Women. Power.
Elections. Africa.

Elections shape political leadership and determine who holds public power. But election results alone cannot explain whether women and men have equal opportunities to participate, compete and lead. Understanding democracy also means examining who reaches the ballot, whose voices inform public decisions and what enables people to exercise their political rights.

Women's access to candidacy can be shaped by nomination rules, party practices, campaign resources and political networks. Representation raises further questions about seats won, membership of institutions and opportunities to exercise leadership. These are connected measures, but they are not interchangeable.

Political safety belongs within this picture. Intimidation, harassment and coercion can restrict participation long before a vote is counted. Public knowledge must therefore connect electoral processes with the conditions in which people organise, speak and seek office.

GEWA helps readers approach these questions through country information, source-linked evidence and accessible explanation. Trustworthy information makes it easier to assess both progress and gaps, while respecting the dignity of people whose political lives give the evidence meaning.

A representation figure describes a particular institution and reference period. It gains meaning when readers can understand the office involved, the source used and the people included in its denominator.

GEWA's country information provides the context behind published measures. Historical observations can show change, while clear definitions help explain when comparisons are appropriate and when records answer different questions.