Even though this may be a question that many people do not stop and ask themselves these days, it is something that many do implement in day to day life. Being a good citizen is a priority for most people of all ages, regardless of where they live. Being tolerant of people in your community is essential. Being a good citizen will mean you feel like you have given something back to your community, and also provide a good example for future generations. In other words, they set the tone when it … [Read more...]
Women’s participation in Afghanistan elections 2013
Envoy affirms UN support for women's participation in Afghanistan elections The United Nations will support efforts to ensure women's involvement in next year's elections in Afghanistan, the top UN official in the country told women activists in the capital, Kabul, on Wednesday. Ján Kubiš, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), was speaking during an annual event related to a landmark Security Council Resolution on women's participation in the political process in … [Read more...]
Paraguay, Kuña Pyrenda celebrates, “introducing the feminine element into the political debate.”
Business magnate Horacio Cartes won Paraguay's presidential election on Sunday, returning his powerful center-right Colorado Party to power after the left's brief spell ended in impeachment last year. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed peaceful general elections in Paraguay that attracted wide participation, reiterating the United Nations’ willingness to work with the newly elected authorities and people in the South American country. General elections were held in Paraguay on 21 … [Read more...]
KENYA prepares to go to the polls on Monday
March 2013 – As Kenya prepares to go to the polls on Monday, a senior United Nations official has called on authorities to ensure the protection of civilians, especially women and girls, recalling that thousands of cases of rape and other forms of sexual assault were documented during the violence that followed the 2007 elections. “I urge the authorities in Kenya to ensure that civilians of all ethnic and political backgrounds can exercise their right to vote in safety and security, and to … [Read more...]
Linda Lowen, Will 2013 Be a Groundbreaking Year for Women?
How are things shaping up for women in 2013? Are the headlines from the first two weeks of the new year any indication of what's to come? We saw lots of firsts in the 2012 election, with most of them having to do with the religion, sexual orientation and gender of winning candidates. says The Fix, Chris Chillizza. Below are the ones we have cobbled together. What did we miss? The comments section awaits. (And we will include the best ones in future updates.) First president … [Read more...]
Sierra Leone, women candidates prepare their political platforms
ELECTION 2012 - WOMEN Taking Action The gathering in a well-lit Sierra Leone classroom comes off as remarkably joyful. “By my side… by my side…” chants a group of vibrantly-clad women, swaying and clapping in unison. “No longer men in front and the women at the back, but women and men walking side-by-side.” In Makeni, Sierra Leone’s fourth-largest city, a mobile campaign school has just swung through. Run by the civil society-organized Campaign for Good Governance (watch video below) … [Read more...]
Senegal’s female parliamentarians almost doubles
With 44.6 per cent of female parliamentarians, Senegal has come close to achieving parity in its National Assembly. 64 women now occupy a total of 150 seats, up from 33. Adopted on 28 May 2010, the law on parity has ensured a major step forward in female political participation in the country. The legislation aims to secure full equality in all elective and semi-elective bodies, and at all levels – whether national, regional or local. It does so by requiring that political parties submit an … [Read more...]
Egyptian women cast votes and rally for their country’s future
“Even if I am not going to live for very much longer, I am voting for the future of my grandchildren.” So states one elderly lady as she waits in front of a polling station in Cairo, voicing the hope and resolve of a nation going to the polls. Over 50 million voters are eligible for Egypt’s 2012 presidential elections, the first since the country’s inspiring revolution, and of them, 23 million are women. Recent UN Women’s analysis has shown that 90.3 per cent of women surveyed are willing … [Read more...]
Buffett to host high-profile fundraiser for Obama
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Warren Buffett will host a fundraiser for President Obama next month in New York City, the Berkshire Hathaway CEO told CNNMoney on Thursday. With the 2012 election season just around the corner, the campaign to put Obama back in the White House for a second term is well underway -- and it's not unusual for the campaign to boost the president's drawing power by allowing him to share the stage with a well known benefactor. 259 9 Print Billed … [Read more...]
Risky climate for women candidates in Afghan elections
Risky climate for Women Candidates in Afghan elections Political hopeful Robina Jalali represented her country at the Beijing Olympics In a crowded Kabul bazaar, Robina Jalali is campaigning for parliament. In her silk headscarf and make-up, she stands out from the women around her - some dressed head to toe in full burka. Robina Jalali is an unconventional Afghan woman, by any standards. The last time she ran for her country was at the Beijing Olympics - as a sprinter. She is … [Read more...]