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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. 

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World News

Ahead of Brazil’s municipal elections, novel legal requirements can elevate women’s participation in politics

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Ahead of Brazil’s municipal elections, novel legal requirements can elevate women’s participation in politics

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In October 2020, Brazilians will head to the polls to elect new mayors and city counselors in thousands of municipalities across the country. For the first time in history, Brazil’s thirty-five individual political parties will be required by law to allocate at least 30 percent of their campaign funding toward the election of women candidates.

In October 2020, Brazilians will head to the polls to elect new mayors and city counselors in thousands of municipalities across the country. For the first time in history, Brazil’s thirty-five individual political parties will be required by law to allocate at least 30 percent of their campaign funding toward the election of women candidates.

Women in Politics Map 2020

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March 10, 2020

Women in Politics Map 2020

This map is a unique visual tool that captures women’s participation in executive government and in parliament on a given date—1st January 2020.

This map is a unique visual tool that captures women’s participation in executive government and in parliament on a given date—1st January 2020.

World News

A woman’s place is in the resistance: From the Aurat March to Shaheen Bagh

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A woman’s place is in the resistance: From the Aurat March to Shaheen Bagh

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In 2018, several feminist groups in Pakistan organized marches under the banner of ‘Hum Auratien’ or simply Aurat (‘We Women’ in Urdu) in time for International Women’s Day on 8 March.

In 2018, several feminist groups in Pakistan organized marches under the banner of ‘Hum Auratien’ or simply Aurat (‘We Women’ in Urdu) in time for International Women’s Day on 8 March.

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World News

Women in Japanese politics: Why so few after so very long?

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Women in Japanese politics: Why so few after so very long?

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To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, there will be worldwide marches, parades, protests and public awareness activities on the contributions of women and the barriers and discrimination they still face.

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, there will be worldwide marches, parades, protests and public awareness activities on the contributions of women and the barriers and discrimination they still face.

World News

Nine out of 10 people found to be biased against women

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Nine out of 10 people found to be biased against women

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Almost 90% of people are biased against women, according to a new index that highlights the “shocking” extent of the global backlash towards gender equality.

Despite progress in closing the equality gap, 91% of men and 86% of women hold at least one bias against women in relation to politics, economics, education, violence or reproductive rights.

Almost 90% of people are biased against women, according to a new index that highlights the “shocking” extent of the global backlash towards gender equality.

Despite progress in closing the equality gap, 91% of men and 86% of women hold at least one bias against women in relation to politics, economics, education, violence or reproductive rights.

World News

Female candidates face institutional challenges, tend to be nonsectarian, new U.N. report says

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Female candidates face institutional challenges, tend to be nonsectarian, new U.N. report says

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With Lebanon’s next parliamentary elections slated for 2022, coalitions should begin pushing to ensure women are equally represented in politics, activists and local advocacy groups said following the release of a U.N. Women report Tuesday entitled "Pursuing equality in rights and representation: women’s experiences running for Parliament in Lebanon’s 2018 elections."

With Lebanon’s next parliamentary elections slated for 2022, coalitions should begin pushing to ensure women are equally represented in politics, activists and local advocacy groups said following the release of a U.N. Women report Tuesday entitled "Pursuing equality in rights and representation: women’s experiences running for Parliament in Lebanon’s 2018 elections."

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Did first female-majority legislature in US make a difference?

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Did first female-majority legislature in US make a difference?

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Nevada made history when it became the first state in the US with a female-majority legislature, with women holding 51% of the seats, in December 2018.

The moment was hailed as a great victory for women - but did having more women in power make a practical difference?

Here are five areas Nevada legislated on in 2019 - which commentators say were helped by the fact there were more women at the table.

Nevada made history when it became the first state in the US with a female-majority legislature, with women holding 51% of the seats, in December 2018.

The moment was hailed as a great victory for women - but did having more women in power make a practical difference?

Here are five areas Nevada legislated on in 2019 - which commentators say were helped by the fact there were more women at the table.

World News

Elizabeth Warren drops out of presidential race

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Elizabeth Warren drops out of presidential race

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Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the presidential race Thursday after failing to unite the Democratic Party’s left and right flanks behind her progressive policy agenda, the latest shakeup in a fast-moving battle for the 2020 nomination.

Warren said she was not ready to endorse either of the two remaining major candidates, former Vice President Joe Biden or Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the presidential race Thursday after failing to unite the Democratic Party’s left and right flanks behind her progressive policy agenda, the latest shakeup in a fast-moving battle for the 2020 nomination.

Warren said she was not ready to endorse either of the two remaining major candidates, former Vice President Joe Biden or Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.