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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

January 20, 2022
In India, Manipur BJP chief Sharda Devi for 33% women quota

Sharda Devi, the first woman state president of the ruling BJP in Manipur, wants the party to put up a sizeable number of women candidates for the Assembly elections

January 20, 2022
CSOs seek women participation in Abuja area councils’ election

Women groups and Gender Focused Civil society organisation has called for more women participation in the forthcoming FCT area council election.

January 19, 2022
Nigeria 2023: Women politicians unveil online resource portal

Women politicians in the country, on Monday in Abuja, unveiled an online resource portal for women seeking elective positions in the 2023 general elections.

January 19, 2022
In Papua New Guinea, women are making the change

In many parts of Papua New Guinea, fear of violence and harassment has caused a set back to the lives and small businesses of many women, but new candidates who now intend to enter politics aim to change this for the better.

Kenya: Report reveals how sexual and gender-based violence mars elections  Credits: FIDH
January 19, 2022
Kenya: Report reveals how sexual and gender-based violence mars elections

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its member organisation in Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, are publishing a report today, examining patterns of sexual and gender-based violence against women during election seasons in Kenya and call

January 19, 2022
India’s Congress Party Courts Women in Major State Elections

An actress jailed for protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s controversial citizenship law, the mother of a rape survivor, and a beauty pageant winner.

January 18, 2022
In Pakistan, women’s maximum participation in local government polls stressed

South Asia Partnership (SAP) Pakistan and Aurat Foundation held a convention on women’s political participation in Pakistan on Saturday. The focus was on women in local government.