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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.

September 22, 2021
Japan: Women make headlines in LDP race, but true empowerment a long way off

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

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.

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.

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.

June 16, 2021
Japanese parties vie to boost number of female lawmakers ahead of polls

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 th

“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.

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.

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.

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.