Skip to main content

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 role of political parties on women's participation and representation

Back
November 5, 2021

The role of political parties on women's participation and representation

‘Leave no one behind’ (LNOB) is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Print article

‘Leave no one behind’ (LNOB) is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Michelle Wu speaks to supporters Wednesday night in Boston, Massachusetts. Photograph: Allison Dinner/Getty Images - The Guardian
November 4, 2021
Michelle Wu becomes Boston’s first woman and person of color to be elected mayor

Michelle Wu has made history after being elected as mayor of Boston, becoming the first woman and person of color elected to the position in almost 200 years.

Learn More

November 1, 2021
Will quota seats in Iraqi politics advance women's rights?

In-depth: More than 95 female candidates were elected in Iraq's election according to preliminary results, exceeding the 83-seat quota. But some say political parties are manipulating the system for electoral gain, rather than to empower women.

Learn More
November 1, 2021
Japan: "Fewer women elected in Lower House poll despite empowerment law"

In Sunday's general election, 45 women were elected to the 465-seat House of Representatives, down two from the previous contest in 2017, despite a law promoting female participation in the political field, data showed Monday.

Learn More
October 28, 2021
‘It is bullying, pure and simple’: being a woman in Japanese politics

Harassment is common for women who run for office and female MPs comprise just 9.9% of lower house.

Learn More

Japan’s election unlikely to bring more representation for women

Back
October 28, 2021

Japan’s election unlikely to bring more representation for women

Less than a fifth of candidates in Japan’s upcoming election are female, unchanged from the last vote four years ago, indicating the percentage of women in one of the world’s most male-dominated parliaments is unlikely to increase.

Print article

Less than a fifth of candidates in Japan’s upcoming election are female, unchanged from the last vote four years ago, indicating the percentage of women in one of the world’s most male-dominated parliaments is unlikely to increase.

October 28, 2021
Despite gender equality law, less than 18% of candidates in Japan election are women

TOKYO – Just 186 of the 1,051 candidates standing in Japan's House of Representatives election this month, or 17.7%, are women -- on par with the low level seen in the previous lower house race in 2017.

Learn More
Subscribe to Elections