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A practical workshop on public speaking was conducted within the framework of the 8th Annual Conference on Women and Leadership convened between October 22 and 25 in Kuwait City.\

The training is part of a 2-year project to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kuwait, implemented by the Women’s Research and Studies Center (WRSC) at Kuwait University, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, UNDP Kuwait and the UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States.

Facilitated by gender and development specialist Sally El Mahdy, the workshop provided Kuwaiti women leaders and political aspirants with theoretical and practical background and tools to engage effectively with their constituencies. It covered practical methodologies to prepare for public speaking, proper body language techniques and effective utilization of facial expressions, voice tone and eye contact.

“For women leaders and political aspirants, having demonstrated public speaking skills is considered one of the prime factors for success.” said El Mahdy. “Being able to lead is totally different than being able to manage: it is the ability to inspire others to change! For every woman who pursues a career in leadership or politics, being able to introduce positive changes is very critical to demonstrate credibility to their constituencies” she added.

“This training is very important because women are very new to the political arena in Kuwait. We faced multiple challenges since 2005 when we got access to voting rights. In addition to new rules and laws, women need to be empowered with the right tools to enter the political scene in Kuwait,” said Ghada Khalaf, director of an investment company in Kuwait, who participated in the training.

For entrepreneur and business-owner Asrar Hayat, “this training was very important because it provided us with the right skills to use in politics or in leadership positions, including how to prepare your message, how to present yourself, body language and overall public speaking.

Aseel Alawadhi, a government official from the Ministry of Public Works said “women in Kuwait need to be empowered. We have a lot of potential and we need to get it out. This training is giving us the skills to articulate our messages and improving the way we communicate. With these tools we will be more empowered to assume leadership positions”.

Source: UN Women.

A practical workshop on public speaking was conducted within the framework of the 8th Annual Conference on Women and Leadership convened between October 22 and 25 in Kuwait City.\

The training is part of a 2-year project to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kuwait, implemented by the Women’s Research and Studies Center (WRSC) at Kuwait University, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, UNDP Kuwait and the UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States.

Facilitated by gender and development specialist Sally El Mahdy, the workshop provided Kuwaiti women leaders and political aspirants with theoretical and practical background and tools to engage effectively with their constituencies. It covered practical methodologies to prepare for public speaking, proper body language techniques and effective utilization of facial expressions, voice tone and eye contact.

“For women leaders and political aspirants, having demonstrated public speaking skills is considered one of the prime factors for success.” said El Mahdy. “Being able to lead is totally different than being able to manage: it is the ability to inspire others to change! For every woman who pursues a career in leadership or politics, being able to introduce positive changes is very critical to demonstrate credibility to their constituencies” she added.

“This training is very important because women are very new to the political arena in Kuwait. We faced multiple challenges since 2005 when we got access to voting rights. In addition to new rules and laws, women need to be empowered with the right tools to enter the political scene in Kuwait,” said Ghada Khalaf, director of an investment company in Kuwait, who participated in the training.

For entrepreneur and business-owner Asrar Hayat, “this training was very important because it provided us with the right skills to use in politics or in leadership positions, including how to prepare your message, how to present yourself, body language and overall public speaking.

Aseel Alawadhi, a government official from the Ministry of Public Works said “women in Kuwait need to be empowered. We have a lot of potential and we need to get it out. This training is giving us the skills to articulate our messages and improving the way we communicate. With these tools we will be more empowered to assume leadership positions”.

Source: UN Women.

A practical workshop on public speaking was conducted within the framework of the 8th Annual Conference on Women and Leadership convened between October 22 and 25 in Kuwait City.\

The training is part of a 2-year project to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kuwait, implemented by the Women’s Research and Studies Center (WRSC) at Kuwait University, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, UNDP Kuwait and the UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States.

Facilitated by gender and development specialist Sally El Mahdy, the workshop provided Kuwaiti women leaders and political aspirants with theoretical and practical background and tools to engage effectively with their constituencies. It covered practical methodologies to prepare for public speaking, proper body language techniques and effective utilization of facial expressions, voice tone and eye contact.

“For women leaders and political aspirants, having demonstrated public speaking skills is considered one of the prime factors for success.” said El Mahdy. “Being able to lead is totally different than being able to manage: it is the ability to inspire others to change! For every woman who pursues a career in leadership or politics, being able to introduce positive changes is very critical to demonstrate credibility to their constituencies” she added.

“This training is very important because women are very new to the political arena in Kuwait. We faced multiple challenges since 2005 when we got access to voting rights. In addition to new rules and laws, women need to be empowered with the right tools to enter the political scene in Kuwait,” said Ghada Khalaf, director of an investment company in Kuwait, who participated in the training.

For entrepreneur and business-owner Asrar Hayat, “this training was very important because it provided us with the right skills to use in politics or in leadership positions, including how to prepare your message, how to present yourself, body language and overall public speaking.

Aseel Alawadhi, a government official from the Ministry of Public Works said “women in Kuwait need to be empowered. We have a lot of potential and we need to get it out. This training is giving us the skills to articulate our messages and improving the way we communicate. With these tools we will be more empowered to assume leadership positions”.

Source: UN Women.

A practical workshop on public speaking was conducted within the framework of the 8th Annual Conference on Women and Leadership convened between October 22 and 25 in Kuwait City.\

The training is part of a 2-year project to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kuwait, implemented by the Women’s Research and Studies Center (WRSC) at Kuwait University, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, UNDP Kuwait and the UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States.

Facilitated by gender and development specialist Sally El Mahdy, the workshop provided Kuwaiti women leaders and political aspirants with theoretical and practical background and tools to engage effectively with their constituencies. It covered practical methodologies to prepare for public speaking, proper body language techniques and effective utilization of facial expressions, voice tone and eye contact.

“For women leaders and political aspirants, having demonstrated public speaking skills is considered one of the prime factors for success.” said El Mahdy. “Being able to lead is totally different than being able to manage: it is the ability to inspire others to change! For every woman who pursues a career in leadership or politics, being able to introduce positive changes is very critical to demonstrate credibility to their constituencies” she added.

“This training is very important because women are very new to the political arena in Kuwait. We faced multiple challenges since 2005 when we got access to voting rights. In addition to new rules and laws, women need to be empowered with the right tools to enter the political scene in Kuwait,” said Ghada Khalaf, director of an investment company in Kuwait, who participated in the training.

For entrepreneur and business-owner Asrar Hayat, “this training was very important because it provided us with the right skills to use in politics or in leadership positions, including how to prepare your message, how to present yourself, body language and overall public speaking.

Aseel Alawadhi, a government official from the Ministry of Public Works said “women in Kuwait need to be empowered. We have a lot of potential and we need to get it out. This training is giving us the skills to articulate our messages and improving the way we communicate. With these tools we will be more empowered to assume leadership positions”.

Source: UN Women.

A practical workshop on public speaking was conducted within the framework of the 8th Annual Conference on Women and Leadership convened between October 22 and 25 in Kuwait City.\

The training is part of a 2-year project to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kuwait, implemented by the Women’s Research and Studies Center (WRSC) at Kuwait University, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, UNDP Kuwait and the UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States.

Facilitated by gender and development specialist Sally El Mahdy, the workshop provided Kuwaiti women leaders and political aspirants with theoretical and practical background and tools to engage effectively with their constituencies. It covered practical methodologies to prepare for public speaking, proper body language techniques and effective utilization of facial expressions, voice tone and eye contact.

“For women leaders and political aspirants, having demonstrated public speaking skills is considered one of the prime factors for success.” said El Mahdy. “Being able to lead is totally different than being able to manage: it is the ability to inspire others to change! For every woman who pursues a career in leadership or politics, being able to introduce positive changes is very critical to demonstrate credibility to their constituencies” she added.

“This training is very important because women are very new to the political arena in Kuwait. We faced multiple challenges since 2005 when we got access to voting rights. In addition to new rules and laws, women need to be empowered with the right tools to enter the political scene in Kuwait,” said Ghada Khalaf, director of an investment company in Kuwait, who participated in the training.

For entrepreneur and business-owner Asrar Hayat, “this training was very important because it provided us with the right skills to use in politics or in leadership positions, including how to prepare your message, how to present yourself, body language and overall public speaking.

Aseel Alawadhi, a government official from the Ministry of Public Works said “women in Kuwait need to be empowered. We have a lot of potential and we need to get it out. This training is giving us the skills to articulate our messages and improving the way we communicate. With these tools we will be more empowered to assume leadership positions”.

Source: UN Women.

A practical workshop on public speaking was conducted within the framework of the 8th Annual Conference on Women and Leadership convened between October 22 and 25 in Kuwait City.\

The training is part of a 2-year project to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kuwait, implemented by the Women’s Research and Studies Center (WRSC) at Kuwait University, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, UNDP Kuwait and the UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States.

Facilitated by gender and development specialist Sally El Mahdy, the workshop provided Kuwaiti women leaders and political aspirants with theoretical and practical background and tools to engage effectively with their constituencies. It covered practical methodologies to prepare for public speaking, proper body language techniques and effective utilization of facial expressions, voice tone and eye contact.

“For women leaders and political aspirants, having demonstrated public speaking skills is considered one of the prime factors for success.” said El Mahdy. “Being able to lead is totally different than being able to manage: it is the ability to inspire others to change! For every woman who pursues a career in leadership or politics, being able to introduce positive changes is very critical to demonstrate credibility to their constituencies” she added.

“This training is very important because women are very new to the political arena in Kuwait. We faced multiple challenges since 2005 when we got access to voting rights. In addition to new rules and laws, women need to be empowered with the right tools to enter the political scene in Kuwait,” said Ghada Khalaf, director of an investment company in Kuwait, who participated in the training.

For entrepreneur and business-owner Asrar Hayat, “this training was very important because it provided us with the right skills to use in politics or in leadership positions, including how to prepare your message, how to present yourself, body language and overall public speaking.

Aseel Alawadhi, a government official from the Ministry of Public Works said “women in Kuwait need to be empowered. We have a lot of potential and we need to get it out. This training is giving us the skills to articulate our messages and improving the way we communicate. With these tools we will be more empowered to assume leadership positions”.

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Justice Anisa Rasooli was recently appointed as the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan. She has been a powerful advocate for bringing more women into judicial positions, including as a leader of the Afghan Women Judges Association, an organization supported by UN Women. Serving for 23 years in the judicial system, Justice Rasooli can remember when stigma against going to a judicial institution was so great that most women would not do so, even to register a marriage. Today, rates of violence against women remain high, yet progress is happening. Better laws and legal services are in place. And a record number of women sit on the bench, changing the course of justice. UN Women’s political participation programme in Afghanistan was made possible by funding from the governments of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

"A real landmark in Afghanistan was the endorsement of our law on ending violence against women. This protects survivors, who in the past were just unnoticed. It also obliges different ministries to provide protection, such as through the collection of evidence and the provision of free legal aid. These of course are not the only things needed. Much more needs to be done for Afghan women. Illiteracy, poverty, insecurity—all play roles in where we are today.

Because they are not educated, many women do not know their rights. They think they have to accept violence. If they know that they have equal rights, they will not accept being hurt or beaten or burned! They will ask for help.

Economic empowerment is key in this regard, because many women face the issue of how they will make a living if they leave an abusive husband.

Security remains a major factor. If there is security, people can overcome barriers. Insecurity tarnishes the ability and the mindset to do anything. There have been no recent cases of extrajudicial punishment of women where the government has control, but we cannot say the same for areas where it does not.

23 years ago, when I began as a judge, there were only 20 women judges in Afghanistan. At that time, I should have become a judge after I graduated, but instead I was assigned to another position and only became a judge a year before the Taliban took control. After that, until 2001 and the interim government, I had to stay hom

Today we have 300 women judges. I think this encourages women to approach judicial institutions. They know that women judges will not allow shortcomings in the response to women survivors of violence and other crimes. Many more women now are training to become judges—and I hope they continue to do so because it is their right, and because it is a sacred profession where you help others and yourself.

My wish for all women is to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled as human beings. Much depends on eliminating violence and the factors behind it, but I believe if we work with the international community, we can solve this problem.

Everyone needs to remember that not all women in Afghanistan are like the photos of women in blue burqas begging on the streets. That is not who we are. Afghan women can be the best engineers, doctors, judges, teachers. We are vocal and visible and playing prominent roles. We have many good things to offer if the conditions are right.”

Source: UN Women.

Katia Uriona is the former President of the Electoral Tribunal of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Before that, as the Executive Secretary of the national Women’s Coordinator (Coordinadora de la Mujer), Uriona played an instrumental role in advocating for Law 243 on violence against women in politics in 2012. With the support from UN Women and other organizations, she gave an important drive to the Observatory of Parity Democracy. In March 2018, Ms. Uriona took part in an Expert Group Meeting on violence against women in politics co-organized by UN Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Most recently, the Electoral Tribunal conducted a country wide consultative process which informed a draft Bill on Political Organizations. The new Law on Political Organizations (Law 1096) approved by the Bolivia’s Plurinational Legislative Assembly on 1 September 2018, is aligned with the constitutional principles of parity and intercultural democracy.

Bolivia has the second-highest rate of women’s legislative representation in the world, at 53 per cent. So why does violence against women in politics continue?

Women occupy 50 per cent or more [of elected positions in Bolivia] now, and men cannot easily accept this. It has generated forms of violence against women never seen before in the political arena. Legal reform did not change patriarchal systems or machismo culture overnight and the backlash against women in politics has been swift and widespread. Incidents of violence against women in politics became especially apparent in local governments, adding impetus to ongoing efforts by the women’s movement to address them.

Media attention and public awareness of the extent of violence against women in politics in the country was heightened after the tragic assassination of Councilwoman Juana Quispe in 2012, sparking nationwide protests, and leading to the passage of Law 243 Against Harassment and Political Violence against Women.

Why is Bolivia’s stand-alone law on violence against women in politics so ground-breaking?

Because it is the world’s only stand-alone law criminalizing violence against women in politics. Law 243 typifies 17 acts of harassment and political violence against women and establishes how to deal with such cases. It is not limited in its application to women in public office, but also extends to women appointed to or exercising any political or public role. It also establishes penalties, ranging from two to five years in prison for harassment and three to eight years for political violence.

How has this law made a difference? Hasn’t violence continued regardless?

Official data registered by the Departmental Electoral Tribunals show 65 cases of harassment and political violence against women reported in the first four months of 2018. All were referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office. However, despite having a law against harassment and political violence, there has not been a single sentencing for harassment or political violence through the criminal justice system.

Law 243 has been invaluable in bringing visibility to violence against women in politics in Bolivia, though challenges remain in its implementation. A regulatory decree was approved in 2016, which clarified many aspects of implementation and the role of different actors. The Electoral Tribunal, for example, works to ensure compliance with parity, and supports women who bring their cases forward.

Departmental courts have created mediation spaces to meet with aggressors to try and stop acts from escalating. They are also increasingly publishing cases to enable stakeholders to better identify, prove and record evidence of the societal impact of violence against women in politics, to improve sanctioning mechanisms.

The creation of an Observatory for Parity Democracy—which monitors both gender and intercultural parity and the political rights of women—was also a significant related result.

Why is the Observatory important?

The Observatory for Parity Democracy raises visibility and awareness about a range of issues related to women’s political participation, including violence, and it generates data. It also accompanies victims to the Ministry of Justice. The Observatory, together with the Electoral Tribunal and other actors, are developing indicators for violence and harassment against women, a system for follow-up and protection, connecting all relevant authorities through technology, as well as providing training and immediate support systems for survivors.

It has local offices across the country that interview women who have stepped down to determine whether violence against women in politics was the cause. However, promoting the reporting of violence against women in politics cases remains a challenge as the support system for survivors is not functional.

The Observatory has prepared gender profiles of political parties and institutions to take stock of gaps and needs. This informed a draft Law on Political Organizations, which was presented by the Electoral Tribunal to the Legislative Assembly in June and approved on 1 September 2018 (Law 1096). The law includes criteria for parity and alternation in candidate nominations, specific budgets to support women candidates’ campaigns, as well as provisions for gender equality and women’s rights in both organizational structures and policy agendas.

What are you working on now, ahead of the 2019 presidential elections?

The Electoral Tribunal has been working to promote and strengthen the participation of women in the political arena, on equal terms, by: promoting coordination with operators for the effective application of Law No. 243; promoting alliances among diverse political actors; conducting studies and research on obstacles and barriers to women's political participation; and promoting awareness of the specific articles of mechanisms against harassment and political violence established in the new Law 1096 on Political Organizations.

Source: UN Women

Katia Uriona is the former President of the Electoral Tribunal of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Before that, as the Executive Secretary of the national Women’s Coordinator (Coordinadora de la Mujer), Uriona played an instrumental role in advocating for Law 243 on violence against women in politics in 2012. With the support from UN Women and other organizations, she gave an important drive to the Observatory of Parity Democracy. In March 2018, Ms. Uriona took part in an Expert Group Meeting on violence against women in politics co-organized by UN Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Most recently, the Electoral Tribunal conducted a country wide consultative process which informed a draft Bill on Political Organizations. The new Law on Political Organizations (Law 1096) approved by the Bolivia’s Plurinational Legislative Assembly on 1 September 2018, is aligned with the constitutional principles of parity and intercultural democracy.

Bolivia has the second-highest rate of women’s legislative representation in the world, at 53 per cent. So why does violence against women in politics continue?

Women occupy 50 per cent or more [of elected positions in Bolivia] now, and men cannot easily accept this. It has generated forms of violence against women never seen before in the political arena. Legal reform did not change patriarchal systems or machismo culture overnight and the backlash against women in politics has been swift and widespread. Incidents of violence against women in politics became especially apparent in local governments, adding impetus to ongoing efforts by the women’s movement to address them.

Media attention and public awareness of the extent of violence against women in politics in the country was heightened after the tragic assassination of Councilwoman Juana Quispe in 2012, sparking nationwide protests, and leading to the passage of Law 243 Against Harassment and Political Violence against Women.

Why is Bolivia’s stand-alone law on violence against women in politics so ground-breaking?

Because it is the world’s only stand-alone law criminalizing violence against women in politics. Law 243 typifies 17 acts of harassment and political violence against women and establishes how to deal with such cases. It is not limited in its application to women in public office, but also extends to women appointed to or exercising any political or public role. It also establishes penalties, ranging from two to five years in prison for harassment and three to eight years for political violence.

How has this law made a difference? Hasn’t violence continued regardless?

Official data registered by the Departmental Electoral Tribunals show 65 cases of harassment and political violence against women reported in the first four months of 2018. All were referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office. However, despite having a law against harassment and political violence, there has not been a single sentencing for harassment or political violence through the criminal justice system.

Law 243 has been invaluable in bringing visibility to violence against women in politics in Bolivia, though challenges remain in its implementation. A regulatory decree was approved in 2016, which clarified many aspects of implementation and the role of different actors. The Electoral Tribunal, for example, works to ensure compliance with parity, and supports women who bring their cases forward.

Departmental courts have created mediation spaces to meet with aggressors to try and stop acts from escalating. They are also increasingly publishing cases to enable stakeholders to better identify, prove and record evidence of the societal impact of violence against women in politics, to improve sanctioning mechanisms.

The creation of an Observatory for Parity Democracy—which monitors both gender and intercultural parity and the political rights of women—was also a significant related result.

Why is the Observatory important?

The Observatory for Parity Democracy raises visibility and awareness about a range of issues related to women’s political participation, including violence, and it generates data. It also accompanies victims to the Ministry of Justice. The Observatory, together with the Electoral Tribunal and other actors, are developing indicators for violence and harassment against women, a system for follow-up and protection, connecting all relevant authorities through technology, as well as providing training and immediate support systems for survivors.

It has local offices across the country that interview women who have stepped down to determine whether violence against women in politics was the cause. However, promoting the reporting of violence against women in politics cases remains a challenge as the support system for survivors is not functional.

The Observatory has prepared gender profiles of political parties and institutions to take stock of gaps and needs. This informed a draft Law on Political Organizations, which was presented by the Electoral Tribunal to the Legislative Assembly in June and approved on 1 September 2018 (Law 1096). The law includes criteria for parity and alternation in candidate nominations, specific budgets to support women candidates’ campaigns, as well as provisions for gender equality and women’s rights in both organizational structures and policy agendas.

What are you working on now, ahead of the 2019 presidential elections?

The Electoral Tribunal has been working to promote and strengthen the participation of women in the political arena, on equal terms, by: promoting coordination with operators for the effective application of Law No. 243; promoting alliances among diverse political actors; conducting studies and research on obstacles and barriers to women's political participation; and promoting awareness of the specific articles of mechanisms against harassment and political violence established in the new Law 1096 on Political Organizations.

Source: UN Women

Katia Uriona is the former President of the Electoral Tribunal of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Before that, as the Executive Secretary of the national Women’s Coordinator (Coordinadora de la Mujer), Uriona played an instrumental role in advocating for Law 243 on violence against women in politics in 2012. With the support from UN Women and other organizations, she gave an important drive to the Observatory of Parity Democracy. In March 2018, Ms. Uriona took part in an Expert Group Meeting on violence against women in politics co-organized by UN Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Most recently, the Electoral Tribunal conducted a country wide consultative process which informed a draft Bill on Political Organizations. The new Law on Political Organizations (Law 1096) approved by the Bolivia’s Plurinational Legislative Assembly on 1 September 2018, is aligned with the constitutional principles of parity and intercultural democracy.

Bolivia has the second-highest rate of women’s legislative representation in the world, at 53 per cent. So why does violence against women in politics continue?

Women occupy 50 per cent or more [of elected positions in Bolivia] now, and men cannot easily accept this. It has generated forms of violence against women never seen before in the political arena. Legal reform did not change patriarchal systems or machismo culture overnight and the backlash against women in politics has been swift and widespread. Incidents of violence against women in politics became especially apparent in local governments, adding impetus to ongoing efforts by the women’s movement to address them.

Media attention and public awareness of the extent of violence against women in politics in the country was heightened after the tragic assassination of Councilwoman Juana Quispe in 2012, sparking nationwide protests, and leading to the passage of Law 243 Against Harassment and Political Violence against Women.

Why is Bolivia’s stand-alone law on violence against women in politics so ground-breaking?

Because it is the world’s only stand-alone law criminalizing violence against women in politics. Law 243 typifies 17 acts of harassment and political violence against women and establishes how to deal with such cases. It is not limited in its application to women in public office, but also extends to women appointed to or exercising any political or public role. It also establishes penalties, ranging from two to five years in prison for harassment and three to eight years for political violence.

How has this law made a difference? Hasn’t violence continued regardless?

Official data registered by the Departmental Electoral Tribunals show 65 cases of harassment and political violence against women reported in the first four months of 2018. All were referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office. However, despite having a law against harassment and political violence, there has not been a single sentencing for harassment or political violence through the criminal justice system.

Law 243 has been invaluable in bringing visibility to violence against women in politics in Bolivia, though challenges remain in its implementation. A regulatory decree was approved in 2016, which clarified many aspects of implementation and the role of different actors. The Electoral Tribunal, for example, works to ensure compliance with parity, and supports women who bring their cases forward.

Departmental courts have created mediation spaces to meet with aggressors to try and stop acts from escalating. They are also increasingly publishing cases to enable stakeholders to better identify, prove and record evidence of the societal impact of violence against women in politics, to improve sanctioning mechanisms.

The creation of an Observatory for Parity Democracy—which monitors both gender and intercultural parity and the political rights of women—was also a significant related result.

Why is the Observatory important?

The Observatory for Parity Democracy raises visibility and awareness about a range of issues related to women’s political participation, including violence, and it generates data. It also accompanies victims to the Ministry of Justice. The Observatory, together with the Electoral Tribunal and other actors, are developing indicators for violence and harassment against women, a system for follow-up and protection, connecting all relevant authorities through technology, as well as providing training and immediate support systems for survivors.

It has local offices across the country that interview women who have stepped down to determine whether violence against women in politics was the cause. However, promoting the reporting of violence against women in politics cases remains a challenge as the support system for survivors is not functional.

The Observatory has prepared gender profiles of political parties and institutions to take stock of gaps and needs. This informed a draft Law on Political Organizations, which was presented by the Electoral Tribunal to the Legislative Assembly in June and approved on 1 September 2018 (Law 1096). The law includes criteria for parity and alternation in candidate nominations, specific budgets to support women candidates’ campaigns, as well as provisions for gender equality and women’s rights in both organizational structures and policy agendas.

What are you working on now, ahead of the 2019 presidential elections?

The Electoral Tribunal has been working to promote and strengthen the participation of women in the political arena, on equal terms, by: promoting coordination with operators for the effective application of Law No. 243; promoting alliances among diverse political actors; conducting studies and research on obstacles and barriers to women's political participation; and promoting awareness of the specific articles of mechanisms against harassment and political violence established in the new Law 1096 on Political Organizations.

Source: UN Women