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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

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Female opposition MP among dozens killed in Somalia bombings

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Female opposition MP among dozens killed in Somalia bombings

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Al-Shabaab claim responsibility for attacks, including that which killed Amina Mohamed Abdi in run-up to elections this week.

A “fearless” Somali female MP was among dozens of people killed in a series of bomb attacks in rural Somalia on Wednesday.

Al-Shabaab claim responsibility for attacks, including that which killed Amina Mohamed Abdi in run-up to elections this week.

A “fearless” Somali female MP was among dozens of people killed in a series of bomb attacks in rural Somalia on Wednesday.

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Palestinian female candidates struggle to change political, social attitudes

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Palestinian female candidates struggle to change political, social attitudes

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Despite efforts to encourage women to both vote and run in local elections in the West Bank, candidates say much work remains to be done.

Despite efforts to encourage women to both vote and run in local elections in the West Bank, candidates say much work remains to be done.

India: Congress’ idea of fielding more women candidates must not fade away

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March 23, 2022

India: Congress’ idea of fielding more women candidates must not fade away

For nearly all political parties in India, women’s role in politics seems to begin and end as voters. In contrast to this, the Congress’ decision to give 40% tickets to women in UP was a refreshing change.

For nearly all political parties in India, women’s role in politics seems to begin and end as voters. In contrast to this, the Congress’ decision to give 40% tickets to women in UP was a refreshing change.

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In a first, women to head 70% of Zilla Parishads in Odisha

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In a first, women to head 70% of Zilla Parishads in Odisha

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With women voters rooting for the candidates across districts, more women nominees were elected in the panchayat polls this year. In Patnaik’s home district of Ganjam, 40 women candidates were elected as members of the Zilla Parishad out of a total 67 zones in the district.

With women voters rooting for the candidates across districts, more women nominees were elected in the panchayat polls this year. In Patnaik’s home district of Ganjam, 40 women candidates were elected as members of the Zilla Parishad out of a total 67 zones in the district.

Why are there few women in Indian politics?

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March 21, 2022

Why are there few women in Indian politics?

Despite studies showing widespread public acceptance of female politicians in India, women's political participation in the South Asian country remains low.

Despite studies showing widespread public acceptance of female politicians in India, women's political participation in the South Asian country remains low.

Kenya election: sexist language shows that patriarchy refuses to give way

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March 21, 2022

Kenya election: sexist language shows that patriarchy refuses to give way

In December 2020, a leading Kenyan political party official, Edwin Sifuna, made vulgar remarks against a woman member of parliament. While campaigning for their political allies in a by-election, Sifuna said the woman is “not attractive enough to rape”.

In December 2020, a leading Kenyan political party official, Edwin Sifuna, made vulgar remarks against a woman member of parliament. While campaigning for their political allies in a by-election, Sifuna said the woman is “not attractive enough to rape”.

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Meet the women in Timor-Leste's presidential election

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Meet the women in Timor-Leste's presidential election

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As Timor-Leste looks to its presidential elections on Saturday, several female candidates are standing. Will they persuade the new generation of voters of a need for a greater voice in politics?

Women are increasingly taking up more leadership roles in the 2022 Timor-Leste presidential election, with the number of contenders doubling on previous years.

As Timor-Leste looks to its presidential elections on Saturday, several female candidates are standing. Will they persuade the new generation of voters of a need for a greater voice in politics?

Women are increasingly taking up more leadership roles in the 2022 Timor-Leste presidential election, with the number of contenders doubling on previous years.

World News

Lebanese women in Parliament: So many barriers and very little progress

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Lebanese women in Parliament: So many barriers and very little progress

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The general political context in 2022 is definitely different from that of 2018. But will the new Lebanese Parliament consist of more than six women following the May 15 elections?

While the deadline for the Lebanese interested in applying for candidacy in the 2022 parliamentary elections, which is March 15, 2022, arrives in a few days, only 47 women number among the 419 candidates who have so far officially submitted their applications.

The general political context in 2022 is definitely different from that of 2018. But will the new Lebanese Parliament consist of more than six women following the May 15 elections?

While the deadline for the Lebanese interested in applying for candidacy in the 2022 parliamentary elections, which is March 15, 2022, arrives in a few days, only 47 women number among the 419 candidates who have so far officially submitted their applications.

Does Timor-Leste’s upcoming election herald a more inclusive and progressive democracy?

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March 15, 2022

Does Timor-Leste’s upcoming election herald a more inclusive and progressive democracy?

Next week’s election will feature more female candidates than ever, but their impact on the country’s patriarchal cultural norms remains to be seen.

Next week’s election will feature more female candidates than ever, but their impact on the country’s patriarchal cultural norms remains to be seen.