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
Despite efforts to encourage women to both vote and run in local elections in the West Bank, candidates say much work remains to be done.
For nearly all political parties in India, women’s role in politics seems to begin and end as voters. In contrast to this, the Congress’ decision to give 40% tickets to women in UP was a refreshing change.
For nearly all political parties in India, women’s role in politics seems to begin and end as voters. In contrast to this, the Congress’ decision to give 40% tickets to women in UP was a refreshing change.
With women voters rooting for the candidates across districts, more women nominees were elected in the panchayat polls this year.
Despite studies showing widespread public acceptance of female politicians in India, women's political participation in the South Asian country remains low.
Despite studies showing widespread public acceptance of female politicians in India, women's political participation in the South Asian country remains low.
In December 2020, a leading Kenyan political party official, Edwin Sifuna, made vulgar remarks against a woman member of parliament. While campaigning for their political allies in a by-election, Sifuna said the woman is “not attractive enough to rape”.
In December 2020, a leading Kenyan political party official, Edwin Sifuna, made vulgar remarks against a woman member of parliament. While campaigning for their political allies in a by-election, Sifuna said the woman is “not attractive enough to rape”.
As Timor-Leste looks to its presidential elections on Saturday, several female candidates are standing. Will they persuade the new generation of voters of a need for a greater voice in politics?
The general political context in 2022 is definitely different from that of 2018. But will the new Lebanese Parliament consist of more than six women following the May 15 elections?
Next week’s election will feature more female candidates than ever, but their impact on the country’s patriarchal cultural norms remains to be seen.
Next week’s election will feature more female candidates than ever, but their impact on the country’s patriarchal cultural norms remains to be seen.
The environmental leader won more votes than the center candidate Sergio Fajardo without having held public office and with a campaign that began only three months ago.