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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

Commentaries and suggestions to the UN-INSTRAW tool for electoral systems

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December 4, 2008

Commentaries and suggestions to the UN-INSTRAW tool for electoral systems

This consolidated response in based on the commentaries and suggestions of an experts´ group about an analysis tool for electoral systems from a gender perspective elaborated by UN-INSTRAW.

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This consolidated response in based on the commentaries and suggestions of an experts´ group about an analysis tool for electoral systems from a gender perspective elaborated by UN-INSTRAW.

e-Discussions

Decentralization and Women's Political Participation

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Decentralization and Women's Political Participation

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION CIRCLE 2011:

The Discussion Circle on “Decentralization and Women's Political Participation” was initiated in 2008 and concluded in 2010.

The members discussed on the importance to empower and involve women in local government as decision makers, planners and managers to meet the challenges of sustainable human development.

This summary of the discussion circle is based on your contributions and we hope that if you find this interesting you would be interested in participating at other ongoing discussion circles. To read click here.

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SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION CIRCLE 2011:

The Discussion Circle on “Decentralization and Women's Political Participation” was initiated in 2008 and concluded in 2010.

The members discussed on the importance to empower and involve women in local government as decision makers, planners and managers to meet the challenges of sustainable human development.

This summary of the discussion circle is based on your contributions and we hope that if you find this interesting you would be interested in participating at other ongoing discussion circles. To read click here.

UNIFEM’s Gender Equality in Political Governance Programme in the Pacific – Moving Forward

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November 19, 2008

UNIFEM’s Gender Equality in Political Governance Programme in the Pacific – Moving Forward

Within two months after setting up office, the United Nations Development Fund for Women’s (UNIFEM) Gender Equality in Political Governance Programme (GEPG) in the Pacific has already started making waves.

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Within two months after setting up office, the United Nations Development Fund for Women’s (UNIFEM) Gender Equality in Political Governance Programme (GEPG) in the Pacific has already started making waves.

e-Discussions

Africa Women's Political Leadership

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Africa Women's Political Leadership

This group is open to all women who wish to discuss women's political participation in sub-Saharan Africa. The Club of Madrid African Women Leaders Project brought together women from Nigeria, Uganda and Sierra Leone in a conference in Brussels in October 2008.

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This group is open to all women who wish to discuss women's political participation in sub-Saharan Africa. The Club of Madrid African Women Leaders Project brought together women from Nigeria, Uganda and Sierra Leone in a conference in Brussels in October 2008.

European Women's Lobby 50/50 Campaign

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October 10, 2008

European Women's Lobby 50/50 Campaign

The “50/50 Campaign for Democracy” of the European Women’s Lobby is a push for concrete action to increase women’s presence in politics and in the 2009 European Parliament elections.

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The “50/50 Campaign for Democracy” of the European Women’s Lobby is a push for concrete action to increase women’s presence in politics and in the 2009 European Parliament elections.

EWL Lobbying Kit: No Modern European Democracy without Gender Equality

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October 7, 2008

EWL Lobbying Kit: No Modern European Democracy without Gender Equality

The Kit has been produced in the context of the EWL Campaign “No Modern European Democracy without Gender Equality” to be launched officially in September 2009. The Kit comprises of two sections.

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The Kit has been produced in the context of the EWL Campaign “No Modern European Democracy without Gender Equality” to be launched officially in September 2009. The Kit comprises of two sections.

Independent Women Candidates in Local Elections in Mali

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September 16, 2008

Independent Women Candidates in Local Elections in Mali

This consolidated response highlights recommendations on how to empower independent women candidates to succeed in elections.

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This consolidated response highlights recommendations on how to empower independent women candidates to succeed in elections.

Event

Explaining Women’s Representation: The Role of Legislative Recruitment & Electoral Systems

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August 28, 2008

Explaining Women’s Representation: The Role of Legislative Recruitment & Electoral Systems

This paper examines the principal steps involved in the process of recruiting individuals to countries’ legislatures. It also looks at the effect of development, culture, and a country’s electoral system on women’s representation.

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This paper examines the principal steps involved in the process of recruiting individuals to countries’ legislatures. It also looks at the effect of development, culture, and a country’s electoral system on women’s representation.

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