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Parliaments and Representatives

Democracy and the equal participation of men and women in the political arena are closely intertwined. No parliament or any decision-making body can claim to be representative without the participation of both men and women. As stated in the Universal Declaration on Democracy adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Member Parliaments in 1997, "The achievement of democracy presupposes a genuine partnership between men and women in the conduct of the affairs of society in which they work in equality and complementarity, drawing mutual enrichment from their differences."

Recent years have seen a steady increase in the number of women in parliament, though the world average of less than 22 percent remains far from the goal of parity between women and men. The election of women to the highest positions of state and government in several countries has also contributed to the changing face of politics.

While the road to election is a difficult one, the challenges for women do not stop there. Once women enter parliament or other bodies, they are faced with many new challenges. Parliament is traditionally a male-oriented domain where the rules and practices have been written by men. It is, therefore, an ongoing challenge to transform parliament into a gender-sensitive environment, to ensure that actions are gender-sensitive and to guarantee that gender is mainstreamed throughout the legislature.

July 11, 2023
RipplesMetrics: The numbers show Nigerian women performed poorly in 2023 general elections

Female participation in the politics and governance of Nigeria has been way down below average since the country’s transition to representative democracy in 1999.

Analysis: Why there aren’t more women in the 2024 Republican presidential field

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July 11, 2023

Analysis: Why there aren’t more women in the 2024 Republican presidential field

As Republicans keep jumping into the 2024 race for president, one demographic group seems notably lacking: women.

As Republicans keep jumping into the 2024 race for president, one demographic group seems notably lacking: women.

Interviews

Women’s political participation still low

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July 10, 2023

Women’s political participation still low

Despite efforts to mobilise and encourage women to participate in politics, particularly during this year’s forthcoming election, there are concerns tat the ratio of females taking part in political processes remains low when compared to men.

Despite efforts to mobilise and encourage women to participate in politics, particularly during this year’s forthcoming election, there are concerns tat the ratio of females taking part in political processes remains low when compared to men.

How can Nigerian women gain political power in 2027?

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July 10, 2023

How can Nigerian women gain political power in 2027?

Despite several conversations on more women’s participation in Nigerian politics—before and after the 2023 elections—the debate is still on for more women to be included in Nigeria’s political leadership. Let’s show you how bad things are.

Despite several conversations on more women’s participation in Nigerian politics—before and after the 2023 elections—the debate is still on for more women to be included in Nigeria’s political leadership. Let’s show you how bad things are.

July 10, 2023
Pakistan: Rehana Laghari for election reforms to strengthen role of women in politics

Acting Speaker Sindh Assembly and Pattern in Chief Women Parliamentary Caucus Sindh Rehana Laghari, on Wednesday, stressed on need of reforms in the election laws to strengthen role of women in politics.

‘Vote, run, win and lead’: Counting Black women’s seats at the table

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July 10, 2023

‘Vote, run, win and lead’: Counting Black women’s seats at the table

The 2018 midterms were known as “The Year of the Black Woman,” as a record-setting five of them were elected to Congress.

The 2018 midterms were known as “The Year of the Black Woman,” as a record-setting five of them were elected to Congress.

July 10, 2023
UN Resident Coordinator wants disabled women’s political participation








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