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THE ROLE OF EMBs IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY IN ELECTORAL PROCESSES

EMBs DIALOGUESTOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-NhunduSenior Programme ManagerDemocracy and GenderInternational IDEA, www.idea.int

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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.

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How is gender intrinsic to democracy

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Post-election

Verification of Results

Voting Operations & Election

Day

Electoral Campaign

Voter Registratio

n

Training & Education

Electoral Planning &

Implementation

Legal Framework

The Electoral Cycle

constitution

legislationelectoral system

electoral bodies

calendar/timeline

budgeting

funding & financing

resource planning & implementation

security

election officials

civic & voter education

observers

voters

parties & candidatescomplaints

media

party liaison

financing

voting

vote-counting

pre-voting & out-of-country

voting

complaints & appeals

official results

tabulation of results

development

reform

audits & evaluations

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