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Elections

The right to vote and the right to stand for election are two fundamental elements of democracy. Notably, many countries did not afford women the right to vote until the 20th Century. Even today, universal suffrage is not a given right in all countries, and women often face obstacles that undermine their participation in political and electoral processes. There are various ways to support women in overcoming these obstacles. Such methods include revising the electoral system used, applying affirmative action mechanisms such as quotas, improving voter education for women and training political candidates. These are a few of the modes available to strengthen women’s political participation .Photo©Jens Franssen

November 24, 2021
Sweden's first female PM resigns hours after appointment

No women elected in Tonga: time to change the story

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November 24, 2021

No women elected in Tonga: time to change the story

By ‘Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki

As in 2008, 2010 and 2014, none of the female candidates standing in Tonga’s 2021 general election were successful.

By ‘Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki

As in 2008, 2010 and 2014, none of the female candidates standing in Tonga’s 2021 general election were successful.

Participants in New Bern's 2017 Women's March hold up signs in support of women's equality.  TODD WETHERINGTON / SUN JOURNAL STAFF
November 24, 2021
Craven County women have ground to make up in elected positions. Men still dominate boards

On Thursday night, the Craven County GOP elected Sarah Benischek as the party's new chairman. The announcement marked a victory for women in local politics after a recent report found women are not represented equally to their male counterparts. 

Increasing the cost of female representation? The gendered effects of harassment, abuse and intimidation towards Parliamentary candidates in the UK

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November 12, 2021

Increasing the cost of female representation? The gendered effects of harassment, abuse and intimidation towards Parliamentary candidates in the UK

Recently, the issue of harassment and intimidation of women in politics in long-established democracies has become a source of concern.

Recently, the issue of harassment and intimidation of women in politics in long-established democracies has become a source of concern.

‘It is what girls need’: the FGM activist hoping to be the Gambia’s president (copyright: The Guardian)
November 11, 2021
‘It is what girls need’: the FGM activist hoping to be the Gambia’s president

Jaha Dukureh was a young mother of three with little campaigning experience when she started a movement in the Gambia to end female genital mutilation, backed by the Guardian.

Newly Brooklyn Councilmember elect Shahana Hanif spoke at a rally in City Hall Park supporting female candidates, July 13, 2021. Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
November 10, 2021
City Council adds historic number of women to its ranks as republicans gain

New York City’s legislative branch will be packed with newcomers in 2022 and will have its first female majority. Meanwhile, the GOP gained at least one more Council seat.

Les «petites» femmes de la politique kirghize

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November 9, 2021

Les «petites» femmes de la politique kirghize

Au Kirghizstan, le grand nombre d’hommes en politique est un problème. Mais cette histoire est celle de « petites » femmes qui font de grandes choses.

Au Kirghizstan, le grand nombre d’hommes en politique est un problème. Mais cette histoire est celle de « petites » femmes qui font de grandes choses.