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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

May 2, 2022
US: State politician gives speech while in active labor, withdraws to give birth

A state politician is bringing attention to the difficulties facing expectant mothers as she went into labor during an impassioned speech to delegates at a local party convention.

May 2, 2022
40% of newly elected MPs women, record for Slovenia

STA, 25 April 2022 - As many as 36 women have been elected to the 90-seat National Assembly, which translates in 40% of all MPs, a record figure ever since Slovenia gained indepe

Interviews

April 27, 2022
Germany: Left party leader Hennig-Wellsow steps down

A little over a year after taking over the leadership of the Left party, Susanne Hennig-Wellsow is stepping down, citing private reasons and a need for party renewal. She also criticized the party's handling of sexism.

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.