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

Gender agenda: The big conundrum in the general elections in Kenya and Senegal

Back
July 27, 2022

Gender agenda: The big conundrum in the general elections in Kenya and Senegal

In the months of July and August, Senegal and Kenya will hold their general elections. However, the big question remains: Where do Senegalese and Kenyan women stand on their quest to parliamentary mandates and political offices?

Print article

In the months of July and August, Senegal and Kenya will hold their general elections. However, the big question remains: Where do Senegalese and Kenyan women stand on their quest to parliamentary mandates and political offices?

"Dominated by old men": Tokyo ward’s first female mayor takes on status quo

Back
July 26, 2022

"Dominated by old men": Tokyo ward’s first female mayor takes on status quo

Satoko Kishimoto sets sights on ‘radical change’ in Japan, where only 2% of local government leaders are women.

Print article

Satoko Kishimoto sets sights on ‘radical change’ in Japan, where only 2% of local government leaders are women.

Ahead of Kenya elections, women politicians face more online abuse

Back
July 25, 2022

Ahead of Kenya elections, women politicians face more online abuse

Women MPs like Esther Passaris face threats, slurs and body-shaming on social media ahead of Aug. 9 vote.

Print article

Women MPs like Esther Passaris face threats, slurs and body-shaming on social media ahead of Aug. 9 vote.

Then-presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu greets supporters in Odisha state, India, on June 22. (AP)
July 22, 2022
In a first, India elects tribal woman to be president

NEW DELHI — About 5,000 Indian lawmakers on Thursday elected Draupadi Murmu, an Indigenous tribal woman with humble roots, to be the country’s next president, marking a breakthrough for one of India’s marginalized minority groups.

Learn More

Interviews

July 18, 2022
Women win record 35 of 125 seats in Japan's Upper House election

Sunday’s Upper House election saw a record 35 seats go to women, with veteran lawmakers and new contenders of all stripes voted in.

Learn More

Event

Women and political power In Pakistan

Back
July 13, 2022

Women and political power In Pakistan

"The next step is to move away from symbolic representation for women to have more female politicians in influential decision-making positions," writes Saad Hafiz.

Print article

"The next step is to move away from symbolic representation for women to have more female politicians in influential decision-making positions," writes Saad Hafiz.

The 2021 federal German election: A gender and intersectional analysis

Back
July 11, 2022

The 2021 federal German election: A gender and intersectional analysis

On 26 September 2021, Germans elected the 20th Bundestag. This election was special in many ways. The article analyses the electoral campaign, voting behaviour, turnout, and the formation of a new coalition government by using a gender and intersectional lens.

Print article

On 26 September 2021, Germans elected the 20th Bundestag. This election was special in many ways. The article analyses the electoral campaign, voting behaviour, turnout, and the formation of a new coalition government by using a gender and intersectional lens.

Subscribe to Elections