Women around the world are playing increasingly visible roles in the poltiical processes of their countries as voters, candidates, representatives, protesters, journalists and civic educators in the home, the community and beyond. However, as emerging democracies struggle to consolidate, overcome violent pasts and address crippling poverty, they often falter and breed disillusionment. Religious and ethnic divisions may appear or intensify. In these complex contexts, electoral violence threatens - or beckons - women in new ways.
