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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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The feminisation of African politics

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November 30, 2018

The feminisation of African politics

BAMAKO/TORONTO – Last month, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed a new cabinet; ten of the 20 positions went to women.

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BAMAKO/TORONTO – Last month, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed a new cabinet; ten of the 20 positions went to women.

More women in diplomatic corps will benefit everyone

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November 30, 2018

More women in diplomatic corps will benefit everyone

The “old boys’ network” is pervasive and insidious – but it is still very real, even if it has diminished in power, thanks to the rise of women in senior positions and the momentum of those championing women in the workplace.

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The “old boys’ network” is pervasive and insidious – but it is still very real, even if it has diminished in power, thanks to the rise of women in senior positions and the momentum of those championing women in the workplace.

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Kenyan MPs block drive for more women in politics

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Kenyan MPs block drive for more women in politics

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NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Low turnout scuppered a vote guaranteeing Kenyan women more seats in parliament on Wednesday, with campaigners saying it was “a dark day” for citizens in the east African nation.

The bill would have reserved one in three seats for women but not enough politicians showed up to vote on the controversial issue, with campaigners citing chauvinism.

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NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Low turnout scuppered a vote guaranteeing Kenyan women more seats in parliament on Wednesday, with campaigners saying it was “a dark day” for citizens in the east African nation.

The bill would have reserved one in three seats for women but not enough politicians showed up to vote on the controversial issue, with campaigners citing chauvinism.

World News

Americans are more comfortable with women as executives than politicians

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Americans are more comfortable with women as executives than politicians

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Americans say they're more comfortable with a woman in a boardroom than in the White House, according to a recent survey by Kantar, a data and consultancy company. The findings were published on Tuesday at the Women Political Leaders Global Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland.

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Americans say they're more comfortable with a woman in a boardroom than in the White House, according to a recent survey by Kantar, a data and consultancy company. The findings were published on Tuesday at the Women Political Leaders Global Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland.

#think10 - A groundbreaking safety planning tool designed to safeguard women in politics

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November 28, 2018

#think10 - A groundbreaking safety planning tool designed to safeguard women in politics

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has launched #think10, an innovative safety planning tool for politically-active women.

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The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has launched #think10, an innovative safety planning tool for politically-active women.

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Former New Zealand PM says more women leaders needed to solve world’s problems

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Former New Zealand PM says more women leaders needed to solve world’s problems

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If more women were in positions of leadership, the world would be a more peaceful place, according to former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark.

In a sit-down interview with CTV National News Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme, Clark said that the reason issues such as women’s health and sexual violence remain so pervasive is due to a lack of women at the table.

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If more women were in positions of leadership, the world would be a more peaceful place, according to former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark.

In a sit-down interview with CTV National News Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme, Clark said that the reason issues such as women’s health and sexual violence remain so pervasive is due to a lack of women at the table.

World News

Syrian women seek role in drafting constitution

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Syrian women seek role in drafting constitution

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As the United Nations is working with local and international stakeholders to draft a new Syrian constitution, Syrian women demand a seat at the table to ensure their concerns and insights are considered in a future Syrian state.

The demand for women's participation comes amid a renewed international push for intra-Syrian negotiation to end the country's seven-year-war.

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As the United Nations is working with local and international stakeholders to draft a new Syrian constitution, Syrian women demand a seat at the table to ensure their concerns and insights are considered in a future Syrian state.

The demand for women's participation comes amid a renewed international push for intra-Syrian negotiation to end the country's seven-year-war.

World News

Malaysia: Not mandatory to have 30 per cent women representation in politics, says Hannah Yeoh

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Malaysia: Not mandatory to have 30 per cent women representation in politics, says Hannah Yeoh

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KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no intention to make it mandatory for there to be 30 per cent female involvement in government and politics, said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Its deputy minister Hannah Yeoh said that the government has no intention to make such a percentage compulsory at Parliament and state assemblies.

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KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no intention to make it mandatory for there to be 30 per cent female involvement in government and politics, said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Its deputy minister Hannah Yeoh said that the government has no intention to make such a percentage compulsory at Parliament and state assemblies.

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