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
NDI’s ongoing qualitative research revealed that while Libyans were broadly supportive of women playing roles in public life, there was significant disagreement over what type of engagement is best-suited to women.
Although Lebanon is known in the Middle East for its relative political openness and for the degree of freedom Lebanese women enjoy, it paradoxically has one of the lowest rates of women’s political engagement in the region.
Although Lebanon is known in the Middle East for its relative political openness and for the degree of freedom Lebanese women enjoy, it paradoxically has one of the lowest rates of women’s political engagement in the region.
IN 1999, Scotland had 37 per cent female MSPs, which rose to 40 per cent in 2003 but there was drop to 33 per cent in 2007 and then a tiny rise to 35 per cent in 2011.
Kenyans head to the polls on Monday and the country is cove
An analysis of data and views on Cambodian women's political participation, especially during the 3rd Mandate Commune/Sangkat Council elections in 2012.
An analysis of data and views on Cambodian women's political participation, especially during the 3rd Mandate Commune/Sangkat Council elections in 2012.
The annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) will open on March 5, 2013, and statistics show that the number of female deputies has risen to 699, accounting for 23.4 percent of all deputies, which is nearly 2.1 percent higher than the previous year.
Thirty Saudi women have taken seats in Saudi Arabia's Shura Council, for the first time in the conservative kingdom's history, as they were sworn in before King Abdullah at his palace in the capital, Riyadh.
Last week women from different political parties met in Harare to, among other things, discuss women's participation in the forth-coming referendum and elections.
The National Commission for Women and its counterparts in the states on Wednesday said they will meet the Prime Minister and the leaders of opposition in both the houses of Parliament to press for 33 per cent quota for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.