International IDEA

Around the world, we are witnessing a backlash against #GenderEquality and democratic values, alongside shrinking civic space and rising polarization. Ensuring justice for women and girls requires addressing structural barriers at every level. This includes eliminating discriminatory laws and practices; strengthening judicial and constitutional frameworks that uphold equality; and ensuring that women are meaningfully represented in institutions responsible for law-making, governance, and oversight. #CSW70 #IWD2026 idea.int/speech/70th-se…

📊 De nouvelles données de l’@UNESCO_fr signalent une tendance préoccupante : les indicateurs relatifs à la liberté d’expression ont reculé de 10 % depuis 2012, tandis que l’autocensure chez les journalistes a augmenté de 63 %. Ces conclusions seront discutées lors du lancement du Rapport mondial sur les tendances 2022–2025, en Suède, co-organisé avec @Unescosverige et @int_idea. 🔗 unesco.org/fr/world-media… @SweOECDUNESCO @SweMFA

Chile 🇨🇱 | Hoy reunimos a embajadoras, embajadores y representantes de nuestros Estados Miembros en Chile para dialogar e intercambiar perspectivas sobre los desafíos actuales de la democracia, en el marco del estudio regional sobre el informe del Estado Global de la Democracia y sus distintas dimensiones. El espacio, apoyado por la embajada de Suiza en Chile (@SuizaChile) fue guiado por los oficiales de programa, Carolina Da Silva y Ricardo Mena (@riccimena) y permitió recoger visiones clave sobre fortalezas, brechas y oportunidades para fortalecer la democracia en la región.

Recalling the importance of feminist local governance during last week's #WYDEWomenLeadership event, Maria Eugenia Gay-Rossel was clear about how catalytic women's leadership is, in particular at local level. Check @uclg_women #CSW70 Statement for more: uclg.org/wp-content/upl…

🇧🇷 Brasil. Marcela Ríos Tobar, directora regional para América Latina y el Caribe, señaló en entrevista con Folha de S.Paulo que, aunque Brasil llega a las elecciones de 2026 mejor preparado que en 2022, enfrenta nuevos riesgos derivados del avance de la desinformación 🤖📲, especialmente por el uso de inteligencia artificial y la reducción de la moderación de contenido en las plataformas digitales. Asimismo, advirtió sobre la preocupación creciente respecto a una posible interferencia extranjera en las elecciones de Brasil. ⚠️Según Ríos, el mayor riesgo es que las instituciones electorales se conviertan en blanco de ataques políticos, lo que podría afectar la confianza pública. 📰 Entrevista completa (en portugués): www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/03/… #Brasil #IDEAInternacional

Interesting statistics from the recently published State of Democracy Assessment in Sierra Leone, hardly discussed by policy and development leaders, indicate: Only 2% of Sierra Leone's elected MPs are under 30 years, even though young people constitute nearly 40% of the country’s population. Is it because the estimated cost of running a public office is USD 20,000 before campaigning, rallies and logistics? This is not just a barrier but a wall for the effective participation of young people in political and public life. The State of Democracy in Sierra Leone 2025 Report documents what participation looks like in practice beyond the headline voter turnout figures Read it here: idea.int/publications/c… #SierraLeone #YouthInPolitics #Democracy #Governance #Representation #AfricaDemocracy

🔥 Battle of Narratives: Disinformation vs hope-based approaches! With @MartaTemido, Sam Van der Staak @Int_IDEA, Prof. @V_Dem_, Prof. Richard Youngs @CarnegieEurope, Thomas Coombes & more. Strong views from MEPs & young leaders. Watch: tinyurl.com/2p9srfbc #HumanRights #DROI

Tomorrow, @Int_IDEA will join @anticorruption for a webinar on the landmark resolution adopted at #CoSP11. The session will focus on practical entry points for implementation, monitoring, and coordination. Join the conversation ⬇️ idea.int/events/commitm…

With this year's #IWD2026 theme focus on “Rights, Justice, Action,” Hermina Akazong Sabinka, president of Women Go for Peace, looks back on her organization's work during the electoral process and the challenges that remain in defending and promoting the rights of women and girls in #Gabon. idea.int/news/women-ele…

Gender equality has advanced since the Beijing Declaration of 1995, with global scores increasing by 19 per cent in the #GlobalStateofDemocracy Indices. However, democratic backsliding and rising authoritarianism are fueling a backlash that put these gains at serious risk. #IWD2026 idea.int/news/defending…

80 women, two powerful words: Survivors, Advocates! Last week, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme supported the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (@Lagosdsva) in hosting an interactive event aimed at strengthening inclusive legal, policy, institutional and operational frameworks for victims of violence, children and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to improve access to justice, in commemoration of International Women’s Day. The event had 80 participants comprising survivors of SGBV, Advocates, representatives of CSOs and Government agencies. Through this event, we: 1. Engaged participants on practical learning experience on justice for women 2. Increased awareness of women’s rights and available support mechanisms. 3. Had an interactive session to build participants’ confidence, negotiation, and advocacy skills. 4. Encouraged collective responsibility and community-driven actions that promote justice for women. We are committed to working with, and strengthening institutions to amplify survivors’ voices and advocate for justice👌 Funded by the European Union (@EUinNigeria), Implemented by International IDEA (@Int_IDEA) in Nigeria #IWD #AccessToJustice #EndSGBV #EUInNigeria

The average voter turnout for 40 countries holding credible national elections in 2025 was 66 percent. Sixteen countries had a very high voter turnout (above 70 percent), and many of these (56 percent) had compulsory voting. Nine countries had a very low voter turnout (below 50 percent). Visit @Int_IDEA's #VoterTurnout Database to find more country-specific information: idea.int/data-tools/dat…

At #CSW70 Local & Regional Governments Day in NYC, we explored how to localize equality, justice & democracy through women’s political leadership. Key takeaways: 🔹Rights need access to justice to be meaningful 🔹76% of women MPs face violence; 67% digital violence 🔹Violence is pushing women out of politics 🔹Representation must include safety, dignity & leadership 🔹Quotas drive real progress (33% vs 23%) Democracy is not possible without equality. We must ensure zero tolerance for political violence and stronger support for women in local governance. #WomenInPolitics #listen2cities

During week 1 of #CSW70, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association hosted its first-ever side event on reforming laws and systems for women’s full and equal political participation, in partnership with WPL and AU ECOSOCC. Key takeaways: 🔑 Laws alone are not enough 🔑 Representation must mean influence 🔑 Partnerships drive change #WomenInPolitics #GenderEquality #PoliticalParticipation

During the just concluded Dialogue for Women Parliamentarians in Gabon, the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, noting that promoting women's rights, access to justice, and inclusive leadership strengthens institutions, builds public trust, and improves the collective capacity to address development challenges.

How can constitutions bridge the gap between promises and real-world justice? ⚖️ Join @HiiL and @Int_IDEA for a webinar on women shaping people-centered justice in political transitions. 📅 26 March | 11:00 CET 🔗 Register: buff.ly/toR2GwD #AccessToJustice #RuleOfLaw

As part of our #AfricaRegionalMonth2026 social media campaign, we are highlighting moments that demonstrate the continued evolution of democracy across the continent. One striking example comes from Botswana. According to @Int_IDEA’s Global State of Democracy 2025 report, Botswana experienced its first transfer of power between political parties since independence in 1966 following the 2024 elections, ending nearly six decades of rule by the same governing party. Peaceful alternation of power is a cornerstone of democratic governance. It signals that electoral competition is meaningful and that institutions can support political change without instability. Botswana’s experience shows that democratic progress can take different forms. In some cases, competitive politics and alternation emerge gradually, even after long periods of political continuity. During Africa Regional Month, we will continue highlighting data points like this that show how democratic institutions across Africa are adapting, evolving, and responding to citizens’ voices.

“Disinformation, sovereignty & Democracy in the era of Artificial Intelligence” tomorrow in Brazil 🇧🇷 Organized by Getulio Vargas Foundation & European Union 🇪🇺 Mañana “Desinformación, Soberanía y Democracia en la era de Inteligencia Artificial” organiza #FGV y Unión Europea

Europe’s Euro banknotes feature bridges & windows rather than heroes or national symbols. The goal was unity and openness. But as #Europe faces new geopolitical pressures, the question remains: what shared story binds Europeans together today? Read more⬇️idea.int/blog/times-tro…