Skip to main content

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. 

Show on Home Page
Yes
Image
Icon
Banner Image
April 18, 2019
Some Americans still doubt women's emotional suitability for politics, according to study

The jam-packed 2020 Democratic presidential field includes six women, the largest-ever number of women to run for a party's presidential nomination.

April 16, 2019
Twitter bot tracks abusive tweets against female politicians

Artificial intelligence is tracking the vile comments hurled at female Alberta politicians during the election campaign.

April 16, 2019
Study: Women presidential candidates endure tougher coverage

Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand has drawn some harsh media coverage since launching her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in January – but in that, it seems she's part of a sisterhood.

April 16, 2019
Trickle-down equality: More women in Congress means less sexism for staffers

Women in Congress have been getting attention recently for calling out casual sexism on the Hill — and female staffers say it’s making their jobs easier.

Demeaning women is an assault on our politics

Back
April 16, 2019

Demeaning women is an assault on our politics

Women in Indian politics face a double disadvantage. The first is the difficulty in getting a foot in through the door in a male-dominated arena. Women account for only 12.15% of the outgoing 16th Lok Sabha.

Women in Indian politics face a double disadvantage. The first is the difficulty in getting a foot in through the door in a male-dominated arena. Women account for only 12.15% of the outgoing 16th Lok Sabha.

Interviews

April 12, 2019
Women must be at ‘centre of peacekeeping decision-making’, UN chief tells Security Council

Through its landmark resolution 1325 on women and peace and security, the Council reaffirmed the participation and involvement of women, which the UN chief hailed as “a key element in the maintenance of international peace and security”.

April 12, 2019
Colombia : In spite of the conflict & continued violence, disappearances, femicide, women weave the social fabric of communities for leadership, resilience, peace

In Colombia’s southern province of Putumayo, a group of women is stitching together social fabric despite an alarming number of ongoing threats and acts of violence against them.