2024 is an important year for democracy. More than half of the world’s population will head to the polls with elections set to take place in over 50 countries, as well as in the European Union. While any election at any time holds significance, the present era of permacrisis raises the stakes for this mammoth year of voting.
Whether the outcome of these elections will be generally positive or negative remains to be seen. However, the ramifications will differ based on factors such as gender, age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and occupation. As such, to mark International Women’s Day and within the context of the upcoming national, European, and global elections, we sought to gather the perspectives of many great women – in the EPC as well as women we work with – on elections.
Our call received over 50 contributions authored by women from different backgrounds and age groups, as well as various EU member states and the Balkan countries, Montenegro, and the Republic of Moldova.
In doing so, we have explored questions such as why does voting matter? Why should anyone care about the European elections? What should the priorities be for the EU institutions considering the polls? How can the gender and diversity agenda be advanced? Can female leadership at the helm of the Commission and Parliament make a difference? What potential implications do these elections hold for the future of democracy?
The strong and powerful entries to this compendium we received remind us of the pivotal importance of more diverse and more female leaders in key decision-making roles. This year’s edition of International Women’s Day not only calls for celebration but also for action, considering what’s at stake in elections throughout the world.
Read the full paper here.