Taking stock of progress on gender equality using the global state of democracy indices
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
Banner Image
UNDP gender and recovery toolkit
This Toolkit on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Crisis and Recovery Settings provides guidance on how to enable the leadership of women and girls while making sure that their specific needs are met.
Gender-based violence and COVID-19
Gender-based violence (GBV) increases during every type of emergency – whether economic crises, conflict or disease outbreaks. Pre-existing toxic social norms and gender inequalities, economic and social stress caused by the COVID-19 p
July 8, 2020
‘How much for an hour?’: Hong Kong female politicians speak out against sexual harassment culture
She decided the comments would stay online, and she will not be deterred. Had she decided to delete the whole conversation, it would not have been the first time.
July 8, 2020
Grassroots campaign launches to call for gender-balanced cabinet in New Zealand’s 2020 election year
A grassroots campaign has launched this week calling on political party leaders to support the implementation of a gender-balanced Cabinet with 50 percent women and 50 percent men in this years election. The many vital issues discussed each.
July 8, 2020
A century after women gained the right to vote, majority of Americans see work to do on gender equality
A hundred years after the 19th Amendment was ratified, about half of Americans say granting women the right to vote has been the most important milestone in advancing the position of women in the country. Still, a majority of U.S.
July 8, 2020
Singapore's record 40 female candidates change election discussion
When Singaporeans go to the polls to elect a new government on Friday, the People's Action Party is all but certain to emerge victorious. It will also be a watershed moment for female politicians in the city-state.
Invoking the idealized family to assess political leadership and legitimacy: news coverage of Australian and Canadian premiers
Conventional wisdom holds that women politicians confront a parenting dilemma.
July 8, 2020
African Centre for Women in Politics lauds selection of Prof Jane Opoku Agyemang as Mahama’s running mate
The African Centre for Women in Politics (ACWP) has described the appointment of Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as ‘a fulfillment that has been long-awaited by women in Ghana, in Africa and the world at large.”