Advocating for Gender Equality in Papua New Guinea

January 31, 2012

Papua New Guinea achieved a major milestone on November 24, 2011, with the passage of a bill that amends the Constitution to allow seats in the national parliament to be reserved for women. The Equality and Participation Bill, however, can only be implemented if an amendment to the Organic Law on Elections is passed by at least 75 percent of parliamentarians. To help local women’s organizations in their efforts to get this amendment passed, IFES implemented a training program to boost their skills in professional lobbying.

Gender Issues, Civil Society

IFES Conducts Lobby Training Program, Papua New Guinea Parliament Poised to Vote on Reserved Seats for Women

January 24, 2012

After many years of advocacy, women’s groups and activists watched as the Parliament of Papua New Guinea (PNG) voted to amend the constitution and create an additional 22 reserved seats for women. The 22 seats will be added to the current seats in parliament, held by 108 men and only one woman.

Gender Issues, Civil Society, Electoral Systems

Voter Registration in Nepal: Reaching Out to Underrepresented Groups

January 13, 2012

It is estimated that up to 5 million eligible Nepalis are not registered to vote. To combat this trend, the Election Commission of Nepal has launched a voter registration initiative and several voter education programs.  IFES is implementing these projects with the support of local civil society organizations.

Civic Education, Gender Issues, Voter Registration, Youth and Elections

IFES 2011 Contributions to the Cause of Democracy

December 22, 2011

Providing support to election management bodies in four continents; hosting conversations on political finance and corruption; producing publications on Iran’s electoral system, election adjudication and strategic planning; and, primarily, focusing our work on the ideas of voter access and inclusion of all citizens — these were IFES’ 2011 success stories.

Elections, Democracy Assistance, Gender Issues, People with Disabilities

IFES 2012 Wall Calendar Now Available

December 19, 2011

Beginning with December 2011 and ending with December 2012, each month highlights democracy at work in a different country, major national holidays and the dates of upcoming elections worldwide. The calendar simultaneously celebrates IFES’ 25 years of work through stories and photos. 

Democracy Assistance, Civil Society, Elections, Gender Issues, People with Disabilities

Breaking the Mold: Understanding Gender and Electoral Violence

December 13, 2011

Women around the world are playing increasingly visible roles in the political processes of their countries, yet a major impediment to the full participation of women is electoral violence — both used against and perpetuated by them.

Electoral Violence, Gender Issues

USAID's Senior Official on Gender Issues Speaks at IFES

December 12, 2011

As part of an ongoing effort to increase the participation of women in the political process through IFES programming, Carla Koppell, Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), spoke at IFES.

Gender Issues

Elections Worth Dying For?: Maintaining the Peace During Elections in Africa

December 09, 2011

Used as a political tool before, during and after elections, violence threatens the franchise and civil rights of all citizens. To mitigate this practice, it is important to understand its roots and address the issue at all levels.

Electoral Violence, Civil Society, Gender Issues, Youth and Elections

IFES Launches Innovative Website to Decrease the Gender Gap in the MENA Region

November 7, 2011

SWMENA.org, an interactive website that provides data on the status of women in the Middle East and North Africa, is now live.

Gender Issues, Civil Society

SWMENA.org Launches on 3 November

October 28, 2011

SWMENA.org, the digital complement to the Status of Women in the Middle East and North Africa (SWMENA) program, will go live on 3 November. The interactive website will feature all data collected between 2009 and 2010 on the social, political and economic status of women in Lebanon, Morocco and Yemen in three languages.

Gender Issues, Civil Society, Public Opinion