Source: Daily News Egypt
The National Front for Egypt’s Women announced its rejection of the draft elections law on Sunday, which does not guarantee any representation for women.
It has been argued that where women are fully represented, societies are more peaceful and stable. Women's political participation is fundamental for gender equality and their representation in positions of leadership must be a priority for all African governments. Women are largely under-represented in decision-making and leadership positions in Africa.
Over the last years, there has been more women in parliaments and decision-making positions than before. In the parliamentary elections of Rwanda in September 2013 women obtained 64 percent of the seats, which is the highest number in the world. However, women's participation in governmance and decision-making remain very limited. They are outnumbered by men in all decision-making and leadership positions.
In the history of Africa, there are now three women who have been elected president:
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – President of the Republic of Liberia
- Joyce Banda – President of the Republic of Malawi
- Catherine Samba-Panza – Interim President of the Central African Republic
There is progress here and there on the continent regarding women's rights . We must go much further to ensure greater gender equality in Africa. It is not just a matter of justice....When women take their rightful place at the negotiating table, in the parliament and in leadership positions across society, we can unleash Africa’s enormous potential..." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
To learn more about women's political participation, please visit the following websites:
Source: Global Press Institute
Women are battling death threats to run for Parliament and governor in Kenya’s March elections. Women currently constitute only 10 percent of Kenyan Parliament. Organizations advise female candidates to hire bodyguards and to wear pants in case they need to run from an attack.
Women are battling death threats to run for Parliament and governor in Kenya’s March elections. Women currently constitute only 10 percent of Kenyan Parliament. Organizations advise female candidates to hire bodyguards and to wear pants in case they need to run from an attack.
Source: ASWAT MASRIYA
An Egyptian political party "Misr" announced on Monday that it holds on to its initial stance of women's status in the electoral list for the proposed amendments in the elections law.Source: allAfrica
An appeal has been made for the indigenes of Akatsi South and Buem to consider reserving their vacant parliamentary seats for only women to contest.
Source: Cameroon Tribune
It is unwise to wait for the last day of the registration of voters. That is the message which the President of ELECAM, Dr Fonkam Azu'u is taking to stake holders in the North West in efforts to encourage and step up the exercise expected to drop curtains on February 28, 2013. At Press time on January 11, 2013, the North West had registered 281.040.
It is unwise to wait for the last day of the registration of voters. That is the message which the President of ELECAM, Dr Fonkam Azu'u is taking to stake holders in the North West in efforts to encourage and step up the exercise expected to drop curtains on February 28, 2013. At Press time on January 11, 2013, the North West had registered 281.040.
Source: AllAfrica
Human Rights and Transitional Justice Minister Samir Dilou received, on Monday in Tunis, a delegation of the United Nations Working group in charge of the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice.
Source: UN WOMEN
Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Michelle Bachelet will highlight the urgent need for increasing women’s participation as the foundation for nation building and economic progress during her forthcoming trip to West Africa.
Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Michelle Bachelet will highlight the urgent need for increasing women’s participation as the foundation for nation building and economic progress during her forthcoming trip to West Africa.
Source: IPS
Kenya’s rights activists are furious that the country’s highest court “violated” women’s constitutional rights by ruling against the implementation of a gender quota in parliament ahead of the 2013 general elections.
Kenya’s rights activists are furious that the country’s highest court “violated” women’s constitutional rights by ruling against the implementation of a gender quota in parliament ahead of the 2013 general elections.
Source: DailyNation
Egyptians are to start deciding Saturday whether to adopt a new constitution backed by Islamists including President Mohamed Morsi, or reject it as urged by the opposition which fears it will usher in sharia-style laws.
Source: AswatMasyra
An Egyptian women's rights group asked women to wear red and vote "no" in the referendum on a draft constitution written by an Islamist-led assembly.
Source: The Namibian
GENDER equality and inner party governance within Swapo will not be on the agenda of this week's congress.