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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

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‘Women have not been able to hold these positions’: Samoa’s first female PM gets down to the job

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August 3, 2021

‘Women have not been able to hold these positions’: Samoa’s first female PM gets down to the job

After months of political turmoil, following the country’s most contentious election, Fiama Naomi Mata’afa is ready to get to work.

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After months of political turmoil, following the country’s most contentious election, Fiama Naomi Mata’afa is ready to get to work.

Gender Quotas and Women’s Political Representation: Lessons from Morocco

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July 28, 2021

Gender Quotas and Women’s Political Representation: Lessons from Morocco

In 2011, the Arab Spring precipitated fervent calls for democratic reforms, leading the Moroccan government to enact gender quotas that reserved seats for women in Parliament as well as regional, district, and communal councils.

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In 2011, the Arab Spring precipitated fervent calls for democratic reforms, leading the Moroccan government to enact gender quotas that reserved seats for women in Parliament as well as regional, district, and communal councils.

The swearing in on the 24th (Photo: Anetone Sagaga)
July 26, 2021
Court declares F.A.S.T. Government; impasse over

The Court of Appeal ruled on Friday that the Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party is the new Government of Samoa's bringing an end to three months of a national political stalemate.

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July 21, 2021
Somalia's only female presidential candidate says time for women to lead

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - Somalia's top leaders, all men, have struggled for years to tame the Horn of Africa nation's insecurity and corruption.

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July 15, 2021
109 Mayors, all men. When will New York elect a woman?

Kathryn Garcia and Maya Wiley placed second and third in the Democratic mayoral primary. Many New Yorkers hoped the glass ceiling would finally be broken.

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July 6, 2021
Half fees for all Somalia women vying in coming October elections

Somalia is halving the registration fees for women candidates to encourage more participation in the upcoming elections.

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Indigenous academic and activist Elisa Loncon was elected as president of the Constituent Convention during the body's first session on July 4 in Santiago [Javier Torres/AFP]
July 5, 2021
Mapuche woman to lead body drafting Chile’s new constitution

Constitutional assembly picks academic Elisa Loncon to lead body drafting new text to replace Pinochet-era constitution.

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July 1, 2021
Germany: Annalena Baerbock becomes prime target of sexist hate speech

Threats against politicians have sharply risen ahead of September's general elections. The leading candidate to replace Angela Merkel has rapidly become the prime target for misogyny, vitriol, and fake news.

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June 30, 2021
Women who lose close elections are just as likely to run again as men

Study published in PNAS finds no gender difference in decision to run for office again after losing a close race.

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