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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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In the aftermath of genocide, Rwanda’s women have transformed the country

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May 3, 2019

In the aftermath of genocide, Rwanda’s women have transformed the country

World News

Erelu Fayemi, ex-Ghanaian President, others bag Zik Leadership prize

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Erelu Fayemi, ex-Ghanaian President, others bag Zik Leadership prize

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Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has won the 2018 Zik Leadership Prize for humanitarian Leadership. This was disclosed by the organisers of the annual prize in Lagos at the week.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has won the 2018 Zik Leadership Prize for humanitarian Leadership. This was disclosed by the organisers of the annual prize in Lagos at the week.

World News

Yemeni women: Making the most of the space available

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Yemeni women: Making the most of the space available

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In the country’s modern history, three major events have influenced these struggles and women’s political rights: 1) the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990, 2) Yemen’s uprising in 2011, and 3) the war that has been ongoing since 2015.

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In the country’s modern history, three major events have influenced these struggles and women’s political rights: 1) the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990, 2) Yemen’s uprising in 2011, and 3) the war that has been ongoing since 2015.

World News

Afghan women demand seat at peace talks but face resistance

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Afghan women demand seat at peace talks but face resistance

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HERAT, Afghanistan (AP) — For four hours, Khadeja begged her in-laws to take her to the hospital. The skin on her face and neck was peeling. The pain was excruciating. Her husband had thrown a pot of scalding water on her face and upper body.

Her head was bowed and sobs convulsed her body as she remembered the moment. “The pain . . . I can’t say how much I hurt.”

HERAT, Afghanistan (AP) — For four hours, Khadeja begged her in-laws to take her to the hospital. The skin on her face and neck was peeling. The pain was excruciating. Her husband had thrown a pot of scalding water on her face and upper body.

Her head was bowed and sobs convulsed her body as she remembered the moment. “The pain . . . I can’t say how much I hurt.”

World News

Twitter and Facebook failing to protect women MPs from abuse, Joint Human Rights Committee says

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Twitter and Facebook failing to protect women MPs from abuse, Joint Human Rights Committee says

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The Joint Human Rights Committee accused Facebook and Twitter of failing to do enough to protect female MPs and other public figures from online abuse during an evidence session yesterday (1 May).

The Joint Human Rights Committee accused Facebook and Twitter of failing to do enough to protect female MPs and other public figures from online abuse during an evidence session yesterday (1 May).

South Africa: Gender and elections pre-audit

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May 3, 2019

South Africa: Gender and elections pre-audit

May 3: A preliminary gender audit of the South African elections due to be held on 8 May shows that while there will be a slight increase in women’s representation, women are still missing from the top echelons of political parties and from the media

May 3: A preliminary gender audit of the South African elections due to be held on 8 May shows that while there will be a slight increase in women’s representation, women are still missing from the top echelons of political parties and from the media

Why women led the uprising in Sudan

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May 3, 2019

Why women led the uprising in Sudan

By Nasredeen Abdulbari

Women had borne the brunt of the former president’s policies and were able to draw on Sudanese traditions to be heard.

By Nasredeen Abdulbari

Women had borne the brunt of the former president’s policies and were able to draw on Sudanese traditions to be heard.

Finnish parliament still mostly middle-aged, male

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May 3, 2019

Finnish parliament still mostly middle-aged, male

Finland's parliamentary election on Sunday has been touted by some as a victory for "red-green" female candidates.

Finland's parliamentary election on Sunday has been touted by some as a victory for "red-green" female candidates.