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: Concord Times
Fatimah Zahra is the daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and true Muslims all over the world usually pay glowing tribute to her like I have done in this article.
Source: Rwanda Focus
Since the last parliamentary elections, Rwanda has been the first country in the world where women hold a majority in one of the chambers of parliament - with 56% in the chamber of deputies. There are also a good number of top female officials in the executive, whether as Ministers or heads of institutions.
Source: Independent Online
Showing that women in Libya can be much more than just sexy bodyguards or accessories to murder, women are dipping into politics in the hope of drafting a constitution which protects their rights.
Showing that women in Libya can be much more than just sexy bodyguards or accessories to murder, women are dipping into politics in the hope of drafting a constitution which protects their rights.
Source: The Botswana Gazette
At the time of writing this piece, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had just arrived in Botswana on a three-day official state visit. This piece serves as a tribute to Sirleaf whose election as the first female head of state in Africa should inspire African women.
At the time of writing this piece, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had just arrived in Botswana on a three-day official state visit. This piece serves as a tribute to Sirleaf whose election as the first female head of state in Africa should inspire African women.
Source:United States Embassy
"Women parliamentarians call for help" according to an article in Nord-Sud Quotidien (p. 5). The newspaper reports on a roundtable discussion organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), an American NGO promoting democracy, to reinforce Ivorian women parliamentarians and NGO leaders' participation in conflict resolution and the peace process.
Source: News of Rwanda
About 50 families in Bushekeri sector in Nyamasheke district have finished a 4 days training on the Thursday the 17th.May.2012 that was prepared and given by the National Women Council (CNF).
Source: Aswat Masriya
This chapter presents statements of presidential candidates about the rights of women.
Source: UN News Centre
The head of the United Nations entity mandated to promote gender equality today welcomed the increase in women’s representation in Algeria’s new parliament as a result of elections held last week, and stressed that it represented a step towards democratic reform and gender equality.
The head of the United Nations entity mandated to promote gender equality today welcomed the increase in women’s representation in Algeria’s new parliament as a result of elections held last week, and stressed that it represented a step towards democratic reform and gender equality.
Source: The Herald
WOMEN play a vital role in winning elections due to their numbers and enthusiasm. Many politicians all over the world have realised the importance of the women voters. In the US, politicians go out of their way to promote those values that women identify with.
WOMEN play a vital role in winning elections due to their numbers and enthusiasm. Many politicians all over the world have realised the importance of the women voters. In the US, politicians go out of their way to promote those values that women identify with.
Source: WLP
In April 2012, Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP) published Strategizing for Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities for Women in the MENA Region.
Source: The Zimbabwean
Aspiring female politicians have lambasted the existing political structures as the major barrier to women taking up positions of leadership and participating actively in politics. In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Director of Zimbabwe Organisation for Youths in Politics, Nkosilathi Moyo, who is also the Project Coordinator of Democratic Agenda, said aspiring female politicians felt disadvantaged by existing political situations.
Aspiring female politicians have lambasted the existing political structures as the major barrier to women taking up positions of leadership and participating actively in politics. In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Director of Zimbabwe Organisation for Youths in Politics, Nkosilathi Moyo, who is also the Project Coordinator of Democratic Agenda, said aspiring female politicians felt disadvantaged by existing political situations.