32 - International Voting Rights
I found this webpage that documents a lot about women's rights in countries around the world. Where we have advanced over the past 100 years, there are still countries all over that struggle for the bare essential rights we have already started to take for granted. We need to remember that the fight is not over for the world.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the only remaining country that women cannot vote. And, at this trajectory, never will. As the centre of the Roman Catholic Church, the only people that can vote at all are the cardinals, operating on a religious doctrine. There is a story, fact or fable, that a woman was once about to be ordained as Pope when she delivered a baby on her way. Yet to be confirmed ... or debunked.
Afghanistan
Ruled by Shi’a Family Law, since 2009, women are not permitted to leave the home. In 2014, women did turn out in record numbers to vote and run for office. Through protests and threats of exile and persecution, they stood together to make their voices heard.
Egypt
Egypt, referred to as the worst Arab country for women to vote, have had the right to vote since 1956, however, a new rule in 2015 banned “revealing attire” while required to remove their niqab veil for identification. The fear of exposing their face is a constant fear. Since 2016-17, movement to ban the burka has started but personal fear and preference stop women from adopting the new policies.
Kenya
As a whole, Kenya has had violent elections, especially in 2007-8, that deters women from women. Many women are not allowed to walk long distances or be out alone for long periods of time. Pregnant woman in Western Kenya are prohibited to be seen in public, holding back a huge portion of women from voting. The long journeys and poor health prevent many others.
Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s biggest democracy but remains limiting for women. Societal barriers are more impactful than legislative. Women feel their vote won’t matter. Only 8% of the National Assembly is women. The leadership has turned a blind eye to the women’s rights, continuing the mindset that women are not contributing members of society.
Oman
In 2003, women gained the right to vote, but women freedom is considered exceptionally low in political and civic matters. Most women are dictated by their husband what to vote. The women fighting for the right are willing to put the risk of divorce on the line to vote for their preference, but the control is ongoing.
Pakistan
Women and men in Pakistan have very strict rules on where and how they can interact in public. The polling stations, being non-gender segregated, deters elders and husbands from allowing women to participate. Violence and harassment ostracize those that do participate.
Papau New Guinea
Lack of female representation pulls women from participating in elections. Only seven women have been elected office since 1975. Sexist opinions keep women from being able to raise money and resources to be elected among tribal leaders. Without women in leadership, there is violence and lack of opportunity.
Qatar
Traditional elders and patriarchs pressure family members still on ways to vote, but younger people show more independence in clothing, which may lead to more push for independence. Sheika Yusuf Al Jaffiri was elected unopposed in the last election. The country operates in Sharia Law, which will continue to oppress women.
Saudi Arabia
The second to last country to allow women’s rights to vote in 2015 started to provide education and healthcare in 2017. Still not permitted to make major decisions without a man, King Salaman ordered women can go to university, have a job, or have surgery. Women struggle to make political choices alone, but change is pushing.
Uganda
In 2016, a control center at polling was set up due to the violence against women. Six hundred complaints from women’s groups caused delays in women voting. Household pressures add to women’s concerns of women knowing their responsibilities will not be completed if they take time for their voting.
Zanzibar
Women began voting in 2015 in the Tanzanian elections. Nearly 50 reported divorce for not following their husbands. This fear of divorce when they want to remain married affects many. This alongside the violence at polling stations keeps women at home.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the only remaining country that women cannot vote. And, at this trajectory, never will. As the centre of the Roman Catholic Church, the only people that can vote at all are the cardinals, operating on a religious doctrine. There is a story, fact or fable, that a woman was once about to be ordained as Pope when she delivered a baby on her way. Yet to be confirmed ... or debunked.
Afghanistan
Ruled by Shi’a Family Law, since 2009, women are not permitted to leave the home. In 2014, women did turn out in record numbers to vote and run for office. Through protests and threats of exile and persecution, they stood together to make their voices heard.
Egypt
Egypt, referred to as the worst Arab country for women to vote, have had the right to vote since 1956, however, a new rule in 2015 banned “revealing attire” while required to remove their niqab veil for identification. The fear of exposing their face is a constant fear. Since 2016-17, movement to ban the burka has started but personal fear and preference stop women from adopting the new policies.
Kenya
As a whole, Kenya has had violent elections, especially in 2007-8, that deters women from women. Many women are not allowed to walk long distances or be out alone for long periods of time. Pregnant woman in Western Kenya are prohibited to be seen in public, holding back a huge portion of women from voting. The long journeys and poor health prevent many others.
Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s biggest democracy but remains limiting for women. Societal barriers are more impactful than legislative. Women feel their vote won’t matter. Only 8% of the National Assembly is women. The leadership has turned a blind eye to the women’s rights, continuing the mindset that women are not contributing members of society.
Oman
In 2003, women gained the right to vote, but women freedom is considered exceptionally low in political and civic matters. Most women are dictated by their husband what to vote. The women fighting for the right are willing to put the risk of divorce on the line to vote for their preference, but the control is ongoing.
Pakistan
Women and men in Pakistan have very strict rules on where and how they can interact in public. The polling stations, being non-gender segregated, deters elders and husbands from allowing women to participate. Violence and harassment ostracize those that do participate.
Papau New Guinea
Lack of female representation pulls women from participating in elections. Only seven women have been elected office since 1975. Sexist opinions keep women from being able to raise money and resources to be elected among tribal leaders. Without women in leadership, there is violence and lack of opportunity.
Qatar
Traditional elders and patriarchs pressure family members still on ways to vote, but younger people show more independence in clothing, which may lead to more push for independence. Sheika Yusuf Al Jaffiri was elected unopposed in the last election. The country operates in Sharia Law, which will continue to oppress women.
Saudi Arabia
The second to last country to allow women’s rights to vote in 2015 started to provide education and healthcare in 2017. Still not permitted to make major decisions without a man, King Salaman ordered women can go to university, have a job, or have surgery. Women struggle to make political choices alone, but change is pushing.
Uganda
In 2016, a control center at polling was set up due to the violence against women. Six hundred complaints from women’s groups caused delays in women voting. Household pressures add to women’s concerns of women knowing their responsibilities will not be completed if they take time for their voting.
Zanzibar
Women began voting in 2015 in the Tanzanian elections. Nearly 50 reported divorce for not following their husbands. This fear of divorce when they want to remain married affects many. This alongside the violence at polling stations keeps women at home.
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