Skip to main content

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

Kessy Sawang makes history as ninth woman elected to PNG's parliament

Back
August 12, 2022

Kessy Sawang makes history as ninth woman elected to PNG's parliament

Kessy Sawang has been elected as MP for Madang Rai Coast and joins Rufina Peter as the second woman admitted to PNG's parliament this election.

Print article

Kessy Sawang has been elected as MP for Madang Rai Coast and joins Rufina Peter as the second woman admitted to PNG's parliament this election.

August 11, 2022
Violence against women in elections platform launched in Libya

On Sunday morning, the activities of the training program “Monitoring Violence against Women in Elections in Libya” were launched.

Learn More

Canada: The barriers facing women candidates

Back
August 11, 2022

Canada: The barriers facing women candidates

A conversation between Curt (Wellington) and Diane Ballantyne, councillor for Wellington County about the barriers female candidates face.

Print article

A conversation between Curt (Wellington) and Diane Ballantyne, councillor for Wellington County about the barriers female candidates face.

August 10, 2022
Nigeria: 35 women candidates for 2023 elections in Kaduna  

The Kaduna state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Asmau Maikudi, has stated that 35 women are among the various political parties’ candidates for the 2023 general elections in Kaduna state.

Learn More
August 10, 2022
"Karua wave" in Kenya’s elections may bring first female deputy president

Martha Karua may become Kenya’s most senior woman ever but feminists fear the compromises that will be forced on her.

Learn More

Municipal elections in Canada: A guide for women candidates

Back
August 9, 2022

Municipal elections in Canada: A guide for women candidates

In order to promote women’s role in municipal politics, FCM has created a Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government.

Print article

In order to promote women’s role in municipal politics, FCM has created a Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government.

August 8, 2022
Shouldering the weight of four million women: PNG elects its first female MP in a decade

Rufina Peter is just the eighth woman elected in Papua New Guinea. But the economist has been battling for her place in society since she was a child.

Learn More

Event

August 5, 2022
Australia: New First Nations female parliamentarians deliver powerful maiden speeches

Labor Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart made history by becoming the youngest First Nations woman elected to the Parliament, while Marion Scrymgour and Jacinta Price spoke of issues facing Territory communities.

Learn More
Subscribe to Elections