Women's Leadership

While there have been important advances in women’s leadership in politics, as of November 1 2017, women make up only 7.2% of Heads of State and 6.2% Heads of Government. Data on women representatives in local government, including as mayors, heads of villages and towns, is not well collected and analyzed. The adoption of an SDG indicator on women’s representation in local government is a great step forward in tracking progress on gender balance, allowing for the systematic collection and analysis of data on women in local government. Women’s access to and continued role in leadership positions is challenged by a range of barriers, including discriminatory laws and practices, as well as social norms that prescribe traditional roles and attitudes towards women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles. Proactive gender-equality policies within political parties and local government structures, including quotas and special temporary measures, gender-sensitive approaches to electoral processes, support networks, mentoring, training, and engagement of male champions, can all help promote women’s role in political leadership.

Show on Home Page

Yes

Image

Icon

Fighting for change: why the road to parliament is still rocky for women across Africa

Back

January 9, 2025

Fighting for change: why the road to parliament is still rocky for women across Africa

This year, 18 of Africa’s 54 countries went to the polls for presidential or general elections, making 2024 a significant year on the continent.

World News

New Opportunities: Claudia Sheinbaum's Presidency and the Future of Mexico’s Gender Policy

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 01/09/2025 - 08:49

Back

New Opportunities: Claudia Sheinbaum's Presidency and the Future of Mexico’s Gender Policy

Source:

Claudia Sheinbaum’s election as Mexico’s president has captured global attention for several reasons. Mexico is the world’s 12th largest economy.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s election as Mexico’s president has captured global attention for several reasons. Mexico is the world’s 12th largest economy.

World News

Ghana’s First Female Vice President: A Trailblazer in Leadership and Inspiration

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 01/09/2025 - 07:50

Back

Ghana’s First Female Vice President: A Trailblazer in Leadership and Inspiration

Source:

Ghana made history when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominated Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate to former President John Dramani Mahama for the 2020 general elections. Her nomination marked a significant milestone in Ghanaian politics, as she became the first female to run for vice presidency on a major party ticket. This bold move by the NDC proves a progressive shift towards gender inclusion and amplified discussions around women's representation in governance.

Bridging the gap: Addressing gender inequality in politics and leadership

Back

January 8, 2025

Bridging the gap: Addressing gender inequality in politics and leadership

MOST often during political elections in Tanzania and across the world, women face a number of gender-based barriers to leadership, something which contributes to their defeat.

Women and Gender in Conflict and Post-Conflict Politics in Nigeria

Back

January 8, 2025

Women and Gender in Conflict and Post-Conflict Politics in Nigeria

Introduction

World News

African women celebrate as Ghana swears in first female Vice President

Submitted by Editor on Wed, 01/08/2025 - 07:54

Back

African women celebrate as Ghana swears in first female Vice President

Source:

Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has officially assumed the role of Vice President of Ghana following her swearing-in on Tuesday.

The ceremony took place at the iconic Independence Square in Accra, where Chief Justice Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo administered the oath of office.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who served as the running mate to President-elect John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 general elections, has made history as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has officially assumed the role of Vice President of Ghana following her swearing-in on Tuesday.

The ceremony took place at the iconic Independence Square in Accra, where Chief Justice Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo administered the oath of office.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who served as the running mate to President-elect John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 general elections, has made history as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

Political reintegration and the continuation of the struggle after war: Women ex-combatants in formal and informal politics

Back

January 6, 2025

Political reintegration and the continuation of the struggle after war: Women ex-combatants in formal and informal politics

This is the second issue of our policy insight series on gender-inclusive conflict transformation. This paper explores the political re-conversion pathways that women ex-combatants pursue after the signing of a peace agreement.

World News

Women leaders urge others to embrace political ambitions

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 01/02/2025 - 06:05

Back

Women leaders urge others to embrace political ambitions

Source:

Following their victories in the recent Local Government Elections, newly elected female leaders are encouraging other women to pursue leadership roles despite the challenges.

Mtwara Ms Rukia Myachi, chairperson of Myegedi village in Mkunwa ward, emphasised the importance of resilience. "I faced many obstacles, from stereotypes to lack of support," she shared.

Following their victories in the recent Local Government Elections, newly elected female leaders are encouraging other women to pursue leadership roles despite the challenges.

Mtwara Ms Rukia Myachi, chairperson of Myegedi village in Mkunwa ward, emphasised the importance of resilience. "I faced many obstacles, from stereotypes to lack of support," she shared.

The Motivation for Women in Politics - The Contemporary Politics of Women’s Participation and Representation in Africa

Back

December 30, 2024

The Motivation for Women in Politics - The Contemporary Politics of Women’s Participation and Representation in Africa

Women’s presence in politics is vital for shaping policy outcomes in the economic, social and cultural spheres.

Subscribe to Women's Leadership