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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

Electoral System Design: The New International IDEA Handbook

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February 15, 2007

Electoral System Design: The New International IDEA Handbook

This handbook aims to achieve two things: to expand knowledge and illuminate political and public discussions; and to give designers of constitutions, political frameworks and electoral legislation the tools to make informed choices when designing the electoral system.

This handbook aims to achieve two things: to expand knowledge and illuminate political and public discussions; and to give designers of constitutions, political frameworks and electoral legislation the tools to make informed choices when designing the electoral system.

Women's Rights to a Political Voice in Thailand

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February 15, 2007

Women's Rights to a Political Voice in Thailand

This report highlights the current status of women’s role in government in Thailand. It analyzes the reasons behind the slow progress to date, and proposes ways and means to overcome existing barriers to women in politics.

This report highlights the current status of women’s role in government in Thailand. It analyzes the reasons behind the slow progress to date, and proposes ways and means to overcome existing barriers to women in politics.

Guatemalan Case Study on Enhancing Women’s Participation in Electoral Process in Post-Conflict Countries

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February 15, 2007

Guatemalan Case Study on Enhancing Women’s Participation in Electoral Process in Post-Conflict Countries

This paper was prepared for the Expert Group Meeting on “Enhancing Women’s Participation in Electoral Process in Post-Conflict Countries." It analyzes the participation of Guatemalan women in the two elections which took place during the post-conflict period.

This paper was prepared for the Expert Group Meeting on “Enhancing Women’s Participation in Electoral Process in Post-Conflict Countries." It analyzes the participation of Guatemalan women in the two elections which took place during the post-conflict period.

Electoral Processes in Selected Countries of the Middle East: A Case Study

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February 15, 2007

Electoral Processes in Selected Countries of the Middle East: A Case Study

The paper includes three brief case studies of the electoral processes in Yemen, Lebanon and Jordan. It attempts to assess how the electoral process in each of these countries was supportive, or not, of women’s participation.

The paper includes three brief case studies of the electoral processes in Yemen, Lebanon and Jordan. It attempts to assess how the electoral process in each of these countries was supportive, or not, of women’s participation.

Taking Gender Equality Seriously: Making Progess, Meeting New Challenges

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February 14, 2007

Taking Gender Equality Seriously: Making Progess, Meeting New Challenges

This report illustrates the progress and new challenges the UNDP is facing in its day-to-day work on gender mainstreaming.

This report illustrates the progress and new challenges the UNDP is facing in its day-to-day work on gender mainstreaming.

Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda's Transition, A Summary

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February 14, 2007

Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda's Transition, A Summary

This report examines the significance of gender to governance; explores the new structures created by Rwanda's transitional government to increase women's participation in the political arena; and highlights women's contributions to promoting peace through good governance.

This report examines the significance of gender to governance; explores the new structures created by Rwanda's transitional government to increase women's participation in the political arena; and highlights women's contributions to promoting peace through good governance.

The Gender Question (Chapter excerpt from the Orissa Human Development Report 2004)

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February 14, 2007

The Gender Question (Chapter excerpt from the Orissa Human Development Report 2004)

The Orissa Human Development Report 2004 analyzes the Indian state's attainments vis-à-vis three basic tenets that define human development: livelihood, health and education, as well as some key issues central to human development such as food security and vulnerability to natural disasters.

The Orissa Human Development Report 2004 analyzes the Indian state's attainments vis-à-vis three basic tenets that define human development: livelihood, health and education, as well as some key issues central to human development such as food security and vulnerability to natural disasters.

National Human Development Report: Romania 2000

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February 14, 2007

National Human Development Report: Romania 2000

This Human Development Report focuses on the implications of the process of European Union (EU) accession for human development in Romania.

This Human Development Report focuses on the implications of the process of European Union (EU) accession for human development in Romania.

Kenya Human Development Report 1999: Gender and Human Development

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February 14, 2007

Kenya Human Development Report 1999: Gender and Human Development

This report presents an overview of the state of human development in Kenya, focusing primarily on poverty and gender inequality.

This report presents an overview of the state of human development in Kenya, focusing primarily on poverty and gender inequality.