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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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January 2, 2020
US: Child care remains an issue for women in politics

When Kimberly Dudik ran for her fourth term in the Montana House, state officials told her she could not use campaign money to pay for child care for her four young children.

January 2, 2020
Why very few women go into politics in Mauritius

Mauritius is an island that is famed for its beautiful beaches and for its reputation as an “African success story”.

December 27, 2019
In progressive Taiwan, sexist slurs mar presidential election

Taiwan has forged a reputation as Asia’s most progressive democracy, and it boasts a higher proportion of women in parliament than anywhere else in the region — yet misogynistic insults have littered its presidential race.

December 27, 2019
Equal Power coalition launched in the UK to transform women's representation in politics

In the general election, 220 women MPs were elected, pushing women’s representation in parliament up  from 32 per cent to 34 per cent - placing the UK 36th in the word between Belarus and Monaco.

December 27, 2019
Liberia: Women leaders launch network with call for female to step-up

The Liberia Women Leaders Network (LWLN), the local chapter of the African Women Leaders Network (ALWN), was officially launched on Wednesday, December 18 in Monrovia.

December 26, 2019
2019 UK Election: Analysis shows increase in women MPs but most are in opposition

A record number of women presented themselves for office ahead of the UK’s 2019 election.