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.
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World News
Japan takes step toward first female leader as two women run
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Two women are in contention to become prime minister of Japan for the first time in its history — a potential turning point for a country that ranks below Saudi Arabia in terms of female political representation.
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Two women are in contention to become prime minister of Japan for the first time in its history — a potential turning point for a country that ranks below Saudi Arabia in terms of female political representation.
World News
Japan: Women make headlines in LDP race, but true empowerment a long way off
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Two women have entered the race for the leadership of Japan’s ruling party for the first time in its 66-year history, putting in the spotlight both the strides taken and the hurdles that still face female politicians in a country that lags far behind other nations on gender equality.
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Two women have entered the race for the leadership of Japan’s ruling party for the first time in its 66-year history, putting in the spotlight both the strides taken and the hurdles that still face female politicians in a country that lags far behind other nations on gender equality.
Situational analysis of women's political participation in Botswana
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August 13, 2021
Situational analysis of women's political participation in Botswana
With less than a decade to go to 2030, the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, women constitute just 11% of MPs and 18% of councillors in Botswana: well below the gender parity target and among the lowest proportions in Southern Africa.
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With less than a decade to go to 2030, the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, women constitute just 11% of MPs and 18% of councillors in Botswana: well below the gender parity target and among the lowest proportions in Southern Africa.
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.
World News
Court declares F.A.S.T. Government; impasse over
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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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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.
World News
Japanese parties vie to boost number of female lawmakers ahead of polls
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TOKYO – Japanese political parties are competing with each other to promote female candidates ahead of a lower house election that must be held by this fall, but some worry that, like similar efforts before, the initiative may be more sloganeering than a harbinger of real change.
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TOKYO – Japanese political parties are competing with each other to promote female candidates ahead of a lower house election that must be held by this fall, but some worry that, like similar efforts before, the initiative may be more sloganeering than a harbinger of real change.
“Parity in everything”: What Mexico can teach us about women’s representation
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June 9, 2021
“Parity in everything”: What Mexico can teach us about women’s representation
Mexico is the first country in the world to implement gender parity so thoroughly and effectively. The journey has not been easy—and is far from over.
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Mexico is the first country in the world to implement gender parity so thoroughly and effectively. The journey has not been easy—and is far from over.
Reforming Political Finance for More Diversity in Political Office
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June 1, 2021
Reforming Political Finance for More Diversity in Political Office
Systemic and legal barriers to equal political participation persist at all levels and take different forms, including unfavourable electoral systems, lack of support from political parties, socio-economic, and cultural.
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Systemic and legal barriers to equal political participation persist at all levels and take different forms, including unfavourable electoral systems, lack of support from political parties, socio-economic, and cultural.