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

Plan of Action to Correct Present Imbalances in the Participation of Men and Women in Political Life

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February 22, 2007

Plan of Action to Correct Present Imbalances in the Participation of Men and Women in Political Life

This plan of action represents the Inter-Parliamentary Union's (IPU) main intellectual input to the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995.

Beijing Parliamentary Declaration

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February 22, 2007

Beijing Parliamentary Declaration

This declaration was adopted by participants to Parliamentarians' Day, which was held by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on the occasion of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network

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February 21, 2007

The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network

The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network is your portal to the world of elections.The ACE network promotes credible, and transparent electoral processes with emphasis on sustainability, professionalism and trust in the electoral process.

Enhancing Women's Participation in Electoral Processes in Post-conflict Countries: Post-election Support

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February 19, 2007

Enhancing Women's Participation in Electoral Processes in Post-conflict Countries: Post-election Support

This paper is based on the experiences of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its programme to provide support to women in parliaments of post-conflict countries.

Women in Politics: 1945-2005 (Information Kit)

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February 19, 2007

Women in Politics: 1945-2005 (Information Kit)

This information kit was published on the occasion of the 49th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. It is composed of six data sheets on women's participation in politics over the past sixty years.

Women in Politics: 60 Years in Retrospect (Information Kit)

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February 19, 2007

Women in Politics: 60 Years in Retrospect (Information Kit)

This information kit was published on the occasion of the 50th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. It is composed of six data sheets on women's participation in politics over the past sixty years.

Parliaments on-Line (PARLINE) Database

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February 19, 2007

Parliaments on-Line (PARLINE) Database

The Parliaments on-Line (PARLINE database) has been developed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and is regularly updated on the basis of official information provided by national parliaments.