Skip to main content

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

March 15, 2013
More women entering regional politics, Balkans

Even though Balkan countries are shy of the European average when it comes to women in politics, their presence in public life is growing.

March 14, 2013
We Must Take Positive Lessons From Kenya's WOMEN ONLY Elections, Ghana

As we join the rest of the world in commemorating today, 8th March, as International Women’s Day, we wish to use this occasion to address the unacceptable issue of very low representation of women in governance and decision-making in Ghana and many other African countries and commend the great st

March 14, 2013
Women in Politics, Haiti far ahead of the OAS countries

During the First Ordinary Session of the Council of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), which was held March 1, at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC, around the theme "Women's rights: From Law to Practice" ; Marie Yanick Mézile, Haiti's Mini

March 14, 2013
Mixed feeling over reserved seats for women in Parliament, Zimbabwe

“I do not think that the constitution will improve or encourage women to participate in politics. In terms of the population we are more than men. Women are the ones who are voting men into power. We have women who are in Parliament who managed to beat their male counterparts [in elections].

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

Back
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.

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)

Back
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
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.

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.

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.