THE ROLE OF EMBs IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY IN ELECTORAL PROCESSES EMBs DIALOGUE STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu Senior Programme Manager Democracy and Gender International IDEA, 1

CONCEPTUAL CLARITY ON GENDER Gender refers to socially constructed rather than biologically determined roles of both women and men, as well as the relationships between them in a given society at a specific time and place, while sex refers to the biologically determined difference and roles. The qualities, identities and behaviours expected from men and women are determined through the process of socialisation. Relationships between women and men and the way in which masculinity is defined are at the heart of many democratic challenges, with the unequal political participation and representation providing a particularly stark example. Gender equality-equal rights, opportunities and the power to shape and contribute to society regardless of gender. This implies that an individual’s rights and opportunities, including those of democratic participation do not depend on their gender. Substantive gender equality recognises women’s and men’s differences and is not a simplistic understanding that places emphasis on sameness. 2

How is gender intrinsic to democracy 3

Post-election Verification of Results Voting Operations & Election Day Electoral Campaign Voter Registration Training & Education Electoral Planning & Implementation Legal Framework The Electoral Cycle constitution legislation electoral system electoral bodies calendar/ timeline budgeting funding & financing resource planning & implementation security election officials civic & voter education observers voters parties & candidates complaints media party liaison financing voting vote-counting pre-voting & out-of-country voting complaints & appeals official results tabulation of results development reform audits & evaluations 4

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