AWD Report 2020
than doubled in the National Assembly, having risen from 18% in 2011 to 42% in 2012.991 Since 2012, the proportion of women in the National Assembly has remained above 40%.992 Senegal stands out as a successful example not only on the continent but globally. As of 1 October 2020, Senegal ranks fourth in Africa for the highest number of women in national parliaments, and 15th globally.993 Important lessons from COSEF and its Campaign for Parity include the effectiveness of partnerships and alliances, the establishment of the Parity Monitoring Committee, the strategic targeting of certain groups and dialogue with opposition parties and religious and customary leaders. Creating a synergy between women and civil movements and partnering with legal and political experts were vital. Activities led to the adoption of the 2010 Law on Parity and the 2011 decree and training of women candidates for elections.994 The Parity Monitoring Committee remains a crucial part of COSEF’s activities today. It now has over 50 member organisations, which continue to oversee the 2010 Law on Parity’s implementation and to monitor female representation quality – not merely the number of positions occupied by women. Another essential lesson of the campaign was ensuring that women themselves, in particular young women, were aware of the Law and the legislative process. Holding workshops and direct tutoring of young women and girls remain part of COSEF’s work today. This approach highlights the importance of empowering women and girls so they can claim their right to political participation.
The Women’s Situation Room Violence against women (VAW) is a barrier to women’s full and effective political participation,995 including as voters, candidates, election officials, activists and political party leaders.996 A 2016 global study by IPU found that violence against female elected officials occurred on at least some level in every country. In addition, 65.5% of the study’s respondents reported having suffered humiliating sexual or sexist remarks, and 44.4% reported receiving threats of death, rape, beating or abduction.997 Violence and the threat of violence can hinder women’s ability to safely and securely fulfil their political responsibilities, and dissuade women from engaging in politics.998 Additionally, in many African countries, the violence triggered by an election cycle not only undermines women’s security but also affects their long-term development, peace and stability.999 Several African nations have experienced election-related violence, with women and girls disproportionately affected.1000 One example is Burundi’s political crisis: there has been an increase in the incidence of sexual violence, with women and girls making up the majority of the victims.1001 These actions have been declared a tactic of intimidation, carried out to change votes and punish women’s real or perceived political affiliation.1002 Technology also serves as a tool of violence and intimidation against women to undermine their political participation.1003 Today, though, there is international recognition that women’s meaningful inclusion in political processes is central to stability and security.1004 The Maputo Protocol reinforces this importance.1005 To combat election-related violence and enhance women’s political participation rights on the continent, the Women’s Situation Room (WSR), an African women-led grassroots initiative achieved success throughout the AWD. A WSR mobilises and supports women and youth to ensure their active participation in peaceful and democratic electoral processes in Africa.1006 Dr Yvette Chesson-Wureh, Coordinator of the Liberian based Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security, introduced the concept of the WSR in 2011.1007 The 2011 presidential and legislative elections in Liberia was the first time the WSR had been employed.1008 Generally, the WSR consists of a secretariat, election observers, a call centre and a team of established crosscountry women leaders and experts, including partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as the police and electoral monitoring bodies.1009 The WSR is a process rather than a one-off event. Training, advocacy and
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