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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

Kenya: How political parties have treated women leaders

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February 23, 2022

Kenya: How political parties have treated women leaders

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inaction on former Chief Justice David Maraga’s September 2020 recommendation to dissolve Parliament for failure to enact gender parity laws is the latest bump in the long road to equality for Kenyan women in political leadership.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inaction on former Chief Justice David Maraga’s September 2020 recommendation to dissolve Parliament for failure to enact gender parity laws is the latest bump in the long road to equality for Kenyan women in political leadership.

Promoting women's political participation: From quotas to parity

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February 22, 2022

Promoting women's political participation: From quotas to parity

This guide is designed to increase the understanding of the legal obligations of countries in the West and Central Africa (WCA) region to achieve gender equality in decision-making.

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This guide is designed to increase the understanding of the legal obligations of countries in the West and Central Africa (WCA) region to achieve gender equality in decision-making.

Costa Rica: Why is the women vote decisive for these elections?

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February 22, 2022

Costa Rica: Why is the women vote decisive for these elections?

According to CIEP data, by the end of January, most of the undecided lived in the central valley and were women.

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According to CIEP data, by the end of January, most of the undecided lived in the central valley and were women.

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France: An observatory of sexist and sexual violence in politics

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France: An observatory of sexist and sexual violence in politics

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The presidential campaign in sight. To fight against physical and psychological violence against women, the feminists behind the #MeTooPolitique movement announced on Monday February 21 the launch of an observatory on gender-based and sexual violence.

While proven or alleged acts of sexual violence have multiplied in recent years on the French political scene, nearly 300 women from this milieu had published a column in Le Monde in mid-November to denounce the status of women in this sphere with the hashtag #MeTooPolitique.

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Alice Coffin (à gauche), conseillère écologiste de Paris et Sylvia Casalino (à droite), ingénieure en aérospatiale, lors d'une manifestation #MeToo Politique, le 25 novembre à Paris. (Cha Gonzalez/Libération)

The presidential campaign in sight. To fight against physical and psychological violence against women, the feminists behind the #MeTooPolitique movement announced on Monday February 21 the launch of an observatory on gender-based and sexual violence.

While proven or alleged acts of sexual violence have multiplied in recent years on the French political scene, nearly 300 women from this milieu had published a column in Le Monde in mid-November to denounce the status of women in this sphere with the hashtag #MeTooPolitique.

Kenya: How female political aspirants are wooing voters

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February 21, 2022

Kenya: How female political aspirants are wooing voters

Female aspirants seeking elective seats in the 2022 General Election have adopted varying strategies to woo voters.

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Female aspirants seeking elective seats in the 2022 General Election have adopted varying strategies to woo voters.

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Running for office is still for men—some data on the Ambition Gap

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February 18, 2022

Running for office is still for men—some data on the Ambition Gap

As the 2022 midterm election season gets underway, speculation is already mounting that it’s going to be another banner year for female

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Running for office is still for men—some data on the “Ambition Gap” - Brookings

As the 2022 midterm election season gets underway, speculation is already mounting that it’s going to be another banner year for female

World News

In Nigeria, INEC, CSO collaborate to increase women, youths participation in politics

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In Nigeria, INEC, CSO collaborate to increase women, youths participation in politics

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The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) says it is collaborating with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre(PLAC), a Civil Society Organisation(CSO) towards increasing women and youths participation in politics.

Prof. Sam Egwu, the INEC Niger Resident Electoral Commissioner, said this at a Roundtable on Strengthening Internal Democracy with Special Focus on Gender and Social Inclusion in Abuja.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) says it is collaborating with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre(PLAC), a Civil Society Organisation(CSO) towards increasing women and youths participation in politics.

Prof. Sam Egwu, the INEC Niger Resident Electoral Commissioner, said this at a Roundtable on Strengthening Internal Democracy with Special Focus on Gender and Social Inclusion in Abuja.

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