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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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The Guardian
June 10, 2020
Is Bolivia's 'interim' president using the pandemic to outstay her welcome?

As locked-down Bolivians looked to the skies this Easter, they were met with an unusual sight. Cassock-wearing priests, some wielding statues of the apostles, sprinkled holy water and blessings over four cities from circling air force helicopters.

June 10, 2020
US: Could coronavirus response affect women’s votes?

Deborah Bosner was gobsmacked the first time she tuned into Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s near-daily coronavirus briefings and heard his health director, Dr. Amy Acton, speak.

Is the great woman theory of coronavirus leadership true?

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June 10, 2020

Is the great woman theory of coronavirus leadership true?

A couple of days ago, Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, was asked why countries with women leaders were having more success combating the coronavirus pandemic than their male counterparts.

A couple of days ago, Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, was asked why countries with women leaders were having more success combating the coronavirus pandemic than their male counterparts.

The importance of gender inclusion in COVID-19 responses

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June 9, 2020

The importance of gender inclusion in COVID-19 responses

In late January, President Donald Trump announced the formation of a Coronavirus Task Force, mad

In late January, President Donald Trump announced the formation of a Coronavirus Task Force, mad

June 9, 2020
Ethiopia’s first female president on plans to combat Covid-19 and resuscitate the economy

Ethiopia’s first female president, Sahle-Work Zewde, spoke to FORBES AFRICA’s Managing Editor, Renuka Methil, on the country’s plans to combat Covid-19 and resuscitate one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

June 9, 2020
How African feminists are sustaining peace in a pandemic

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, African feminists have been essential in responding with care to the challenge

June 9, 2020
Women, disabled and older MPs face ‘discrimination’ when Commons returns

Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.

June 8, 2020
Imprisoned parliamentarians worldwide at risk from coronavirus

The Inter-Parliamentary Union condemns the imprisonment of 43 Members of Parliament around the world, saying they lack legal recourse to attain justice.

What if...we had quotas for women in politics?

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June 8, 2020

What if...we had quotas for women in politics?

They smile for the camera – the eager new cohort of female parliamentarians. It’s a standard photo, after a general election. A sign, hopefully, of progress.

They smile for the camera – the eager new cohort of female parliamentarians. It’s a standard photo, after a general election. A sign, hopefully, of progress.