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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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July 15, 2019
Women's parliament representation at its highest post-reform

The General Elections Commission (KPU) released a report on its official Twitter account about women’s representation at the Indonesian parliament, which the commission deemed the highest&nbs

July 15, 2019
A web of abuse: How the far right disproportionately targets female politicians

Abuse of female politicians is rife online - and much of it is being directed by established far-right groups and figures, a Newsnight investigation has found.

July 12, 2019
New polling shows how much sexism is hurting the Democratic women running for president

Over the last several years, debates between Republicans and Democrats have increasingly involved extremely 

July 12, 2019
Why men thought women weren’t made to vote

William T. Sedgwick believed that no good could come of letting women vote.

July 12, 2019
The real turning point for women’s political power

In february 13, 1920, Carrie Chapman Catt stood triumphant before the opening session of the National Woman Suffrage Association convention and declared the organization’s decades-long mission finally accomplished. “Women be glad today.

July 12, 2019
Barriers to election remain high in quest for gender equality in Japan

Why hasn’t Japan been able to eliminate the perception that politics is a man’s world?

Engaging young people and women in European Parliament elections

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July 11, 2019

Engaging young people and women in European Parliament elections

This Discussion Paper puts together relevant data on the inclusion of young people and women in European Parliament elections.

This Discussion Paper puts together relevant data on the inclusion of young people and women in European Parliament elections.