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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

Anne Waiguru, who retained the governership of Kirinyaga county, is one of seven women to win gubernatorial races in this year's elections Tony KARUMBA AFP/File
August 22, 2022
Kenyan women make history with record election wins

Nairobi (AFP) – Kenyans have elected a record number of women to positions of power in this month's polls, with the list including seven governors, three senators and 26 MPs, in a step towards gender equality.

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.

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.

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.

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.