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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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How local female politicians are keeping Tunisian democracy alive

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June 7, 2022

How local female politicians are keeping Tunisian democracy alive

President Kaïs Saïed is in the process of wiping out hard-won democratic rights in Tunisia.

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President Kaïs Saïed is in the process of wiping out hard-won democratic rights in Tunisia.

Australia: Our new parliament will have record numbers of women – will this finally make it a safe place to work?

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June 3, 2022

Australia: Our new parliament will have record numbers of women – will this finally make it a safe place to work?

The 2022 federal election was a win for women candidates, and a historic moment in Australia’s journey towards a parliament that truly endorses and promotes gender equali

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The 2022 federal election was a win for women candidates, and a historic moment in Australia’s journey towards a parliament that truly endorses and promotes gender equali

World News

Australia's new prime minister appoints a record 10 women to his Cabinet

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Australia's new prime minister appoints a record 10 women to his Cabinet

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Australia's new government will look more like its country, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has named a record 10 women to his incoming Cabinet. The high-profile appointments include Penny Wong as foreign minister, Claire O'Neil as home affairs and cyber security minister, and Katy Gallagher as finance minister.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seen here last week, speaking alongside (from left) Finance Minister Penny Wong, Deputy Prime Minster Richard Marles and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. (David Gray/Getty Images)

Australia's new government will look more like its country, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has named a record 10 women to his incoming Cabinet. The high-profile appointments include Penny Wong as foreign minister, Claire O'Neil as home affairs and cyber security minister, and Katy Gallagher as finance minister.

Global parliamentary report 2022: Public engagement in the work of parliament

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June 1, 2022

Global parliamentary report 2022: Public engagement in the work of parliament

The third Global Parliamentary Report examines public engagement in the work of parliament. This report takes a detailed look at why engagement matters and how parliaments globally are engaging with the people they represent.

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The third Global Parliamentary Report examines public engagement in the work of parliament. This report takes a detailed look at why engagement matters and how parliaments globally are engaging with the people they represent.

Her rights at work: How will women be treated in the new Australian parliament?

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May 30, 2022

Her rights at work: How will women be treated in the new Australian parliament?

A record number of women have been elected to the Australian Parliament. Anger about the Coalition Government's lack of action on gender equality has been one of the issues propelling the teal independents into parliament. 

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A record number of women have been elected to the Australian Parliament. Anger about the Coalition Government's lack of action on gender equality has been one of the issues propelling the teal independents into parliament. 

World News

"Go home and cook": Maharashtra BJP leader's sexist jab at MP Supriya Sule

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"Go home and cook": Maharashtra BJP leader's sexist jab at MP Supriya Sule

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The sexist comment was made as the two parties sparred over reservations for OBC (Other Backward Class) in Maharashtra.

New Delhi: Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil, targeting Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday, made a hugely controversial comment that has triggered outrage. "If you don't understand politics, go home and cook," he told the MP during a protest.

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The sexist comment was made as the two parties sparred over reservations for OBC (Other Backward Class) in Maharashtra.

New Delhi: Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil, targeting Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday, made a hugely controversial comment that has triggered outrage. "If you don't understand politics, go home and cook," he told the MP during a protest.

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Plan unveiled to add 36 extra Senedd members

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Plan unveiled to add 36 extra Senedd members

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PLANS to reform Welsh politics hope to see the Senedd expanded to 96 members, with gender quotas and a shake up of constituencies with each selecting multiple members.

First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price said they want Senedd reform to be implemented in time for the next election in 2026 - even if some of the changes are introduced on an interim basis.

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PLANS to reform Welsh politics hope to see the Senedd expanded to 96 members, with gender quotas and a shake up of constituencies with each selecting multiple members.

First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price said they want Senedd reform to be implemented in time for the next election in 2026 - even if some of the changes are introduced on an interim basis.

World News

Most women ever elected to Samoan Parliament after Supreme Court ruling

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Most women ever elected to Samoan Parliament after Supreme Court ruling

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This is a “win for all women.”

Samoa's Supreme Court has ordered the nation's Parliamentary Speaker to swear an additional three women to Parliament immediately, a move Ali'imalemanu Alofa Tu'ua'u — one of the new members — says is a "win for all women." 

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This is a “win for all women.”

Samoa's Supreme Court has ordered the nation's Parliamentary Speaker to swear an additional three women to Parliament immediately, a move Ali'imalemanu Alofa Tu'ua'u — one of the new members — says is a "win for all women." 

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