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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

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

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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

April 11, 2022
Only eight women stand in all-male Western Isles council elections

Officials and activists had urged more women to stand after none of the female candidates were elected in 2017.

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Canada: Women in politics study

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April 11, 2022

Canada: Women in politics study

This document presents the result of a series of surveys conducted by Abacus Data in January 2022, about women in politics and the future of women in politics.

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This document presents the result of a series of surveys conducted by Abacus Data in January 2022, about women in politics and the future of women in politics.

Nagaland women shine in all spheres, but find little space in politics

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April 8, 2022

Nagaland women shine in all spheres, but find little space in politics

It took Nagaland 45 years to elect its second woman parliamentarian, and the state is yet to elect any woman in the 60-member Assembly.

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It took Nagaland 45 years to elect its second woman parliamentarian, and the state is yet to elect any woman in the 60-member Assembly.

Zimbabwe: Women politicians urged to use media effectively during elections

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April 7, 2022

Zimbabwe: Women politicians urged to use media effectively during elections

Women politicians were challenged to use media effectively as they pursue political life fighting gender bias and stereotypes ahead of well publicised weekend by elections whose results have now been made public. Gender Media Connect (GMC) an organisation run by

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Women politicians were challenged to use media effectively as they pursue political life fighting gender bias and stereotypes ahead of well publicised weekend by elections whose results have now been made public. Gender Media Connect (GMC) an organisation run by

April 5, 2022
The Government of Canada and UN Women launched support to increase women’s political participation in Nigeria

Within the context of the ongoing Constitutional Review Process and the background of extremely low participation and representation of women in Nigerian politics, the Government of Canada in partnership with UN Women signed a grant agreement of $8 Million Canadian Do

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Des manifestantes de la société civile devant le ministère de l'intérieur à Beyrouth, en mai 2018. Photo d'archives AFP/Anwar Amwro
April 5, 2022
Beyond barriers: Who and where are the women running in Lebanon's May elections, and what are their prospects?

BEIRUT  — When the March 15 filing deadline for candidates to register in May's parliamentary elections had passed, 157 women* had signed up to run making up some 15 percent of the

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Zimbabwe: By-elections highlight low representation of women in politics

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April 5, 2022

Zimbabwe: By-elections highlight low representation of women in politics

The March 26 by elections ended on a high note, amid reports that there were no reported cases of violence at all polling stations across Zimbabwe.

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The March 26 by elections ended on a high note, amid reports that there were no reported cases of violence at all polling stations across Zimbabwe.

April 4, 2022
Sierra Leone: Women demand funding for effective participation in elections

Women across Sierra Leone have through a communique submitted to the Speaker of Parliament called for the creation of a Women's Fund to enhance effective political participation and to also advance the interests and concerns of women for the development of the country

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