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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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A quantitative study of the questions asked by women members in Lok Sabha (1999–2019): Performance of women in Parliament

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August 3, 2022

A quantitative study of the questions asked by women members in Lok Sabha (1999–2019): Performance of women in Parliament

The performance of women legislators is analysed by looking at the nature of questions posed by them over a span of 20 years (1999–2019) in the lower house of the Indian Parliament.

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The performance of women legislators is analysed by looking at the nature of questions posed by them over a span of 20 years (1999–2019) in the lower house of the Indian Parliament.

Why Do Zimbabwean Women Shun Politics?

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July 28, 2022

Why Do Zimbabwean Women Shun Politics?

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (IDN) — Cyberbullying and online sexual harassment are some dilemmas that young women trying to rise in Zimbabwe’s patriarchal and male-dominated political space face.

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MUTARE, Zimbabwe (IDN) — Cyberbullying and online sexual harassment are some dilemmas that young women trying to rise in Zimbabwe’s patriarchal and male-dominated political space face.

Not just sticks and stones: Psychological abuse and physical violence among U.S. state senators

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July 15, 2022

Not just sticks and stones: Psychological abuse and physical violence among U.S. state senators

In this study, we report results of a survey of U.S. state senators about their experiences  of psychological abuse, physical violence, and sexualized abuse and violence on the job, as well as gender differences among senators.

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In this study, we report results of a survey of U.S. state senators about their experiences  of psychological abuse, physical violence, and sexualized abuse and violence on the job, as well as gender differences among senators.

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Only 6% women active in Nigerian politics — Report

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Only 6% women active in Nigerian politics — Report

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A report by the Gender Strategy Advancement International, GSAI, has disclosed that women political participation in Nigeria falls below the world and African continental  standards.

According to the report, the national average of women’s political participation in Nigeria remain at 6.7 percent in elective and appointive positions, which it said, is far below the global average of 22.5 per cent, Africa regional average of 23.4 percent and West African Sub Regional Average of 15 percent.

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A report by the Gender Strategy Advancement International, GSAI, has disclosed that women political participation in Nigeria falls below the world and African continental  standards.

According to the report, the national average of women’s political participation in Nigeria remain at 6.7 percent in elective and appointive positions, which it said, is far below the global average of 22.5 per cent, Africa regional average of 23.4 percent and West African Sub Regional Average of 15 percent.

Banning babies from parliament shows just how out of touch Westminster is

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July 8, 2022

Banning babies from parliament shows just how out of touch Westminster is

If we want more women with children to become MPs, we need family-friendly policies for parents like me in the Commons.

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If we want more women with children to become MPs, we need family-friendly policies for parents like me in the Commons.

World News

Japan: Local assemblies identify barriers that stop women entering politics

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Japan: Local assemblies identify barriers that stop women entering politics

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Local politicians across Japan feel that more needs to be done to help women enter and remain in politics, from combatting sexual harassment to beefing up maternity leave policies, according to a new survey.

And assemblymen pointed to another obstacle they think is preventing women from breaking the glass ceiling: The views of their own supporters.

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Local politicians across Japan feel that more needs to be done to help women enter and remain in politics, from combatting sexual harassment to beefing up maternity leave policies, according to a new survey.

And assemblymen pointed to another obstacle they think is preventing women from breaking the glass ceiling: The views of their own supporters.

World News

International Day of Parliamentarism 2022: More diversity, slightly fewer functioning parliaments

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International Day of Parliamentarism 2022: More diversity, slightly fewer functioning parliaments

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On the eve of the International Day of Parliamentarism and the IPU’s 133rd anniversary on 30 June, a snapshot of the state of parliaments and parliamentarians offers mixed results.

According to the latest IPU figures, some parliaments are becoming more representative, with the proportion of MPs who are women and who are young on the increase. However, IPU data also shows that the numbers of functioning parliaments and sitting parliamentarians have decreased slightly. 

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On the eve of the International Day of Parliamentarism and the IPU’s 133rd anniversary on 30 June, a snapshot of the state of parliaments and parliamentarians offers mixed results.

According to the latest IPU figures, some parliaments are becoming more representative, with the proportion of MPs who are women and who are young on the increase. However, IPU data also shows that the numbers of functioning parliaments and sitting parliamentarians have decreased slightly. 

Two sides, one goal: consolidating power for gender equality

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July 4, 2022

Two sides, one goal: consolidating power for gender equality

In the 2020 elections in Georgia, women increased their share of seats in parliament from 14 to almost 20 percent.

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In the 2020 elections in Georgia, women increased their share of seats in parliament from 14 to almost 20 percent.

Why we must work with parliaments to tackle online hate speech and gender-based violence

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July 4, 2022

Why we must work with parliaments to tackle online hate speech and gender-based violence

Recent evidence of violence against women in politics shows that online hate speech and harassment represent both serious and increasing obstacles to the ability of female political leaders to fulfil their mandates.

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Recent evidence of violence against women in politics shows that online hate speech and harassment represent both serious and increasing obstacles to the ability of female political leaders to fulfil their mandates.

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