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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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April 7, 2022
Glasgow politician "followed" to car by councillor who "wanted to touch and hug" had to call police

Councillor Rhiannon Spear shared her experience as women from across the political parties called for an end to the 'toxic' atmosphere in politics, which causes many female councillors to step down.

"This is misogyny": The growing abuse facing women in Montenegrin politics

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April 6, 2022

"This is misogyny": The growing abuse facing women in Montenegrin politics

On both sides of Montenegro’s ideological divide, women politicians face sexism, abuse, and discrimination on a daily basis. And experts say it’s only getting worse.

On both sides of Montenegro’s ideological divide, women politicians face sexism, abuse, and discrimination on a daily basis. And experts say it’s only getting worse.

From "pretty communist" to '"Jabcinda": What’s behind the vitriol directed at Jacinda Ardern?

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April 5, 2022

From "pretty communist" to '"Jabcinda": What’s behind the vitriol directed at Jacinda Ardern?

With recent polling showing National edging ahead of Labour for the first time in two years, Jacinda Ardern’s previously strong support has

With recent polling showing National edging ahead of Labour for the first time in two years, Jacinda Ardern’s previously strong support has

April 4, 2022
Misogyny in New Zealand’s politics: "We still have work to do", Ardern

There is still work to do across the political divide to address misogyny in politics, the prime minister says.

April 4, 2022
New Zealand: "Relentless" abuse against women MPs on the rise

A rising tide of “deeply sexist” abuse and threats against women MPs is part of a concerted effort to push them out of public office, an expert says.

No kiss, no vote: Survey shows female politicians in Japan victims of sexual harassment

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April 4, 2022

No kiss, no vote: Survey shows female politicians in Japan victims of sexual harassment

A survey on politicians in Japan has shown that many former and current female national legislators and local assembly members have been subject to sexual harassment.

A survey on politicians in Japan has shown that many former and current female national legislators and local assembly members have been subject to sexual harassment.

April 3, 2022
Portugal announces majority-female cabinet

A new government team named by Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa has women in nine of the 17 cabinet positions.

The cost of doing politics: A critical discursive analysis of Australian liberal politicians’ responses to accusations by female politicians of bullying and intimidation

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March 28, 2022

The cost of doing politics: A critical discursive analysis of Australian liberal politicians’ responses to accusations by female politicians of bullying and intimidation

Recent conversations prompted by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have put issues of workplace sexism, sexual harassment and sexual assault into the global spotlight.

Recent conversations prompted by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have put issues of workplace sexism, sexual harassment and sexual assault into the global spotlight.

March 28, 2022
Female opposition MP among dozens killed in Somalia bombings

Al-Shabaab claim responsibility for attacks, including that which killed Amina Mohamed Abdi in run-up to elections this week.