Gender Equality and Elections Modules

This module examines the barriers faced by men and women (but particularly by women – as general access issues are covered in the Access module) in accessing different electoral processes. Gender examines access to electoral process for both men and women, but it is important to note that this access is not equal and women have significant barriers and face greater challenges in electoral participation.

After identifying the barriers, activities explore possible strategies to address these through: international standards and legal frameworks, temporary special measures, inclusive political parties, inclusive electoral management and gender-monitoring in electoral observation. Barriers to women’s political participation exist worldwide, although they vary considerably between countries and regions. For this reason, careful tailoring of the module is very important.

The point of this module is to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve women’s participation in electoral processes. Participants will learn to develop key strategies to overcome barriers to participation. For EMBs, the module provides the opportunity to understand that they must consider why women's participation is crucial to electoral processes and democracy more broadly. In addition, the module facilitates a networking opportunity for women's empowerment and advocacy groups.

One of the key tools for the module is a workbook with space to write thoughts and ideas that arise during the workshop. These workbooks could be as simple as notebooks bought locally, or, if preparation time and resources permit, well structured, purpose-designed and labelled workbooks which match the structure of the Participant’s Handbook.

Exploring gender issues deeply can expose power relations and issues, real or perceived injustices, strong differences in opinion, resistance and other, even unexpected, reactions from participants. As a facilitator, it is essential to be prepared to deal with emotions that may arise during the workshop in an open and constructive way. This can be achieved through one-on-one talks, facilitated group discussions such as ‘circles’ – where everyone has the chance to speak, and by creating an environment of trust within the workshop from the outset.

Key Understandings

As a result of historical, cultural and other factors, women have not yet achieved equality in most societies, including equality in the electoral process.
Human rights are for everybody; women and men are entitled to equal rights and to equal access to the electoral system
Even if women and men have equal legal rights in regard to elections, specific practices in a country may discriminate against or work to the disadvantage of women
A country’s choice of election system may have a dramatic effect on how many women are elected to office.
There are many steps Election Management Bodies can take to help ensure broader participation by women.
Domestic and international election observers can contribute to public confidence in elections and to women’s participation.

Module Objectives

For EMBs to understand that they must consider the experiences of men and women in the electoral process.
For EMBs to understand why women's participation is crucial to electoral processes and democracy and how to improve it.
For women's political empowerment advocates and practitioners to understand the electoral process and develop strategies to promote women's participation.
Provide tools for all participants to analyse electoral processes and elections from a gender perspective.
Provide a networking opportunity for women's empowerment advocacy groups.