Celebrating 90 Years of Female Enfranchisement in the U.S.

August 26, 2010

Voting is a human right, yet for many having a say in one’s government through the ballot is hard-fought and elusive. In the United States, women were only enfranchised on August 26, 1920 when the Nineteenth Amendment became law. This occurred over 100 years after the Constitution was written.

Gender Issues, Constitutional Law, Elections

Focus on Lebanon | Lobby Training Manual

August 2010

Lobbying is a critical component of the democratic process. The essence of representative government is that policymakers should be representing the needs of their constituencies when they pass laws.

Gender Issues, Civil Society, Election Law, Election Management, Elections

Guinea's First Free Election

June 29, 2010

Guinea went to the polls on Sunday, June 27 to participate in the country's first free election. Elizabeth Cote, IFES chief of party in Guinea, comments on Election Day and what comes next.

Elections, Governance, Gender Issues, Democracy Assistance

International NGO Releases Survey Findings on Women’s Political Standing in Morocco

June 22, 2010

RABAT—A national survey on attitudes towards the political, economic, social and legal status of women in Morocco released today by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) shows that while women’s political and civic participation is low, there is relatively high support for gender quotas on behalf of both sexes. The survey, however, indicated that men are much less supportive than women of the Family Law or Moudawana.

Gender Issues, Public Opinion, Election Observation, Elections

Focus on Morocco | Civic and Political Participation Topic Brief

June 22, 2010

This topic brief presents the main findings from the SWMENA survey in Morocco on civic and political participation. It includes an analysis of civic engagement through membership in different types of organizations and taking part in different activities to express opinions on political and social issues. Voting behavior is also explored in reference to participation in the 2009 municipal elections in June 2009 as well as women’s opinions about policy priorities and factors influencing their voting choices.

Civic Education, Gender Issues, Public Opinion, Voter Turnout

Focus on Morocco | Educational Attainment and Career Aspirations Topic Brief

June 22, 2010

This topic brief presents the main findings on educational attainment and aspirations from the SWMENA survey in Morocco, a survey of 2,500 women and men 18 and older, fielded in 2010. 

Civic Education, Gender Issues, Public Opinion, Education

Focus on Morocco | Freedom of Movement, & Freedom from Harassment & Violence Topic Brief

June 22, 2010

This topic brief presents key findings from the SWMENA survey in Morocco. One portion of the survey examined the extent to which women enjoyed freedom of movement without pressures from family or society, attitudes towards violence against women, and the degree to which domestic violence is tolerated or rejected by society.

Civic Education, Gender Issues, Public Opinion

Focus on Morocco | Health Care Access Topic Brief

June 22, 2010

The SWMENA survey, in addition to gathering information about women’s and men’s economic, social and political status, investigated the extent to which women in Morocco had access to formal health care. The survey also examined issues of affordability, quality of care, utilization, and proximity to medical services. This topic brief presents the principal findings with respect to women’s access to health care

Civic Education, Gender Issues, Public Opinion, Education

Focus on Morocco | Opinions on the Family Law and Gender Quotas - Topic Brief

June 22, 2010

One of the principal objectives of the SWMENA survey was to examine the level of popular support for law reforms that have the potential to enhance women’s participation in the social and political realms. The Morocco Family Law, known as the Moudawana, which was adopted in 2004, continues to draw much debate among the Moroccan populace and advocacy groups. The introduction of gender quotas in 2002 to reserve 30 seats for women on a national list in Parliament increased the representation of women in elected bodies but continues to raise questions about the effectiveness of gender quotas and how ordinary citizens felt about this system. This topic brief thus presents the main findings from the SWMENA survey on the Family Law and gender quotas.

Civic Education, Gender Issues, Public Opinion

Focus on Morocco | Paid Work and Control of Earnings & Assets Topic Brief

June 22, 2010

This topic brief presents the main findings from the SWMENA survey in Morocco on paid work and employment. It includes analysis of participation by Moroccan women in the formal economy through their wage labor and subsequent control over their earnings and any other assets. In addition, other features of income and formal sector involvement are discussed, such as receipt of benefits as a part of employment.

Civic Education, Gender Issues, Public Opinion, Education