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Report/Paper
Analysis of the Status of Women in Burundi’s Political and Electoral Processes
Burundi is one of few countries in the world to have adopted a gender quota for its legislature in an effort to promote the inclusion and participation of women in the political process. As such, it presents an informative case study on the impact a gender quota can have as a catalyst for more progressive and inclusive governance. Given the International Foundation for Electoral System’s (IFES) commitment to gender equality and women’s participation in electoral processes and government, a thorough analysis demonstrating the effectiveness of quotas is a vital effort that aids IFES in supporting their use as a tool for democratic progress.
July 17, 2014
Publication
Report/Paper
Political Finance and Gender Equality
Throughout the world, women and men have different opportunities to participate in the political sphere. This is particularly true when it comes to participation as candidates and elected officials in electoral processes. There are many factors that contribute to existing gender inequalities in politics. While political finance is an important instrument for achieving gender equality in politics, the ongoing debates about political finance rarely consider the impact of money on the level of representation of both men and women in elected offices.
August 05, 2014
Publication
Electoral Assessment
Violence Against Women in Elections and the Representation of Women in Haitian Politics
The reasons for women's weak representation in Haitian politics are deeply rooted in social norms and the widespread incidence of violence against women in elections (VAWE), which the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) defines as "any harm or threat of harm committed against women with the intent and/or impact of interfering with their free and equal participation in the electoral process during the electoral period." Oftentimes, VAWE is subtle and more indirect than physical attacks against voters and candidates, but it nonetheless impacts women's interest and willingness to get involved in political processes and structures of governance. The threats and social stigmas they face are associated not only with the act of voting, but with many other activities that are a common part of a free and fair democratic experience. To document the nature and impact of VAWE in Haiti, IFES has produced Violence Against Women in Elections in Haiti: An IFES Assessment.
July 05, 2018
Publication
Report/Paper
New Assessment of Violence Against Women in Elections in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold general elections on July 30, which may be the foundation for a new political era. Violence Against Women in Elections in Zimbabwe: An IFES Assessment demonstrates that deep-seated inequality and targeted violence against women in elections inhibit Zimbabwean women from taking full and equal part in this transformative moment. Setbacks at this critical juncture could echo for years or generations, entrenching political gender inequality in the “new Zimbabwe.”
July 24, 2018
Publication
Report/Paper
The Cost of Representation: A Study of Women’s Representation and Political Finance in Nepal
IFES conducted a study of women’s political representation and political finance in Nepal’s House of Representatives elections in 2017. IFES hopes the resulting report sparks discussions on the critical need for reforms and capacity building ahead of the next general elections in Nepal in 2022.
January 27, 2020
Publication
Report/Paper
Women’s Reserved Seats in Bangladesh: A Systemic Analysis of Meaningful Representation
There are currently four separate and different reserved seat systems for women at three levels of government in Bangladesh, and they produce different gender equality outcomes. This paper, authored by IFES Bangladesh Chief of Party Silja Paasilinna, examines these systems in detail, provides an overview of gender-based challenges women elected representatives face in both general and reserved seats, and provides a summary of suggested improvements to the current systems as well as options for alternative systems.
July 12, 2016
Publication
Report/Paper
Violence Against Women in Elections: An Excerpt from IFES’ Framework
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) recognizes that violence against women in elections is a threat to the integrity of the electoral process – it can affect women’s participation as voters, candidates, election officials, activists, and political party leaders, and it undermines the free, fair, and inclusive democratic process.
September 06, 2016
Publication
Report/Paper
COVID-19’s Impact on Pakistani Women
Though we do not yet know the full extent of COVID-19’s impact, women and most marginalized communities will likely experience disproportionate hardship. This means all preparedness and response measures should incorporate a gender analysis. A new IFES paper offers key recommendations for the government and Election Commission of Pakistan.
May 27, 2020
Publication
Report/Paper
Intersectionality in Action: Lebanese Human Rights Advocates Assess Joint Barriers and Build Coalitions
Lebanon's PATH Coalition drafted an intersectional policy platform that lays out priorities for rights-based advocacy.
August 11, 2021
Publication
Survey
Public Opinion Data and Political and Legal Reform Opportunities for Women in Yemen, Morocco and Lebanon
As people across the Middle East and North Africa continue to protest for greater freedom and equality under repressive regimes, women have an unprecedented opportunity to capture some of the newly created political space and ensure gender rights are integrated into political and legal reforms.
September 22, 2011