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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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June 6, 2019
Finland's new female-powered government sworn in

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.

June 4, 2019
19th Amendment: A century of pioneering women in US politics

One hundred years ago - on 4 June 1919 - Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the US constitution guaranteeing the right of American women to vote.

Why female rage won't deliver a female president

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June 3, 2019

Why female rage won't deliver a female president

BIf we believed the print headlines and TV chyrons, 2019 was going to be another "year of the woman." The afterglow of the midterm elections was a nuclear wash of "women's anger" — a deep-seated sense of fear, grief, and, of course, rage at the boori

BIf we believed the print headlines and TV chyrons, 2019 was going to be another "year of the woman." The afterglow of the midterm elections was a nuclear wash of "women's anger" — a deep-seated sense of fear, grief, and, of course, rage at the boori

June 3, 2019
New data shows political violence targeting women on the rise

Cases of brutal murders and attacks of female politicians in recent years have raised the question, is political violence targeting women on the rise?

Between glass ceilings and glass walls: A study of women's participation in public administration in the Arab States

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May 31, 2019

Between glass ceilings and glass walls: A study of women's participation in public administration in the Arab States

Inclusive decision-making is necessary in terms of both legitimacy and good policy outcomes.

Inclusive decision-making is necessary in terms of both legitimacy and good policy outcomes.

May 30, 2019
Austria to get first female chancellor to lead caretaker Cabinet

Top court justice Brigitte Bierlein was named to become Austria's first female chancellor Thursday, tasked with forming a caretaker government until September's snap election.

Summary of the e-Discussion on Women in Public Administration

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May 28, 2019

Summary of the e-Discussion on Women in Public Administration

The e-Discussion on Women in Public Administration was launched on 28 March 2019 in Arabic, English, French and Spanish and ended on 19 April 2019.

The e-Discussion on Women in Public Administration was launched on 28 March 2019 in Arabic, English, French and Spanish and ended on 19 April 2019.