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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

The Philippines: The vice president is the only woman seeking the top job

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May 6, 2022

The Philippines: The vice president is the only woman seeking the top job

The two top candidates in Monday’s presidential election offer Filipino voters a stark choice: the country’s vice president who has served as a check on President Rodrigo Duterte versus the scion of the Philippines’ most controversial political family.

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The two top candidates in Monday’s presidential election offer Filipino voters a stark choice: the country’s vice president who has served as a check on President Rodrigo Duterte versus the scion of the Philippines’ most controversial political family.

Solomon Islands’ first female premier: lessons learned

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May 3, 2022

Solomon Islands’ first female premier: lessons learned

In late March 2022, 16 years after she was first elected to the Isabel Provincial Assembly in Solomon Islands, Rhoda Sikilabu became the country’s first female premier.

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In late March 2022, 16 years after she was first elected to the Isabel Provincial Assembly in Solomon Islands, Rhoda Sikilabu became the country’s first female premier.

Women fed up with flagrant sexism could swing Australia’s election

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May 3, 2022

Women fed up with flagrant sexism could swing Australia’s election

  • Decline in support for government is being driven by women
  • Nation's gender inequality has worsened for more than a decade
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  • Decline in support for government is being driven by women
  • Nation's gender inequality has worsened for more than a decade
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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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