The Women in Elections (WiE) initiative is a collaborative project developed by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) with support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and Global Affairs Canada. Launched in March 2020, this online portal serves as a comprehensive resource dedicated to enhancing women's participation in Pakistan's political and electoral processes.

Objectives

• Centralized Information Repository: The WiE portal offers a centralized platform providing extensive information on women's civic and political rights, aiming to empower women with the knowledge necessary to engage effectively in political activities.
• Highlighting Women's Political Participation: By showcasing the journeys and achievements of women leaders, the portal seeks to inspire and encourage increased female involvement in politics.

Key Features

• Women Leaders: Profiles and stories of prominent women leaders, including sections like "She Said," "Women Leaders in Pandemic," "Women Leaders Worldwide," and "Women Parliamentarians," provide insights into the contributions of women in various leadership roles.
• Electoral Rights: Comprehensive information on electoral rights, including the Election Commission of Pakistan's commitments to women, electoral rights of persons with disabilities, NIC registration processes, political milestones, and rights of transgender persons, is available to educate and inform users.
• Legal Framework: The portal offers resources on the legal aspects of women's political participation, such as analyses of the Election Act concerning women's representation, pro-women legislation, and women's roles in local government systems.
• Resources: A diverse collection of publications, videos, newsletters, blogs, and campaigns is accessible to users, providing various perspectives and information on women's electoral participation.

Target Audience

The WiE portal is designed to serve a wide range of stakeholders, including women (with a focus on women with disabilities, women from religious minorities, and transgender individuals), researchers, journalists, academics, and politicians. It aims to overcome challenges related to accessing reliable, neutral, and informative voter and civic information.

Geographic Focus

As an online platform, the WiE portal is accessible nationwide, ensuring that women across Pakistan can benefit from its resources and support.

Engagement Opportunities

he portal encourages active engagement through interactive features such as quizzes to test political knowledge, blogs for sharing insights on gender mainstreaming and political inclusion, and newsletters providing updates on recent developments. Users are invited to contribute by writing blogs and sharing their experiences, fostering a community of informed and empowered women ready to participate in Pakistan's democratic processes.

Through the Women in Elections portal, CPDI and its partners strive to create an inclusive political landscape where women are informed, empowered, and active participants in shaping Pakistan's democratic future.