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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

Kenya: Is Kenya’s new constitution helping or hindering women’s political participation?

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March 13, 2013

Kenya: Is Kenya’s new constitution helping or hindering women’s political participation?

Kenyans head to the polls on Monday and the country is covered in campaign posters vying for their attention. Nairobi’s malls, stalls, trees and speed bumps have been plastered with candidates’ faces.

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Kenyans head to the polls on Monday and the country is covered in campaign posters vying for their attention. Nairobi’s malls, stalls, trees and speed bumps have been plastered with candidates’ faces.

Women’s Law Association conference focused on increasing women’s political participation (video)

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March 12, 2013

Women’s Law Association conference focused on increasing women’s political participation (video)

In an effort to build momentum following the 2012 races, the Women’s Law Association hosted its annual conference on February 8, entitled “19%: When Will Women Have the Floor?” Experts and professionals gathered to discuss how to close the gender gap in politics, and what role lawyers can play
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In an effort to build momentum following the 2012 races, the Women’s Law Association hosted its annual conference on February 8, entitled “19%: When Will Women Have the Floor?” Experts and professionals gathered to discuss how to close the gender gap in politics, and what role lawyers can play
March 12, 2013
The Glass Ceiling Remains For Women in Israeli Politics

Israel is usually described as a Western democracy. But there are many areas where Israel cannot pride itself on having obtained such positives stats.

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March 12, 2013
Turkish Women Underrepresented In Politics

The local elections in March 2014 will have a vital bearing on the future of Turkish politics. The presence of women in the parliament, although still totally inadequate, went up to 14.5 % in the last elections. However, the status of women in local administrations is truly dismal.

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March 12, 2013
Slow, steady gains for women in politics, Canada

By some important measures, women are on the move, with impressive and increasing representation in the House of Commons and cabinet. By others, they still have a long way to go before achieving gender parity in terms of numbers and influence in our public policy process.

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March 11, 2013
President calls for more women in politics, Ireland

President Michael D Higgins said last night that the low level of women in the political world was of serious concern.

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March 8, 2013
Women in the driver’s seat of democratic politics

Gender equality in politics is not about the system allowing women in. It is not about politics giving something to women. It is about women actively taking their rightful place as equals with men in political decision-making. It is about women being agents of change.

 

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March 8, 2013
Increased Women’s Political Participation Still Dependent on Quotas, 2012 Elections Show

Releasing its annual analysis on the statistics on women MPs ahead of International Women’s Day (8th March), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) found 2012 represented a year of higher than usual level of progress on women’s political participation.

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March 8, 2013
Our voices: Women's political participation, Burundi

Film: Burundi has one of the highest allocations of seats in parliament for women, numbering 36% of all MPs. There is also a 30% quota policy for women's political participation at lower levels of the administration. 

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