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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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March 6, 2020
Nine out of 10 people found to be biased against women

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.

March 5, 2020
Female candidates face institutional challenges, tend to be nonsectarian, new U.N. report says

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.

March 5, 2020
Did first female-majority legislature in US make a difference?

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.

March 5, 2020
Elizabeth Warren drops out of presidential race

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.

March 4, 2020
The first freely elected woman mayor of an Arab capital defies stereotypes

The Arab Spring began ten years ago this December when a Tunisian fruit vendor set himself on fire to protest police harassment and corruption under the North African country’s autocratic regime.

March 4, 2020
Scientists probe link between poll promises and chances of women getting elected

Researchers are studying the association between the campaign promises made during state elections and the chances of women politicians getting elected in four districts of Bihar.

Gender quotas should be an absolute minimum, not a target

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March 3, 2020

Gender quotas should be an absolute minimum, not a target

By Ciairín de Buis,

With more than three-quarters of our TDs being men, Ireland once again has one of the least balanced political systems in Europe.

By Ciairín de Buis,

With more than three-quarters of our TDs being men, Ireland once again has one of the least balanced political systems in Europe.

Visualizing the data: Women’s representation in society

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March 3, 2020

Visualizing the data: Women’s representation in society

Women’s full and equal participation in all facets of society is a fundamental human right. Yet, around the world, from politics to entertainment to the workplace, women and girls are largely underrepresented.

Women’s full and equal participation in all facets of society is a fundamental human right. Yet, around the world, from politics to entertainment to the workplace, women and girls are largely underrepresented.

March 3, 2020
Make this the century of women’s equality: UN chief

Speaking to faculty and students at The New School, a university in New York City, the UN chief declared himself a proud feminist and called for men everywhere to support women’s rights.