rights and advance their causes. The government neglects to educate girls in this region and uses rape as a weapon of war to intimidate the population. 7. Economic challenges at the family level also force w9men•to avoid political . engagement since they are the breadwinners for the families either tending to farms or livestock while the men have the opportunity to discuss politics and shape the future by participating in the political process. 8. Political parties and political process in some countries are rigid, and prevent minority women from participation and yet there are no affirmative action. policies that will help these women participate in their process. 9. Political violence Many women including minority women have encountered - political violence especially during elections and this undermines their ability to participate in the political process. They are subjected to human rights abuse and rape to intimidate them. 10. 1 0. Discrimination and lack of progressive policies in political parties and governments. -Male who are not gender sensitive and undermine minority women progress dominates most political parties. They are not reform minded and lack policies to empower minority women and women in general. Some parties and governments also have bad and retrogressive legislations that are detrimental to the progress of minority women.