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
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.
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.
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.
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.
By some measures, women are making huge gains when it comes to elected politics in Canada.
There is growing recognition that stable peace and national prosperity can only be achieved when institutions are democratic and representative of all groups of society.
There is growing recognition that stable peace and national prosperity can only be achieved when institutions are democratic and representative of all groups of society.
"Conflict affects women and men differently. In post-conflict contexts, numerous political, socio-economic, ideological and psychological obstacles prevent women from participating fully in political life and in electoral processes."
"Conflict affects women and men differently. In post-conflict contexts, numerous political, socio-economic, ideological and psychological obstacles prevent women from participating fully in political life and in electoral processes."
This directive sets out UN policy for providing support to the design or reform of an electoral system, or parts of an electoral system.
This directive sets out UN policy for providing support to the design or reform of an electoral system, or parts of an electoral system.