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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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May 20, 2021
Allegations of misogyny in premier’s office could impact recruitment of female candidates

The recent resignation of a former cabinet minster puts the Nova Scotia Liberals in a minority situation, with just 24 seats in the 51-seat legislature.

May 20, 2021
Welsh election 2021: First woman of colour elected to Welsh Parliament

The first woman of colour elected to the Welsh Parliament said she wants to inspire and be "a voice" for those who have faced barriers entering politics.

Scotland will benefit from its newly diverse parliament

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May 20, 2021

Scotland will benefit from its newly diverse parliament

Holyrood feels rejuvenated with MSPs that more accurately reflect the country’s multiculturalism

Holyrood feels rejuvenated with MSPs that more accurately reflect the country’s multiculturalism

e-Discussions

Nigeria has few women in politics: here’s why, and what to do about it

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May 10, 2021

Nigeria has few women in politics: here’s why, and what to do about it

There are few women in political and leadership spaces in Nigeria.

There are few women in political and leadership spaces in Nigeria.

May 7, 2021
Women underrepresented on Calgary city council; 18 seek council and mayor seats in 2021

Calgary city council has a representation problem.

May 7, 2021
Municipal candidate calls for privacy protection after ‘harassing’ phone calls

A Rothesay council candidate says a series of harassing phone calls have led her to lobby for Elections Act changes — days away from New Brunswick’s municipal elections.

How workplace sexism is roiling Australian politics

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April 29, 2021

How workplace sexism is roiling Australian politics

Around 120 years ago, Australia became the second country where women won the right to vote.

Around 120 years ago, Australia became the second country where women won the right to vote.

April 28, 2021
‘It happened because I am a woman’: von der Leyen speaks of Turkey snub

European Commission president blames sexism for second-rank treatment in Ankara