Skip to main content

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

Violence against women in politics: IFES submission to the OHCHR Special Rapporteur

Back
June 7, 2019

Violence against women in politics: IFES submission to the OHCHR Special Rapporteur

For over three decades, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has worked to advance good governance and support all citizens’ rights to participate in credible elections.

Print article

For over three decades, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has worked to advance good governance and support all citizens’ rights to participate in credible elections.

World News

Libyan women at the frontline of war, but with no seat at the peace table

Submitted by Editor on
Back

Libyan women at the frontline of war, but with no seat at the peace table

Source:

On April 4, General Khalifa Haftar advanced with his Libyan National Army (LNA) on Tripoli in an attempt to take over the capital from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).  Prime Minister Fayez Serraj who leads the GNA described the offensive as “an attempted coup”. Haftar has been slowly building alliances, and now has the backing of France, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Serraj and the GNA have the backing of Turkey, Qatar, and Italy, however, the GNA’s army is an array of militias.

Print article

On April 4, General Khalifa Haftar advanced with his Libyan National Army (LNA) on Tripoli in an attempt to take over the capital from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).  Prime Minister Fayez Serraj who leads the GNA described the offensive as “an attempted coup”. Haftar has been slowly building alliances, and now has the backing of France, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Serraj and the GNA have the backing of Turkey, Qatar, and Italy, however, the GNA’s army is an array of militias.

World News

Women's rights a pillar of UAE foreign policy, says minister

Submitted by Editor on
Back

Women's rights a pillar of UAE foreign policy, says minister

Source:

Women’s rights are a pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy, Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh told a conference on sexual and gender-based violence in Oslo on Thursday 23th.

A UAE delegation, lead by Mr Nusseibeh, co-hosted the "International Conference on Ending Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Humanitarian Crises" in the Norwegian capital on May 23 — 24.

Print article

Women’s rights are a pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy, Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh told a conference on sexual and gender-based violence in Oslo on Thursday 23th.

A UAE delegation, lead by Mr Nusseibeh, co-hosted the "International Conference on Ending Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Humanitarian Crises" in the Norwegian capital on May 23 — 24.

World News

UN organization lauds Egypt's plan of action on women

Submitted by Editor on
Back

UN organization lauds Egypt's plan of action on women

Source:

The UN Women Organization lauded the strong initiative adopted by Egypt and its decision to work out the first national plan of action to put into effect UN resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. 

Print article

The UN Women Organization lauded the strong initiative adopted by Egypt and its decision to work out the first national plan of action to put into effect UN resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. 

World News

Ireland: ‘Mismatch’ between proportion of women who stand for election and get elected

Submitted by Editor on
Back

Ireland: ‘Mismatch’ between proportion of women who stand for election and get elected

Source:

Why does a lower proportion of women get elected than stand for election? That was a key question posed at a meeting held in Dublin to discuss the barriers facing women entering politics, in the wake of the recent local elections.

Print article

Why does a lower proportion of women get elected than stand for election? That was a key question posed at a meeting held in Dublin to discuss the barriers facing women entering politics, in the wake of the recent local elections.

World News

Finland's new female-powered government sworn in

Submitted by Editor on
Back

Finland's new female-powered government sworn in

Source:

Finland's new center-left coalition government has been sworn in, with the country's first Social Democratic prime minister in 16 years assuming office along with a climate issue-focused Cabinet where women are in the majority.

The 19-member Cabinet of Prime Minister Antti Rinne — a former finance minister and trade union leader — was approved Thursday in the 200-seat Eduskunta legislature, after which President Sauli Niinisto appointed it.

Print article

Finland's new center-left coalition government has been sworn in, with the country's first Social Democratic prime minister in 16 years assuming office along with a climate issue-focused Cabinet where women are in the majority.

The 19-member Cabinet of Prime Minister Antti Rinne — a former finance minister and trade union leader — was approved Thursday in the 200-seat Eduskunta legislature, after which President Sauli Niinisto appointed it.

Subscribe to Women's Leadership