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FEMNET condemn Intimidation of Women in Electoral Processes

  1. Posted on Wednesday 14 April 2010 - 11:43
    mugira
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    The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) a regional organization working to promote women’s rights and development in Africa calls on all African leaders to respect the right of every citizen – men and women -to equally participate in the democratic processes in their respective countries.

    It particularly calls upon countries that have Election in 2010 and 2011 to ensure that, as the Africa Women’s Decade (2010 – 2020) kicks off, women’s equal participation is fully guaranteed and the processes are free from all forms of discrimination and intimidation.

    Currently Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt and Zambia are preparing to go for elections in 2010 or in 2011.

    Now, FEMNET notes that, “governments in these countries must ensure that all obstacles that hinder women’s full participation are removed through law and policy reforms, and the adoption of appropriate empowerment strategies that ensure that all eligible voters are adequately informed about the processes and are duly registered as voters.”

    It further stresses that though the progress made in the last 10 years in terms of women’s political participation in some African countries is celebrated and recognized worldwide, more urgent measures need to be taken to ensure that the majority of African women freely and fairly participate in democratic elections as candidates, election officials, civic educators and voters.

    In a press statement, FEMNET laments that, “Political representation of women continues to be marginally low in many countries,” further noting that “the challenge of women’s political participation and representation must therefore be a priority for African leaders and governments as they prepare for the forthcoming elections.”

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