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Political Parties

In a representative democracy, political parties function as a link between state institutions and local grassroots organizations. It is political parties that aggregate interests, present political alternatives and nominate candidates. As such, political parties play an essential role for the advancement of women and the promotion of equality. In this section, you will find information on the role of political parties in promoting women's political participation.

USA: Are minority and women candidates penalized by party politics? Race, gender, and access to party support

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February 15, 2022

USA: Are minority and women candidates penalized by party politics? Race, gender, and access to party support

Racial/ethnic minorities and women continue to be underrepresented in public office in the United States.

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USA: Are minority and women candidates penalized by party politics? Race, gender, and access to party support - Sage Journals

Racial/ethnic minorities and women continue to be underrepresented in public office in the United States.

USA: The contingent effects of sexism in primary elections

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February 14, 2022

USA: The contingent effects of sexism in primary elections

Although the landscape for female candidates in U.S. politics has improved, research continues to find that many voters possess sexist attitudes.

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USA: The contingent effects of sexism in primary elections - Sage Journals

Although the landscape for female candidates in U.S. politics has improved, research continues to find that many voters possess sexist attitudes.

Interview: Zec should ensure political parties are gender sensitive

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February 7, 2022

Interview: Zec should ensure political parties are gender sensitive

The country is preparing to hold by-elections on March 26, and the list of candidates shows that there are fewer female candidates than males. Women are said to face several hurdles such as lack of finances to support their electoral campaigns and violence.

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The country is preparing to hold by-elections on March 26, and the list of candidates shows that there are fewer female candidates than males. Women are said to face several hurdles such as lack of finances to support their electoral campaigns and violence.

The invisible danger of the 'glass cliff’

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February 7, 2022

The invisible danger of the 'glass cliff’

In times of crisis, people are more likely to appoint women and people of colour to be leaders. But this puts crisis leaders in a very precarious position.

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In times of crisis, people are more likely to appoint women and people of colour to be leaders. But this puts crisis leaders in a very precarious position.

Women’s representation in local government: A global analysis

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February 4, 2022

Women’s representation in local government: A global analysis

This working paper presents data and analysis on women’s representation in local government by UN Women as the sole custodian agency for 

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This working paper presents data and analysis on women’s representation in local government by UN Women as the sole custodian agency for 

Pragmatic bias impedes women’s access to political leadership

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February 3, 2022

Pragmatic bias impedes women’s access to political leadership

Women remain underrepresented in political leadership in the United States and beyond.

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Pragmatic bias impedes women’s access to political leadership Credits: PNAS

Women remain underrepresented in political leadership in the United States and beyond.

Stanford Research (Image credit: Getty Images)
February 3, 2022
Groupthink gone wrong: Stanford scholars show how assumptions about electability undermine women political candidates

When voters perceive women political candidates to be less electable than men they are likely to vote for a man instead. But there are ways to overcome these often-exaggerated beliefs, according to new Stanford research.

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