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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

April 29, 2021
'Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President': Women make history at Biden's joint address

When a president addresses Congress flanked by the vice president and speaker of the House, it's tradition. But when both of those seats are filled by women, it's history in the making.

Military personnels carriy ballot boxes and voting equipment to a polling station in Praia, on April 17, 2021, on the eve of the parliamentary elections.   -   Copyright © africanews SEYLLOU / AFP
April 19, 2021
Cape Verde votes in election that could see first female prime minister

Cape Vedians headed to the polls to cast their ballots in the parliamentary elections.

On voters' minds will be the Covid pandemic which has devastated the tourism-dependent economy.

April 19, 2021
The women that upended Samoa’s politics

Following last week’s election, Samoa’s long-time ruler could be displaced by the country’s first female leader.

April 19, 2021
Samoa election result hailed as victory for women

Wellington (AFP) – Samoa’s cliff-hanger general election is a victory for under-represented women in Pacific island politics, regardless of the final outcome, opposition leader Fiame Naomi Mataafa said Monday.

April 15, 2021
Dutch election: Is online sexism holding women back from becoming MPs?

With female participation in this week’s election in the Netherlands breaking records, one campaign group can be excused for feeling optimistic.

April 9, 2021
Chad: Women hold decisive vote in upcoming presidential election

In Chad, women represent more than 50% of the total population and are a decisive electorate -- capable of tipping the scale in elections.

© Michael Reynolds/ AFP
April 7, 2021
From fundraising to the VP, why 2020 was a pivotal year for women in US politics

2020 was a milestone year for women in politics in the US. The country saw the highest numbers of women entering Congress and the executive in its history.

April 7, 2021
This is what leadership looks like: Meet Cecilia Moyoviri Moye, an indigenous woman Senator in Bolivia’s Legislative Assembly

After the November 2020 national elections, women make up 49 per cent of the Legislative Assembly of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, cementing its position as a forerunner on gender parity in politics.