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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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Interviews

US: Why retiring from politics is more complicated for women

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April 28, 2022

US: Why retiring from politics is more complicated for women

Women in politics, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, face unique challenges when it comes to aging and family life.

Women in politics, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, face unique challenges when it comes to aging and family life.

World News

Women across British politics slam sexism of ‘Basic Instinct’ slur against lawmaker

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Women across British politics slam sexism of ‘Basic Instinct’ slur against lawmaker

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LONDON (AP) — Women from across British politics called Monday for action to tackle misogyny after a newspaper ran a story accusing the deputy opposition leader of trying to “distract” the prime minister during debates by crossing and uncrossing her legs.

LONDON (AP) — Women from across British politics called Monday for action to tackle misogyny after a newspaper ran a story accusing the deputy opposition leader of trying to “distract” the prime minister during debates by crossing and uncrossing her legs.

The role of Parliament in achieving gender equality

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April 27, 2022

The role of Parliament in achieving gender equality

This course, written by Dr Sonia Palmieri, explores why and how to build gender sensitive parliaments.

This course, written by Dr Sonia Palmieri, explores why and how to build gender sensitive parliaments.

World News

Germany: Left party leader Hennig-Wellsow steps down

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Germany: Left party leader Hennig-Wellsow steps down

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A little over a year after taking over the leadership of the Left party, Susanne Hennig-Wellsow is stepping down, citing private reasons and a need for party renewal. She also criticized the party's handling of sexism.

The co-leader of Germany's socialist Left party, Susanne Hennig-Wellsow, has announced that she is resigning "with immediate effect."

A little over a year after taking over the leadership of the Left party, Susanne Hennig-Wellsow is stepping down, citing private reasons and a need for party renewal. She also criticized the party's handling of sexism.

The co-leader of Germany's socialist Left party, Susanne Hennig-Wellsow, has announced that she is resigning "with immediate effect."

World News

UK: Punish sexist MPs with suspension, says most senior woman in Commons

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UK: Punish sexist MPs with suspension, says most senior woman in Commons

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Basic Instinct’ attack on Angela Rayner condemned by Boris Johnson as ‘misogynistic tripe’

Parliament’s most senior female MP has demanded change to the Commons code of conduct to make misogyny an offence punishable by suspension from the house.

Basic Instinct’ attack on Angela Rayner condemned by Boris Johnson as ‘misogynistic tripe’

Parliament’s most senior female MP has demanded change to the Commons code of conduct to make misogyny an offence punishable by suspension from the house.

World News

Pakistan: A glance at the only five women in Shehbaz Sharif's 37-member cabinet

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Pakistan: A glance at the only five women in Shehbaz Sharif's 37-member cabinet

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The suspense around newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's federal cabinet finally died down on Tuesday — a whole eight days after he was sworn in as premier — after federal ministers and state ministers took their oaths to shape up the 37-strong cabinet.

The suspense around newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's federal cabinet finally died down on Tuesday — a whole eight days after he was sworn in as premier — after federal ministers and state ministers took their oaths to shape up the 37-strong cabinet.

Interviews

World News

No women in Sri Lanka’s new Cabinet

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No women in Sri Lanka’s new Cabinet

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The newly appointed Cabinet which consists of 17 Ministers has failed to include female representation. 

The new Cabinet was appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo today. 

The list shows the lack of female representation, and also does not include the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. 

The previous Cabinet of Ministers included one female Parliamentarian in a ministerial portfolio.

The newly appointed Cabinet which consists of 17 Ministers has failed to include female representation. 

The new Cabinet was appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo today. 

The list shows the lack of female representation, and also does not include the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. 

The previous Cabinet of Ministers included one female Parliamentarian in a ministerial portfolio.