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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

December 7, 2022
"No men left?": Top Gujarat cleric slams muslim women in elections

Gujarat Assembly Election: The sexist rant by the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad comes a day before voting in 93 constituencies in Gujarat, the second phase of a closely watched state election.

California Politics: Huge gains for women in the Legislature

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December 7, 2022

California Politics: Huge gains for women in the Legislature

SACRAMENTO —  The California Legislature that will be sworn in Monday will include more women than ever before, accounting for about 42% of state lawmakers.

SACRAMENTO —  The California Legislature that will be sworn in Monday will include more women than ever before, accounting for about 42% of state lawmakers.

Preventing violence against women in politics – Benchmarks for political parties

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December 5, 2022

Preventing violence against women in politics – Benchmarks for political parties

Preventing Violence Against Women in Politics – Benchmarks for Political Parties (2022) is a joint paper by democracy organisations working with political parties, which presents interventions for political parties on how to prevent and address any form of

Preventing Violence Against Women in Politics – Benchmarks for Political Parties (2022) is a joint paper by democracy organisations working with political parties, which presents interventions for political parties on how to prevent and address any form of

December 5, 2022
Nepal: New House of Representatives to be less inclusive

As proportional representation votes are scattered among parties, women, Dalits, Janajatis will be underrepresented.

December 5, 2022
Ireland: Cork caucus hears calls for gender quotas to be extended to local government elections

Gender quotas should be extended from national elections to the 2024 local government elections to ensure Ireland is in line with other European countries, new research has recommended.

December 2, 2022
Australia Liberals’ election review to back pipeline, not quotas, to attract women to party

A secret review into the Liberals’ disastrous election loss in May has ruled out formal quotas for the number of women MPs in federal parliament and instead recommends a British-style recruitment drive to improve the party’s gender balance.

USA: Why Black women candidates had mixed results in the midterm elections

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December 1, 2022

USA: Why Black women candidates had mixed results in the midterm elections

A record number of Black women ran for office this year for U.S. House, Senate and governor. And while some made history with their wins, Black women are still underrepresented in public office.

A record number of Black women ran for office this year for U.S. House, Senate and governor. And while some made history with their wins, Black women are still underrepresented in public office.

Photo source: www.canva.com
December 1, 2022
Between sexual objectification and death threats: Electoral officials all over the world face unprecedented levels of disinformation, aggression and harassment

Recent media reports highlighted the worrying level of online harassment against poll workers around the 2022 United States mid-term elections. Ongoing work by International IDEA confirms that this phenomenon is not limited to the US.

Nigeria: Impact of women in politics on development

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November 30, 2022

Nigeria: Impact of women in politics on development

Ugo Aliogo examines the prospects of women in 2023 general election, judging from the low representation of women in the political space and the impact on development

Ugo Aliogo examines the prospects of women in 2023 general election, judging from the low representation of women in the political space and the impact on development