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.
Women have come a long way since the early 1900s. Just this year, a record number of women were elected into Congress, and more women than ever before have launched their presidential bids, vying for the 2020 Democratic nomination.
By Harini Calamur,
By Harini Calamur,
This GSoD In Focus showcases global and regional data around trends in and the progression of gender equality, based on data from the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices.
This GSoD In Focus showcases global and regional data around trends in and the progression of gender equality, based on data from the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices.
By Suzanne Moore,
By Suzanne Moore,
By Kornrawee Panyasuppakun,
Former MP Arja Alho offers lessons from a pioneer of political gender equality.
By Kornrawee Panyasuppakun,
Former MP Arja Alho offers lessons from a pioneer of political gender equality.
Sigríður Hagalín Björnsdóttir discusses with Martin Chungong Managing Director of the International Parliamentary Union on gender-based violence and harassment for women in European Parliaments.
Sigríður Hagalín Björnsdóttir discusses with Martin Chungong Managing Director of the International Parliamentary Union on gender-based violence and harassment for women in European Parliaments.
The report looks at whether women’s capabilities and actions in different spheres lead them to have more presence and influence within private and public decision-making.
The report looks at whether women’s capabilities and actions in different spheres lead them to have more presence and influence within private and public decision-making.
By Prathiksha Lakshmikanth,
By Prathiksha Lakshmikanth,
With a record number of female candidates running for president, some male Democratic contenders are signaling that a woman will be on their 2020 ticket — just not at the top.