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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

Conditions determining the level of representation of women: The experience of quota system in Latin America

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August 28, 2008

Conditions determining the level of representation of women: The experience of quota system in Latin America

This report provides a general view of the position of women in the legislative powers in three periods: between the 1970s and the 1980s, around 1995 and in 2004.

This report provides a general view of the position of women in the legislative powers in three periods: between the 1970s and the 1980s, around 1995 and in 2004.

South Africa: Women and Local Government

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August 27, 2008

South Africa: Women and Local Government

This article describes the participation and representation of women in local government elections in South Africa.

This article describes the participation and representation of women in local government elections in South Africa.

The Participation of Women in South Africa's First Democratic Election

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August 27, 2008

The Participation of Women in South Africa's First Democratic Election

This article describes the participation of women in the 1994 election in South Africa, and the particular difficulties women candidates faced during this election.

This article describes the participation of women in the 1994 election in South Africa, and the particular difficulties women candidates faced during this election.

Equal Participation of Women and Men in Decision-Making Processes, with Particular Emphasis on Political Participation

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July 31, 2008

Equal Participation of Women and Men in Decision-Making Processes, with Particular Emphasis on Political Participation

This paper describes issues relevant to women's political participation, representation and leadership. It describes strategies to address the disparity between men and women, gender mainstreaming as a cross-cutting strategy, globalization, and women's mobilization strategies.

This paper describes issues relevant to women's political participation, representation and leadership. It describes strategies to address the disparity between men and women, gender mainstreaming as a cross-cutting strategy, globalization, and women's mobilization strategies.

Working with Women Candidates and Women Voters during Elections

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July 24, 2008

Working with Women Candidates and Women Voters during Elections

This consolidated response highlights tools used to empower women candidates, such as providing training, working with political parties, using affirmative action measures,and holding outreach campaigns.

This consolidated response highlights tools used to empower women candidates, such as providing training, working with political parties, using affirmative action measures,and holding outreach campaigns.

Towards Inclusive Governance: Promoting the Participation of Disadvantaged Groups in Asia-Pacific

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June 27, 2008

Towards Inclusive Governance: Promoting the Participation of Disadvantaged Groups in Asia-Pacific

This publication examines the application of the principles of non-discrimination, participation, accountability and empowerment in governance arenas.

This publication examines the application of the principles of non-discrimination, participation, accountability and empowerment in governance arenas.

Practitioner’s Guide to Designing Inclusive and Accountable Local Democratic Institutions

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June 27, 2008

Practitioner’s Guide to Designing Inclusive and Accountable Local Democratic Institutions

This guide is the first of its kind to provide an overview of the current range of local representative arrangements and electoral systems in Asia and the Pacific.

This guide is the first of its kind to provide an overview of the current range of local representative arrangements and electoral systems in Asia and the Pacific.

Poster from the "Use Your Voice" Campaign

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May 21, 2008

Poster from the "Use Your Voice" Campaign

This poster was used in a national media campaign aimed at promoting women's participation in the electoral process in Lebanon.

This poster was used in a national media campaign aimed at promoting women's participation in the electoral process in Lebanon.

Poster for Women Voters in Morocco

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May 21, 2008

Poster for Women Voters in Morocco

This poster was used as a part of a media campaign targeted at women voters in the 2002 legislative elections in Morocco.

This poster was used as a part of a media campaign targeted at women voters in the 2002 legislative elections in Morocco.