Electoral Assistance Quotas for women: Elections in Afghanistan

The concept : Electoral gender quotas are being introduced in countries where women have been almost entirely excluded from politics. The introduction of electoral quotas is a way to increase female representation. Gender quotas may apply to the number of female candidates proposed by a party for election, or they may take the form of reserved seats in the legislature.

PLAN I) Gender quotas: Effective or Utopian? a) Gender quotas in Afghanistan can have a positive impact on governance and society issues b) Gender quotas’ flaws: its non-democratic roots II) Reality behind this measure in Afghanistan a) The truth behind quotas b) Education of women is as important as implementing quotas

Afghan women in Parliament source photo : Le Monde Diplomatique

Source : Governance and Social Development : Helpdesk Research Report: Gender and Elections in Afghanistan 72% of men think they should advise women on their voting choices 23% of women said they would not be given permission by their husbands or fathers to vote. 26% not understanding how the elections work 26% not understanding politics 10% not knowing enough about parties and candidates 7% no interest 5%) not supporting any party 3% scared of violence or intimidation

Sources Dahlerup Drude Using Quotas to Increase Women's Political Representation ( Drude Dahlerup, 2005 Women, Quotas and Politics Wendy R. Robison, Women and Education in Iran and Afghanistan: An Annotated Bibliography of Sources in English, Mona Lena Krook, 2010 Quotas for Women in Politics: Gender and Candidate Selection Reform Worldwide Manon Tremblay, 2008 Women and Legislative Representation: Electoral Systems, Political Parties, and Sex Quotas Helpdesk Research Report, 2009 Gender and Elections in Afghanistan Département de l’information de l’ONU, " Les femmes, la paix et la sécurité" Inter-Parliamentary Union, Women in National Parliaments: Situation as of 25 September e/classif.htmhttp:// e/classif.htm