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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

February 28, 2022
Fiji's national forum on women in politics

International IDEA, together with our funding partners and civil society organizations (CSOs), have been convening an annual National Forum on Women in Politics (NFWP) in Fiji since 2018.

February 25, 2022
Liberia: National Elections Commission, political parties sign protocol to protect women in politics

The National Elections Commission (NEC) and political parties executives have signed the violence against women in elections and politics, the (VAWIE/P) Protocol.

Young women of color continue to lead civic and political engagement

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February 25, 2022

Young women of color continue to lead civic and political engagement

Our 2020 data showed that young Asian women, young Black women, and young Latinas were more likely to talk politics, participate in elections, and fight racism.

Our 2020 data showed that young Asian women, young Black women, and young Latinas were more likely to talk politics, participate in elections, and fight racism.

Side-event to CSW65: Role of EMBs in promoting women's political participation

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February 23, 2022

Side-event to CSW65: Role of EMBs in promoting women's political participation

This webinar, co-organized by UNDP and the Electoral Assistance Division of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, aimed at raising awareness on the status of women’s political participation and showcasing the efforts of EMBs in tackling

This webinar, co-organized by UNDP and the Electoral Assistance Division of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, aimed at raising awareness on the status of women’s political participation and showcasing the efforts of EMBs in tackling

Kenya: How political parties have treated women leaders

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February 23, 2022

Kenya: How political parties have treated women leaders

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inaction on former Chief Justice David Maraga’s September 2020 recommendation to dissolve Parliament for failure to enact gender parity laws is the latest bump in the long road to equality for Kenyan women in political leadership.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inaction on former Chief Justice David Maraga’s September 2020 recommendation to dissolve Parliament for failure to enact gender parity laws is the latest bump in the long road to equality for Kenyan women in political leadership.

Promoting women's political participation: From quotas to parity

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February 22, 2022

Promoting women's political participation: From quotas to parity

This guide is designed to increase the understanding of the legal obligations of countries in the West and Central Africa (WCA) region to achieve gender equality in decision-making.

This guide is designed to increase the understanding of the legal obligations of countries in the West and Central Africa (WCA) region to achieve gender equality in decision-making.

Costa Rica: Why is the women vote decisive for these elections?

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February 22, 2022

Costa Rica: Why is the women vote decisive for these elections?

According to CIEP data, by the end of January, most of the undecided lived in the central valley and were women.

According to CIEP data, by the end of January, most of the undecided lived in the central valley and were women.

Alice Coffin (à gauche), conseillère écologiste de Paris et Sylvia Casalino (à droite), ingénieure en aérospatiale, lors d'une manifestation #MeToo Politique, le 25 novembre à Paris. (Cha Gonzalez/Libération)
February 22, 2022
France: An observatory of sexist and sexual violence in politics

The presidential campaign in sight. To fight against physical and psychological violence against women, the feminists behind the #MeTooPolitique movement announced on Monday February 21 the launch of an observatory on gender-based and sexual violence.

Kenya: How female political aspirants are wooing voters

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February 21, 2022

Kenya: How female political aspirants are wooing voters

Female aspirants seeking elective seats in the 2022 General Election have adopted varying strategies to woo voters.

Female aspirants seeking elective seats in the 2022 General Election have adopted varying strategies to woo voters.