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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

Gambia: Women groups express dissatisfaction over number of women elected to parliament - The Point
April 25, 2022
Gambia: Women groups express dissatisfaction over number of women elected to parliament

A dozen of women groups have expressed their concerns and dissatisfaction over the number of women that were elected on the 9th April elections as members of the country’s National Assembly.

Gambia: “Female participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections will be generally low,” election observation body says  - Fatu Network
April 22, 2022
Gambia: “Female participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections will be generally low,” election observation body says 

“Political parties have not done much sponsoring female candidates,” a recent report from Gambia Participates a civil society organisation that religiously observes elections in the Gambia has said.

April 21, 2022
Record women candidates haven’t made French vote gender friendly

By Alice Kantor

Few feminist policies have been campaign talking points during the election.

Women are a minority in Somalia's parliament - DW
April 21, 2022
Somalia: Women struggle to make their voices heard in politics

Although Somalia now has a quota system for female lawmakers, women are frequently held back from pursuing leadership roles due to pervasive cultural and social barriers.

Malta: Did gender quotas election punish women candidates?

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April 20, 2022

Malta: Did gender quotas election punish women candidates?

Just four women were elected during the 2022 general election but a deeper analysis also shows that women contesting on the Labour ticket obtained almost 20,000 first-count votes, which compares very well with the 14,000 first preferences obtained in 2017.

Just four women were elected during the 2022 general election but a deeper analysis also shows that women contesting on the Labour ticket obtained almost 20,000 first-count votes, which compares very well with the 14,000 first preferences obtained in 2017.

Interviews

April 19, 2022
Nepal: Election Commission revokes provision to compulsorily field woman candidate

The commission rescinded the decision after the political parties protested against the provision stating that it is against existing laws.

April 14, 2022
Racism and misogyny mar Colombia’s election race

Election observers warn that rampant hate speech could result in violence.

Albania: Violence against women in politics

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April 12, 2022

Albania: Violence against women in politics

The Study "Violence Against Women in Politics" is commissioned by the UNDP Albania, in partnership with the People's Advocate and the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and it is conducted in the context of the UN Joint Programme "Ending Violence Against

The Study "Violence Against Women in Politics" is commissioned by the UNDP Albania, in partnership with the People's Advocate and the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and it is conducted in the context of the UN Joint Programme "Ending Violence Against