Make Every Woman Count is looking for writers to contribute to a 3-month series on women and political participation in Africa. Comprising more than 50% of the world’s population, women continue to be under-represented as voters, political leaders and elected officials. There is reason to be optimistic though. Africa, more than any other region, has made significant progress on increasing women’s political participation.
The proportion of seats held by women in single or lower houses of national parliaments has risen in Northern Africa from 3% in 2000 to 12% in 2011. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of seats went from 13% in 2000 to 20% in 2011.
What do you think about these numbers? Do they matter? What do you think needs to be done to increase them? Have they translated into improvements in the quality of life for women in Africa? If yes, how? If no, why? The National Democratic Institute claims that more women in politics at all levels contributes to honest government, peace, and positive developments in education, infrastructure and health standards, is this the case? Tell us your thoughts.
The MEWC blog welcomes all forms of media, including but not limited to, artwork, photography, short form videos, as well as more traditional writing ranging from different academic frameworks, personal narratives, poetry and journalism. This blog is meant to ignite informative, critical and meaningful discussion.
If you would like to be considered to participate in the discussion follow the detailed instructions below. Previous blogging experience is not necessary. However, please note that this is not a paid opportunity.
WRITTEN PIECES:
1. Attach your article to the email in Microsoft Word format or in the body of the email. We will not accept PDF files or articles copied in an email.
2. The article should be between 500-1000 words.
3. Properly cite your sources through links and introductory statements such as “According to Human Rights Watch (link to the piece). Do NOT use footnotes. Include links within your text.
4. Make sure that the submission has a title and at least a one-sentence description of the piece.
5. Please attach a photo as a jpeg to accompany the submission.
SHORT FORM VIDEOS:
1. Please contact us with your submission and we will proceed further.
HOW AND WHAT TO SUBMIT:
1. Subject line should read: “Submission: Firstname Lastname, Country of origin, Thematic area” (for example: Nadia Akabo, Benin, Human Rights of Women).
2. A brief bio of yourself in one paragraph (approx. 3-5 sentences) consisting of where you’re from, what you do, how you have fun, what you love etc. Examples can be found on existing blog posts.
The MEWC blog team will review your submission and get back to you within 10 days. However, if you would like your submission posted on a specific date, such as an international day, please allow extra time for review (2 weeks).
Via: awid
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For inquiries: Blog.MakeEveryWomanCount@gmail.com
For submissions: all submissions must be sent to Blog.MakeEveryWomanCount@gmail.com
Website: http://www.makeeverywomancount.org/