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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

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Egypt: "Towards a fair representation of women in the elected councils: Proportional representation list system"

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Egypt: "Towards a fair representation of women in the elected councils: Proportional representation list system"

The Egyptian Center for Women's Rights will hold a seminar entitled "Towards a fair representation in the Parliament" on Monday, April 4, 2011.

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The Road ahead Citizen Attitudes about Burundi in the Post-2011 Election Period

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March 28, 2011

The Road ahead Citizen Attitudes about Burundi in the Post-2011 Election Period

This report explores public opinion in Burundi. Based on 40 focus group discussions with nearly 500 Burundian participants, the report examines attitudes and concerns of Burundian citizens about the 2010 electoral period.

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This report explores public opinion in Burundi. Based on 40 focus group discussions with nearly 500 Burundian participants, the report examines attitudes and concerns of Burundian citizens about the 2010 electoral period.

The political representation of women and ethnic minorities in established democracies

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March 18, 2011

The political representation of women and ethnic minorities in established democracies

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the persistent obstacles to women’s and ethnic minority representation in politics, and to examine conditions and strategies across various countries that appear to facilitate better political representation of these groups.

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The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the persistent obstacles to women’s and ethnic minority representation in politics, and to examine conditions and strategies across various countries that appear to facilitate better political representation of these groups.

Are women really the “fairer” sex? Corruption and women in government

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March 18, 2011

Are women really the “fairer” sex? Corruption and women in government

Numerous behavioral studies have found women to be more trust-worthy and public-spirited than men. These results suggest that women should be particularly effective in promoting honest government.

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Numerous behavioral studies have found women to be more trust-worthy and public-spirited than men. These results suggest that women should be particularly effective in promoting honest government.

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Women’s Representation in Local Government in Asia-Pacific: Going beyond National Targets in Monitoring Status for MDG 3 on Women’s Political Empowerment

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March 10, 2011

Women’s Representation in Local Government in Asia-Pacific: Going beyond National Targets in Monitoring Status for MDG 3 on Women’s Political Empowerment

More Asia Pacific countries than ever before have elected local governments and national parliaments. Despite the progress made in establishing democratic institutions in the Asia Pacifi c, women continue to participate unequally both as voters and as candidates.

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More Asia Pacific countries than ever before have elected local governments and national parliaments. Despite the progress made in establishing democratic institutions in the Asia Pacifi c, women continue to participate unequally both as voters and as candidates.

Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men in 2010

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March 8, 2011

Report on Progress on Equality between Women and Men in 2010

This eighth report on equality between men and women describes developments towards gender equality in the European Union in 2010. Last year was a significant year for the European Commission’s work of advancing gender equality.

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This eighth report on equality between men and women describes developments towards gender equality in the European Union in 2010. Last year was a significant year for the European Commission’s work of advancing gender equality.

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