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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

Women’s representation in Turkey’s new parliament increases to 20 percent but remains low

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May 16, 2023

Women’s representation in Turkey’s new parliament increases to 20 percent but remains low

Among the female candidates who were nominated by political parties for a seat in the Turkish parliament in the May 14 general election, 121 have been elected, corresponding to 20 percent of the 600-seat legislature, the Kronos news website reported.

Among the female candidates who were nominated by political parties for a seat in the Turkish parliament in the May 14 general election, 121 have been elected, corresponding to 20 percent of the 600-seat legislature, the Kronos news website reported.

May 12, 2023
Women face political barriers ahead of Turkey elections

Polling shows that most Turks want more women involved in politics, but their underrepresentation continues.

Why women haven’t been successful in Nigerian elections

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May 9, 2023

Why women haven’t been successful in Nigerian elections

Women’s representation in political offices continued to decline in the 2023 elections. Four main factors help explain why Africa’s largest economy is such a difficult space for women candidates.

Women’s representation in political offices continued to decline in the 2023 elections. Four main factors help explain why Africa’s largest economy is such a difficult space for women candidates.

‘Suffocating intimidation’: female politicians in Sierra Leone on sexism and abuse

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May 4, 2023

‘Suffocating intimidation’: female politicians in Sierra Leone on sexism and abuse

As the country gears up for polls in June, women in politics speak out about refusing to be silenced despite the abuse and intimidation they face

As the country gears up for polls in June, women in politics speak out about refusing to be silenced despite the abuse and intimidation they face

Paraguayan elections pose uncertain future for women and LGBTQ people

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April 29, 2023

Paraguayan elections pose uncertain future for women and LGBTQ people

ANALYSIS: What’s at stake as Paraguay gears up for a poll tainted by misinformation and anti-rights discourse

ANALYSIS: What’s at stake as Paraguay gears up for a poll tainted by misinformation and anti-rights discourse

April 27, 2023
Paraguay's women battle to break political glass ceiling

ASUNCION (Reuters) - In Paraguay's election on Sunday, Soledad Nunez, a 40-year-old engineer and former minister, is looking to break into the South American country's male-dominated political arena as its first elected female vice

April 26, 2023
Nigerian women least represented in governance – National Bureau of Statistics

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says women have continued to record low representation in all tiers and levels of governance.