In Pakistan, the obstacles to women’s political involvement in their communities and their country can be daunting. Discrimination, cultural barriers and travel restrictions are among the most significant deterents. In many parts of the country, particularly northern and rural areas, customs prevent women from participating in affairs outside the home, and frequent violence often restricts their mobility. When they do travel, many must be chaperoned by a close male relative.

As Guinea prepares for legislative elections at the end of this year — only the second competitive polls ever held in the country — political parties are working hard to expand voter registration, select candidates more democratically, and improve outreach to rural party members and constituents. These principles were among the recommendations put forward by more than 40 Guinean political parties following a month of consultations about their experiences from the country’s first campaign last year.