UN Women in Moldova has launched an initiative for the civic and political empowerment of women candidates with disabilities ahead of the 2019 local elections, in partnership with the local ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Although the 2020 presidential cycle remains in its initial stages, the race for the White House is expected to draw an historic number of women candidates — with many already having taken steps towards running and others rumored to be considering campaigns.

As of the end of January, women accounted for half of the expected 2020 Democratic field, or four out of the eight major party candidates who had formally announced campaigns or launched presidential exploratory committees.

Lebanese politician Raya Hassan made history on Thursday when she became the first woman interior minister in the Arab world.

Mrs Hassan, 51, becomes the most senior of four women in the 30-strong government formed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri after nine months of political wrangling.

A local pro-democracy and women's rights advocacy group working in Southeastern Liberia, the National Institute for Public Opinion (NIPO), has concluded a one-day dialogue on women's political participation in Sinoe County.