Legislatures are the representative body of a nation’s people. To be effective, they must incorporate and represent all citizens, including equal representation of women. Ensuring gender balance in parliament reflects an important commitment to women’s human rights and responsive policymaking. 

Using Crowdtangle to Explore Democratic Contexts around the World

Barriers to women’s political participation have long existed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Conflict, gender-based violence, disempowerment, and restrictive laws all represent continued challenges that women face throughout the region. Pro-democracy protests have been sweeping across MENA for over a decade, leaving the countries of the region with no choice but to re-evaluate the place of women in their societies. Women who were at the forefront of demonstrations also deserved to be at the forefront of politics.

With the rapid spread of the Coronavirus across Iraq, the need for gender-focused policy recommendations has become critical now more than ever.

Albania is taking a big step forward in building its democracy--literally and figuratively--in constructing a visitors’ center and research and analysis service in parliament to make government more accountable and responsive to the public interest.

Political tensions had been on the rise for several months following an uncertain election outcome that left the incumbent party fighting to hold on to power as the opposition readied to take the reins of government. Unruly protests by ruling party supporters had broken out in the capital and, after veiled threats, a pro-government mob attacked parliament when the opposition took the procedural step of forming its new government. 

In the years leading up to and directly following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many in the West saw Poland as a beacon of democratic values and hope, an emblem to be mirrored by its neighbors plagued by autocracy and disarray. Recent social and political developments have posed significant challenges to Poland’s democracy and while the nuances of the political divisions seen today are complex, overall, it is clear that the country is polarized.