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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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Accessing political power: Women and political power - sharing in peace processes

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January 18, 2019

Accessing political power: Women and political power - sharing in peace processes

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender perspectives in

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This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender perspectives in

Transitional justice and peace negotiations with a gender lens

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January 18, 2019

Transitional justice and peace negotiations with a gender lens

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender p

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This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender p

Multiple women are in the 2020 race already and people are so pumped

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January 18, 2019

Multiple women are in the 2020 race already and people are so pumped

It's perhaps more likely than ever that the next U.S. president could be a woman.

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It's perhaps more likely than ever that the next U.S. president could be a woman.

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Young, female and diverse: Legislatures begin to change to save democracy

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Young, female and diverse: Legislatures begin to change to save democracy

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As many political analysts see democracy weakened by introverted, xenophobic parties and autocratic leaders, a glimmer of hope is offered by a new generation of candidates and voters. This year will test that optimism in a series of important elections around the world.

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As many political analysts see democracy weakened by introverted, xenophobic parties and autocratic leaders, a glimmer of hope is offered by a new generation of candidates and voters. This year will test that optimism in a series of important elections around the world.

Australia: Liberal women have little chance if the system still favours party cronyism

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January 15, 2019

Australia: Liberal women have little chance if the system still favours party cronyism

By Eugenie Joseph,

Many candidates – across all parties – are not selected on clear merit, especially for winnable seats.

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By Eugenie Joseph,

Many candidates – across all parties – are not selected on clear merit, especially for winnable seats.

World News

Roundtable: Political empowerment of women through ICTs

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Roundtable: Political empowerment of women through ICTs

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The Office of International IDEA to the European Union organized on 7 December 2018, a Roundtable discussion on ”Political empowerment of women through ICTs”, with the support of the Canadian Mission to the European Union. The aim of the event was to share experiences and views on the availability and use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) tools to advance the political empowerment of women.

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The Office of International IDEA to the European Union organized on 7 December 2018, a Roundtable discussion on ”Political empowerment of women through ICTs”, with the support of the Canadian Mission to the European Union. The aim of the event was to share experiences and views on the availability and use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) tools to advance the political empowerment of women.

What you see when it’s your job to open a woman MP’s Facebook messages

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January 15, 2019

What you see when it’s your job to open a woman MP’s Facebook messages

I’ve worked at parliament for three different MPs over five years. For the first time, I’m now working for a woman MP, and the kind of messages sent to her online are shocking.

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I’ve worked at parliament for three different MPs over five years. For the first time, I’m now working for a woman MP, and the kind of messages sent to her online are shocking.

Redefining representation: The women of the 116th Congress

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January 14, 2019

Redefining representation: The women of the 116th Congress

Just over a century ago, Jeannette Rankin of Montana won a seat in the House of Representatives, becoming the first woman ever elected to federal office.

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Just over a century ago, Jeannette Rankin of Montana won a seat in the House of Representatives, becoming the first woman ever elected to federal office.

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