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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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Women human rights defenders: Insights from the struggle

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January 27, 2020

Women human rights defenders: Insights from the struggle

Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) have long played a central role in the advancement of human rights.

Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) have long played a central role in the advancement of human rights.

World News

New media outlet covering the intersection of women and politics launches as 2020 election kicks off

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New media outlet covering the intersection of women and politics launches as 2020 election kicks off

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The idea of creating a new media outlet focused on women came to Emily Ramshaw four years ago during her maternity leave. “But I was covered in spit-up and baby diapers, and I knew it was the wrong time,” she recalled.

The idea of creating a new media outlet focused on women came to Emily Ramshaw four years ago during her maternity leave. “But I was covered in spit-up and baby diapers, and I knew it was the wrong time,” she recalled.

World News

Meet the 6 new ministers who got everyone in Lebanon talking

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Meet the 6 new ministers who got everyone in Lebanon talking

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Amidst all the gloomy news and dispiriting just-ins invading our feeds every day, it's quite nice to come across some uplifting stories, every now and then, that remind us that there are still things, however small, to rejoice over in Lebanon.

Amidst all the gloomy news and dispiriting just-ins invading our feeds every day, it's quite nice to come across some uplifting stories, every now and then, that remind us that there are still things, however small, to rejoice over in Lebanon.

World News

Lebanon presents new government with multiple female ministers

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Lebanon presents new government with multiple female ministers

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Lebanon unveiled a new government on January 22, 85 days after the resignation of prime minister Saad al-Hariri. Headed by Hassan Diab, it includes six female ministers, among them the defense minister, who has also been appointed deputy prime minister.

This is a first not only for Lebanon, but for the entire Arab world.

Lebanon unveiled a new government on January 22, 85 days after the resignation of prime minister Saad al-Hariri. Headed by Hassan Diab, it includes six female ministers, among them the defense minister, who has also been appointed deputy prime minister.

This is a first not only for Lebanon, but for the entire Arab world.

World News

Indian women lawmakers face abuse as global online violence rises

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Indian women lawmakers face abuse as global online violence rises

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Nearly 100 Indian women politicians faced abuse, including rape and death threats, on social media during elections last year, with researchers on Thursday raising concerns over rising online violence against women globally.

A study by Amnesty International India said 95 female politicians received nearly 1 million hateful mentions on Twitter between March and May, one in five of which was sexist or misogynistic. In all, there were 724 women candidates.

Nearly 100 Indian women politicians faced abuse, including rape and death threats, on social media during elections last year, with researchers on Thursday raising concerns over rising online violence against women globally.

A study by Amnesty International India said 95 female politicians received nearly 1 million hateful mentions on Twitter between March and May, one in five of which was sexist or misogynistic. In all, there were 724 women candidates.

World News

Sen. Brittany Pettersen makes history as first state lawmaker to give birth during a legislative session in Colorado

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Sen. Brittany Pettersen makes history as first state lawmaker to give birth during a legislative session in Colorado

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State Sen. Brittany Pettersen made history late Sunday when she gave birth to her son, becoming the first state lawmaker in Colorado history to give birth during the course of a legislative session.

Davis James Silverii was born weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20.75 inches.

State Sen. Brittany Pettersen made history late Sunday when she gave birth to her son, becoming the first state lawmaker in Colorado history to give birth during the course of a legislative session.

Davis James Silverii was born weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20.75 inches.

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