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Parliaments & Representatives

Women make up only 23.5% of Members of Parliament according to the latest available data of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. While significant strides in women’s political participation have been made since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995, which set Member States’ target of achieving gender balance in political decision-making, women are still underrepresented in political decision-making at all levels and gender balance remains an aspirational goal.  Gains in women’s participation have been notable in countries that have taken proactive steps to support women’s political participation, including reforming or amending discriminatory laws, taking concrete action to address violence against women in politics and gender discrimination within parliaments, addressing gender-specific barriers, and supporting women in all forms of decision-making including at local level and in executive government.

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Female legislator attacked in brawl over Yerevan sewage water

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February 15, 2018

Female legislator attacked in brawl over Yerevan sewage water

YEREVAN -- An Armenian opposition municipal legislator was attacked in a brawl that erupted at a city council meeting in the capital, Yerevan, as she

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YEREVAN -- An Armenian opposition municipal legislator was attacked in a brawl that erupted at a city council meeting in the capital, Yerevan, as she

February 7, 2018
Who runs the House? Women lead major three parties in Canada Commons

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh named NDP MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau the party’s new House leader in last week's shuffle of his party's critics.

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February 7, 2018
For every woman in political office in the United States, there are three men.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election, an unprecedented number of women — primarily Democrats — are running for office in 2018.

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e-Discussions

Women's Participation in Local Government

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Women's Participation in Local Government

The under-representation of women at any level of governance and decision-making results in a democratic deficit. It has been proven time and again that diverse groups make better decisions. This is particularly true when it comes to a task as challenging as representing the interests of citizens at the local level. Often influencing policies in housing, security, transport, and the economy, local government makes important decisions that affect the lives of women and men.

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The under-representation of women at any level of governance and decision-making results in a democratic deficit. It has been proven time and again that diverse groups make better decisions. This is particularly true when it comes to a task as challenging as representing the interests of citizens at the local level. Often influencing policies in housing, security, transport, and the economy, local government makes important decisions that affect the lives of women and men.

ParlTools: A new platform by ParlAmericas and UN Women dedicated to parliamentarians

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January 31, 2018

ParlTools: A new platform by ParlAmericas and UN Women dedicated to parliamentarians

Caribbean countries face complex development challenges shaped by socio-political, economic and environmental factors.

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Caribbean countries face complex development challenges shaped by socio-political, economic and environmental factors.

Multi-party Caucuses for Gender Equality: A Handbook for Parliamentarians in Latin America and the Caribbean

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January 24, 2018

Multi-party Caucuses for Gender Equality: A Handbook for Parliamentarians in Latin America and the Caribbean

Parliamentary gender caucuses bring together legislators committed to advancing women’s rights and gender equality to coordinate their efforts and accelerate progress.

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Parliamentary gender caucuses bring together legislators committed to advancing women’s rights and gender equality to coordinate their efforts and accelerate progress.

Women slowly changing the face of French politics

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January 23, 2018

Women slowly changing the face of French politics

The current French parliament has the most women it has ever had: 224 women were elected in June, out of 577 seats. This is mostly due to president Emmanuel Macron, who pushed for more women to run for office.

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The current French parliament has the most women it has ever had: 224 women were elected in June, out of 577 seats. This is mostly due to president Emmanuel Macron, who pushed for more women to run for office.

Journeys from Exclusion to Inclusion: Marginalized women's successes in overcoming political exclusion

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January 9, 2018

Journeys from Exclusion to Inclusion: Marginalized women's successes in overcoming political exclusion

Journeys from Exclusion to Inclusion: Marginalized Women’s Successes in Overcoming Political Exclusion identifies critical factors preventing marginalized women’s inclusion in customary and democratic decision-making structures and describes how women have worked in overcoming barri

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Journeys from Exclusion to Inclusion: Marginalized Women’s Successes in Overcoming Political Exclusion identifies critical factors preventing marginalized women’s inclusion in customary and democratic decision-making structures and describes how women have worked in overcoming barri

January 8, 2018
MPs say plans to tackle Westminster sex assault claims ‘too vague’

Campaigners warn it could be months before proposals are finalised, which could leave party whips with too much power.

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