and participated in mass protests to oust President Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt has been undergoing a tumultuous, uncertain democratic transition for more than two years. Inspired by the events in Tunisia, Egyptians organized and participated in mass protests to oust President Hosni Mubarak.

Africa: Women in Africa - Leading the Way?

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October 11, 2013

Africa: Women in Africa - Leading the Way?

Historically, customs and traditional laws in Africa hindered women's access to education and development, while promoting, to a varying degree, a culture of male dominance across the continent.

Historically, customs and traditional laws in Africa hindered women's access to education and development, while promoting, to a varying degree, a culture of male dominance across the continent.

October 10, 2013
More women in Canadian politics urgently needed

By some measures, women are making huge gains when it comes to elected politics in Canada.

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